TweetCamp Chicago has come and gone, but the community is still chirping! You can see an archive of all TweetCamp Chicago tweets in the TwapperKeeper, re-read all tweets tagged with the#TCChi hashtag. Be forewarned – there are over 1,100 tweets!
I am always especially impressed by those who sacrifice a Saturday to learn, network and share with their community, so it’s no surprise that I had a fantastic time spending the day with other social media enthusiasts. Birds of a feather stick together – and the irony is not lost on this tweeter!
Many thanks to Cathy Taylor for catching my 20 second TweetCamp spotlight!
The day began with slight chaos as the crowd of over 100 (!) learned what an “unconference” was – with 3-4 breakout sessions going on at once, I couldn’t be everywhere, but I happy to share the info I collected with you! There was tremendous demand for Twitter 101 sessions, which was music to my ears! Newbies are joining everyday, and we welcome all of you!
And speaking of music… Leah Jones kicked off the morning with a session on Twitter for Musicans – A tool for Artists. Panel featured Leah and two of her success stories @MattRyd and Tom from @cobaltandthehgs. Leah shared great tips for artists, musicians and everyday tweeters alike: Make it about your fans, not just you! Share links to videos, reviews, music and have conversations about anything important to you!
Next up was Barbara Talisman speaking about social media best practices for Non Profits. I loved the learning about how to execute a Tweet-a-Thon and the best takeaway was Barbara’s Social Media Policy, which she is graciously sharing with everyone!
Chaz Witkowski from Weber Shandwick led a session on BIG Brand Tweeting, from an agency perspective. Five essential components of a branded twitter account include: staying true to the Brand’s identity, two-way engagement, cross-pollination across social channels, relationship development and a pioneer mentality!
Lunch time! Ramon DeLeon is the Pizza guy to know in Chicago! Thank you Ramon for feeding our bellies while we fed our brains! Ramon also was a panelist discussing how social media has shaped his Domino’s business.
There are so many twitter applications available, and the Red Recruiter, Michael Long reiterated that you don’t have to use them all, just stick with the ones that are best for you. After kicking off his session with one of my favorite You Tube videos, Where the Hell is Matt (2008) to show the power of social media, Michael introduced me to a new tool, Twubs. Twubs are Twitter groups built around content aggregated from #hashtags, very useful tool to connect and share with people of similar interests.
Keynote was delivered by Scott Smith, the Editor and Director of Content at Playboy.com! Did you know that Hef was the first to leak Marge Simposon on the cover of Playboy back in August!? Well, the issue is on the stands now – see for yourself what all of the buzz is about!
Garrett Popcorn‘s Director of Social Media, Alecia Dantico took the stage with Keidra Chaney to discuss work life balance as it relates to social media. Guess what… there is no such thing! Popcorn is an inherently social activity and social media is an excellent platform to surprise and delight fans! Garrett Popcorn replies to each and every twitter mention, and averages over 80 tweets per day. Don’t miss Garrett’s Michigan Avenue Grand Re-Opening on Thursday 10/15. Free popcorn samples to those in line between 10 am – 12 Noon, Yum!
Lastly, I closed out the day with a breakout session on How to Use Social Media in your Job search. If you have any question on how to tap into your social network please contact me for more information!
Thank you to sponsors: The Association for Women Journalists, Columbia College Journalism Department, Domino’s Pizza/Ramon DeLeon, OfficePort, Rackspace, Rohdesign and NeedGraphics and organizers Maura Hernadez and Keidra Chaney!
Were you at TweetCamp or following along online? Please share other takeaways with those who couldn’t be there!
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Matt Ryd // Oct 12, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Thanks for the mention, Amy! I really enjoyed being able to participate in the event!
2 Matt Ryd // Oct 12, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Thanks for the mention, Amy! I really enjoyed being able to participate in the event!
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