I attended the first ever Bay Area New Media Summit plus Celebration this past Friday, April 17 at The Bently Reserve, presented by Netroots Nation and the Netroots Arts and Education Initiative.
I was really looking forward to the programs and the ability to interact with Kossacks and others in what is essentially a mini-Netroots Nation. The sold-out attendees seemed as eager as I was. I counted nearly 300 chairs so using Fox crowd estimation skills I can confidently say that at least 15,000 people attended. ;)
I was unable to attend everything so please leave a comment with your impressions if you attended. Please feel free to post any photos here also.
The agenda and about 60 photos below:
OPENING PLENARY SESSION
Noon to 1:30 PM - Banking Hall
Opening remarks by Speaker Nancy Pelosi
The Evolution of Journalism
News outlets across the country are struggling to stay afloat, while blogs are gaining readership—and clout—with breaking coverage and an interactive platform. At the same time, organizations like Current TV are enlisting citizen journalists to grow their audiences. In an era where blogs and social media applications like YouTube and Twitter are shifting power to those formerly known as the audience, how is technology evolving the concept of journalism? How can both old and new media outlets innovate and survive as others are dying?
Panelists: Markos Moulitsas, Daily Kos; Tim Dickinson, Rolling Stone; Karl Frisch, Media Matters for America; Clara Jeffery, Mother Jones; Robin Sloan, Current; and new media research consultant Lynn Gutstadt (moderator)
PANELS
How to Socialize Your Video
1:35 to 2:35 PM - Banking Hall
Hooman Khalili of Alice 97.3 and Hooman.tv and David Peck, social media strategist for LSF Interactive, discuss the social media tools that can be used to increase video impressions, word of mouth and buzz. Khalili's video "A Citizen's Cry," which targeted young voters, garnered more than five million views. Plus, learn to drive action around a video from Olivia Ma, news manager at YouTube.
The Wisdom of Crowds
1:35 to 2:35 PM - 1st Floor Conference Room
You might have heard the term "crowdsourcing," but how can it work for you? Hear from seasoned practitioners who have put this concept to use in effective ways. GetSatisfaction president Lane Becker, new media consultant Gina Cooper and Beth Murphy of Digg will lead this session.
Audio, Video and Activism
1:35 to 2:35 PM - Apollo Boardroom
Podcasts are the ideal medium to get your message out to the kind of multi-taskers who get things done. Learn how to get people's ear in this session led by Patrick O'Heffernan of InTheStudio Podcasting, Victor d'Allant of socialedge.org, and producer and former BBC engineer Brian Butler.
Breakout Sessions:
2:40 to 3:10 PM
The Extraordinaries in the Apollo Boardroom
5 Steps Forward Media in the Port Boardroom
The Kos Fellowship Program in the Starboard Boardroom
You Have 66 New Friend Requests!
3:15 to 4:15 PM - Banking Hall
Build a vibrant online base using Facebook Pages. Learn how to create a presence that connects your customers, engages your audience and drives brand awareness. Chris Kelly, chief privacy officer at Facebook, Marika Shaub, manager of social networking & member engagement at MoveOn.org, and Phil Sykes, account director at Ammo Marketing, will present.
Social Media for Social Good
3:15 to 4:15 PM - 1st Floor Conference Room
Online organizing and micro-volunteering make it easier than ever for individuals to get involved. Learn how technology is transforming the way non-profits harness the power of their passionate supporters—and motivate their passive supporters up the ladder of engagement. Tessie Guillermo, president and ceo of ZeroDivide, Bruce Kelley, editor-in-chief of San Francisco magazine, Ben Rigby, co-founder of The Extraordinaries, and Steve Wright, director of innovation at the SalesForce.com Foundation will present.
Developing Online Campaigns
3:15 to 4:15 PM - Apollo Boardroom
Join Jim Walsh of Wired for Change to discuss how you can create a web presence and start putting new media tools and technology to work for your organization or cause.
Creating Community Online
4:55 to 5:45 PM - Banking Hall
Starting a blog does not necessarily translate into an active online community. Markos Moulitsas of Daily Kos, Cheryl Contee of Jack and Jill Politics, Sarah Granger of MOMocrats, and Jason Rosenthal of Ning.com will discuss best practices for those who seek to develop a self-sustaining online community.
Rapid Messaging: Creating Measurable Impact on Society, Politics and Media
4:55 to 6 PM - 1st Floor Conference Room
Can a quirky status update, tweet, text message, social news story, or social letter have immediate and measurable impact on society, politics and media? This session, led by cultural anthropologist and Guerilla PR CEO Michael Leifer, PopRule co-founder Rob Kramer and ChangeSF founder James Hanusa will focus on effective rapid messaging using social media applications such as Twitter, Digg, Facebook, Flickr and PopRule and more.
Doin' it Live: Using Live Video to Expand Your Audience
4:55 to 6 PM - Apollo Boardroom
In a matter of minutes, anyone with a camera and video connection can become a broadcaster. Learn how to reach a global audience of unlimited size by live stream expert Justin Kan of Justin.tv.
The Bently Reserve was an elegant venue for this event. I've always enjoyed every occasion I have attended there, from fashion shows to weddings and parties.
