Can We Design a Conference via Social Networks?
We all know social networking works on many levels but has anyone ever used it to design a conference? Specifically for a conference on a fairly traditional topic—Direct Marketing? Let’s be the first!
The organizing committee for the conference had this idea that we would like the community of attendees to help shape the day. This would be an interesting experiment in how engaged in social networking members really are. We need your help!
First, throw out the notion that direct marketing is only direct mail. Direct Marketing is much more than that. It really could be anything from SMS, e-mail, calls and more.
Aside from new channels there are a lot of other uses for technology in direct marketing; most obvious is the growth of analytics and results reporting. There is no glamour but it is becoming table stakes in the Direct Marketing arena.
Some of the existing ideas we have for the conference is to structure it from a life cycle approach (from strategy to targeting/ analytics/testing to the creative and offer and then wrapping up with reporting) overlaid with a multi channel approach. We would of course include the obvious – speakers with a leading edge perspective for each topic. As well we thought we would do some “speed dating” at the mid point of the day….attendees could pick or be assigned three or four tables to be at for 10 minutes with a lead with an interesting subject to discuss…then rotate.
Here’s how we could use your help. Tell us who the speakers should be? Who should lead the roundtable discussions?
To be heard, comment on the blog, solicit your colleagues for input, post a link to your social networking sites or simply email the CMA lead Jeanette.
This is your opportunity to shape your own customized conference on Direct Marketing. Tell us what you need to know. We look forward to hearing from you.
