The 140 Character Conference and Community
Features Wednesday, May 12th, 2010On Tuesday, April 20th and Wednesday, April 21st 2010 I was privileged to be able to attend the #140c0nf in NYC. In order to recap all of the highlights, I think we would need an encyclopedia but allow me to share with you some of my experiences. I do encourage you to be a part of one if they are holding one near you or even plan a trip to one. It will be well worth your efforts.
The recurring theme was AUTHENTICTY. No matter what group took the stage, they all had the same opinion that we should put our best, real self forward. The surprising thing to me was how unified and intertwined all of social media really is. We are connected to everyone, every time we log on to our devices. Another big theme was FAMILY. People from all walks of life can rely on their twitter communities just like extended family. This has proven to be very helpful in times of loss or in times when you need a little hand. On a large scale there has been great success in all sorts of fundraising for large number of charities and causes.
So many wonderful, informative people took that stage to speak but a few really stood out. One in particular was Chris Lehmann, Principal of the Science Leadership Academy. His points were so thought provoking. The children being taught in schools today need to be made familiar with social media. It will be a tool they will be using even more once they are out of school and it can even be more useful than some of the current curriculum being taught. We need to shift our attention and thoughts to the up and coming subjects. Chris was so passionate in his speech and all of his ideas were fresh. The children he is in charge of educating are very lucky to have him on their side.
Another total stand out was Alon Nir who founded TheKotel. This idea was truly inspiring. On his twitter page, @TheKotel one can leave a prayer which he will then print out, roll, and place in the prayer wall in Jerusalem. Alon started this all by himself but it has grown so much and become so important to so many people. The stories he shared were touching but to find out he does this in his spare time is the inspiring part. The quick growth has cause him to enlist help but his dedication is unfaltering.
Donny Deutsch gave a stirring presentation, just as one would expect and Ivanka Trump was charming. So great to see her up there representing herself. She can stand on her own any day. Then there was Ann Curry, another show stopper. Genuine, smart, engaging, she was so interesting to listen to. Social Media and the news seems like the wave of our futures. Don’t think it is only about the big names though. Jessica Gottlieb (@JessicaGottlieb), wife, mom and blogger, gave another amazing presentation. Every person who uses Social Media uses it differently but we are all important parts of the experience.
140 Conf Founder: Jeff Pulver
There were people who spoke on Love & Dating, Race & Politics, Emergency Communication, Fashion, Brands, Radio, the Music Industry, Sports, and Comedy. That was just day one! Social Media isn’t just a topic or a fad, it touches on every aspect of our lives and that may be the reason it unifies so well. Each of us are drawn to it for different reasons, drawn to it by different topics but once there we interact perfectly.
The party after the first day was a totally enjoyable experience. Actually, we had met and went for dinner before the party so that was really the beginning of the fun. I had the honor and joy of meeting Jeff Rago (@jeffrago), Lori Moreno (@LoriMoreno), Zane Aveton (@Zaneology), Perri Gorman (@bethebutterfly), Jeanette Joy (@JeanetteJoy), Beth Frysztak (@BethFrysztak), and Debra Cincioni(@MomsofAmerica). THE Josh Charles (@JoshCharles) was also there but of course I had met him a few times before. Once we arrived at the party, I had the opportunity to meet Cathy Brooks (@CathyBrooks), Udi Schlessinger (@uschles), and even Jeff Pulver (@jeffpulver) himself. We were given a chance to mingle and network before a live band took the stage.
Day two was just as wonderful, although I was slightly more tired from our previous evening. Another day of people speaking from all different walks of life and bring in diverse aspects of Social Media. From comic books to government the reach of Social Media is expanding. Another stand out for me was Liz Strauss (@lizstrauss), who I also got to meet and speak with at length. Her presentation was entitled, “Every Saloon keeper Knows Monitoring Isn’t the Same as Listening”. The title made me even more interested to see her speak so I could see where she would go withtheidea. Her point was that we should be listening to each other and not just monitoring our twitter streams. Listen and interact with one another, like a local saloon keeper would do. Even looking after one another and supporting each other in times of need or grief.
Then there was the presentation on Social Media for Social Good. There was a representative from the UN to speak on the efforts to end Malaria and Marc Sirkin (@autismspeaks) to speak on fundraising for research on Autism. Both great causes and worth supporting. Stefanie Michaels (@adventuregirl) was part of this panel and with good reason. She has done so much using her twitter influence to help others and get recognition for causes. I had a chance to meet her as well and she is as kind as she seems on twitter. I was also treated to meeting Fern (@buttercupD) who was there to raise money and awareness to help end Malaria.
Mr Cool himself - @iamkhayyam
I had a chance to meet Brett Petersel (@brett) and Khayyam Wakil (@iamkhayyam) who are as cool as they are fun to be around. There was also Anthony Tilghman (@anthonytilghman) who is an amazing photographer and a very good guy. No matter who they are, everyone was so willing to meet new people and have a bit of conversation. Everyone made you feel like you had something to offer them and it was very easy to converse.
By the time the second day was ending, I was already feeling a bit melancholy. I didn’t want the experience to come to an end. The after party on the second night was even more fun than the first because I had met so many people by this point. Instead of meeting new people, I was hanging out with friends. No one was trying to sell anyone anything, we were all just sharing information while meeting new people.
The conference itself was broadcast on ustream as well and is available for viewing at: http://www.ustream.tv/nyc140conf
You can get more information on future conferences at:
There are upcoming conferences in Washington, DC on June 17th, Tel Aviv on July 6th, Atlanta, GA (may be in Boston instead) on September 14th, Los Angeles, CA on October 5th-6th, and London, UK on October 26th-27th.
140 Character Meet-ups will be held in Los Angeles, CA on May 10th and Chicago, IL on May 13th.
There is also a NYC Internet Week Party on June 8th.
The value of these experiences goes deeper than what you learn. It is about connections, meeting the people we interact with on a daily basis, getting to know some great new friends, and enjoying the time you get to spend with them. I look forward to seeing my twitter family at future events and meeting even more of you. We need to be reminded that there are real people behind each avatar and connected to each tweet or post.
Very special thanks to Jeff Pulver and his team for organizing these valuable conferences and for promoting community.
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