I arrived early to check in and my timing was perfect. To my surprise I was greeted and hugged by Kos, mcjoan, SusanG and Scout Finch as they were running out to grab a coffee. Good times!
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Scout Finch, a volunteer and Stephanie Block
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Co-Hosts and Sponsors for the Bay Area New Media Summit
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Another volunteer manning the check in desk
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Mona T. Brooks, a freelance photographer from San Francisco and wife of Raven Brooks the Executive Director of Netroots Nation and the organizer for this event. Mona has photographed many political events including all of the past Netroot Nation conventions.
For excellent photography of this event (fortunately unlike me and my idiot camera) please visit Mona's site.
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On every seat courtesy of San Francisco magazine. (Mona Brooks has 26 images inside) Here's one
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Moderator Lynn Gutstadt synching with Raven Brooks
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Speaker Nancy Pelosi's remarks begin our conference
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Raven Brooks introducing the panel for the Evolution of Journalism session. From L to R:
Karl Frisch, Senior Fellow with Media Matters for America; Robin Sloan with Current TV; Clara Jeffery with Mother Jones; Tim Dickinson with Rolling Stone; Markos Moulitsas with DailyKos and Lynn Gutstadt, moderator.
I really enjoyed the opening session especially the somewhat heated exchange between Clara Jeffery from Mother Jones and Markos. Her argument being that journalists need to be paid.
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A blurry image of SusanG and mcjoan managing their front page responsiblities before the Evolution of Journalism session begins. Wilbutronic and Paul Hogarth also in that row.
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Listening during the Evolution of Journalism session
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Asking questions during the Evolution of Journalism session
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We love wifi!
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Karl Frisch, Senior Fellow with Media Matters for America interacting with attendees after the panel
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Markos making himself available for questions after the Evolution of Journalism session
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Clara Jeffery with Mother Jones in the center fielding up close questions after the panel
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Tim Dickinson of Rolling Stone magazine on the right chatting after the panel
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SFKossack Raines and his starting page of a book with a collection of writings about Audacious Aging
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Gina Cooper, the founder and chair emeritus of Netroots Nation waits with Get Satisfaction President Lane Becker and Beth Murphy of Digg for their session to begin: The Wisdom of Crowds
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Get Satisfaction President Lane Becker. This is an amazing site that interfaces customer questions with answers from other customers and employees from the companies. A great example of Crowd Sourcing
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Using the wifi during a break
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Paul Hogarth (Beyond Chron) on the right
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Raven Brooks, executive director for Netroots Nation with an attendee
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Cheryl Contee, (aka Jill Tubman) Mary Rickles the director of communications and media for Netroots Nation and Karen Kolber development director for Netroots Nation.
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The Bently Reserve's Banking Hall during a break
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The Bently Reserve's front lobby during a break
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The Kos Fellowship Program breakout session
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The Kos Fellowship Program breakout session
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The Kos Fellowship Program breakout session with mcjoan on the left and Wilbutronic from Kos Media on the right
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SeanMykael who was recently featured in an article at SFGATE
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Malacandra, SusanG and SeanMykael
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Nolan resting and taking a call (so he's not really resting)
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Break between sessions
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I overheard this fellow thanking Markos for all he has done for the blogosphere
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Penny, Malacandra and Makeda
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Break between sessions
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Markos on stage
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mcjoan chatting with some attendees during a break
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Creating Community Online session with Cheryl Contee of Jack and Jill Politics, Sarah Granger of MOMocrats, Jason Rosenthal of Ning.com and Markos Moulitsas of DailyKos
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Creating Community Online session with Cheryl Contee of Jack and Jill Politics, Sarah Granger of MOMocrats, Jason Rosenthal of Ning.com and Markos Moulitsas of DailyKos
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Creating Community Online session with Cheryl Contee of Jack and Jill Politics, Sarah Granger of MOMocrats, Jason Rosenthal of Ning.com and Markos Moulitsas of DailyKos
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During a break I spotted a nice shot of the pyramid
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Kamala Harris speaking during the evening celebration where we had an open bar and passed hors d'oeuvres.
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Kamala Harris speaking during the evening celebration.
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Crowd listening to Kamala Harris during the evening celebration
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Kamala Harris speaking during the evening celebration
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Live music from Eoin Harrington
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Live music from Eoin Harrington
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Live music from Eoin Harrington
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Live music from Eoin Harrington
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Live music from Eoin Harrington
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The Bently Reserve at night
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Walking to our car after the event. This is the Ferry Building on the waterfront.
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Walking to our car after the event. This shot is near the Ferry Building on the waterfront. That's Mr. Navajo on the right.
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Walking to our car after the event. This shot is looking up Market near the Ferry Building on the waterfront.
The Bay Area New Media Summit + Celebration is a project of the Netroots Arts and Education Initiative (NAEI), Netroots Nation's 501(c)3 partner organization, and is co-hosted by Citizen Hope, The Courage Campaign, Daily Kos, Jack & Jill Politics and San Francisco magazine.
Many thanks to Raven, Mary, Nolan and all the rest who planned this very worth while summit. I really enjoyed this event. I cannot wait until August for my next Netroots fix. See you all in Pittsburgh!
For the record: I LOVE SAN FRANCISCO !