I don’t know how I almost missed it but I only just found out about this event three days ago. If you haven’t jumped on board and booked your seats then do it, do it now. Connect Now is a three-day conference on social media, emerging technologies and social enterprise. My jaw dropped when I realised that some of the speakers in the line up who will be in Australia, LIVE and in person. I travelled thousands of miles to see some of these speakers, and you can see them right here in Australia next week.
If I sound a little excited, it is because I AM. I get asked to endorse events all the time. Unless I’m truly convinced my community will get value from them, I won’t. When I saw this event I RANG THE PROMOTOR to congratulate them on a spectacular line up and to ask if I could spread their message far and wide. We seldom get a lineup like this here on in Australia.
While there’s a host of international and local speakers (three days worth) there are three that make attending worthwhile. I’ve seen them all present and am excited to see them again.
1. Tara Hunt – The Whuffie Factor
Tara Hunt is a true pioneer in online marketing and one of the most respected authorities on online communities —how they are evolving, how they are changing both culture and business, and how businesses must behave in order to succeed in the participatory web economy. For her work in this area, Fast Company magazine named Tara in its 2009 list of the Most Influential Women in Technology in 2009. She’s also the author of one of my 2009 top business books, The Whuffie Factor. I heard her speak in the US in 2009 and her work has impacted how I engage with my community. Please, please go and see her.
2. Gary Vaynerchuk – Wine Library TV
His bio says “Gary Vaynerchuk is a 34 year old New York Times and Wall Street Journal Best-Selling author who is also a self-trained wine and social media success. From a young age, it was clear that Gary was a businessman. etc.” But Here’s what I say… I saw Gary speak in Austin two weeks ago and he had thousands of people totally electrified by his passion for playing big games, for cutting through the rubbish and being your very best. He’s a no-excuses kind of guy with an inimitable energy. And he’s a master at using at social media to grow business.
You definitely can’t miss seeing him… Australia has not seen anything like Gary. I still can’t believe how lucky we are to have him visit. (And if you haven’t picked up a copy of his book CRUSH IT! do.
Yes, he’s an Aussie and he’s probably far more accessible to us than the rest of the Connect Now speakers but if you haven’t seen Darren then take this opportunity to hear him speak. Darren is the founder and editor of three successful blogs – the most relevant for you is probably ProBlogger.net (blog tips for those wanting to make a living blogging). He connects with millions of readers each month through his blogs but also social media sites like Twitter and Facebook and regularly speaks on how to engage in the social media space. SPECIAL ABN PRICE TO ATTEND CONNECT NOW The organisers have cleverly made it so that you can attend 1, 2 or all 3 days of the conference. I recommend that you try and get to Day 1 and Day 2 (though if you’re in the NFP sector – definitely go along to Day 3 as well). I’ve arranged a special price for the event for you. BUT you must email info@connectnow.net.au and let them know you are after the ABN price. (You won’t get this offer on the website).
- One day is $350 instead of $400
- Two days is $695 instead of $795
- Workshops are $250 instead of $295
I don’t see another event like this on the horizon in Australia. It’ll be a great learning and networking opportunity. I hope to see you there. Suzi Here’s a link to the event site where you’ll see the entire speaker line. But, remember. You’ll only get the special ABN discount if you email info@connectnow.net.au and ask for it.
