Future Salon

Update: Future Salon Tomorrow is Open Mike

Update II: We are Webcasting at the following address:
rtsp://207.105.30.90/salon.sdp

IRC chat as always:
Server: irc.freenode.net
Channel: #futuresalon

Jamais Cascio who wanted to talk about Green Tomorrows just pinged me. He is not feeling well and in all likelihood will not be able to make it tomorrow :-(  We wish him well and hope to have him speak another time. Update: Just talked to him and he really sounded bad, we decided if he doesn't feel better by tomorrow morning, we will try at least a 5 minute session via Skype and have him back later this year.

But we will not let this opportunity to meet and exchange great ideas pass. Let's do an Open Mike Future Salon, which we have done twice before and it was very popular.

How does it work? If there is an idea or article that you feel passionate about and would like to share with your fellow futurists, sign up at the beginning of the evening for a slot. (Unconference Style) You have 5 minutes to present and there is another 5 minutes for discussion with the audience. (In exceptional cases where the interaction level is high, we may extend it by another 5 minutes) then we give the mike to the next passionate participant.

The good news is, that John Smart and Iveta Brigis have moved up from Southern California recently. Many of you know them as they organized the Accelerating Change Conference at Stanford. They are helping me with the Future Salon and will participate tomorrow too. It is going to be an interesting evening. Sorry for the short notice. Please don't be shy, present for 5 minutes and spread the word. See you tomorrow Thursday 28th 6pm at SAP in Palo Alto. Sorry for the last minute change.

A Future Salon has the following structure: 6-7 networking with light refreshments proudly sponsored by SAP. From 7-9+ pm presentation and discussion. SAP Labs North America, Building D, Room Southern Cross or Cafeteria depending on how many people sign up. SAP is located at 3410 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304 map As always free and open to the public, spread the news. 

SAP Salon: Social Media and Online Communities

Next week we will have two amazing events at SAP Labs. On Thursday evening we have the Green Tomorrows Future Salon with Jamais Cascio.

Microsoft veteran Sean O'Driscoll who started his own consulting company will present on Tuesday morning from 10:30am to 11:30am. He has brought the Microsoft MVP program from 1000 to 4000 members. Of all the people I met, he is the one that understands and communicates best what the opportunities and challenges are regarding communities in a business environment.

Social Media and Online Communities:  If you could only leverage what your customers know.

Abstract:

We've been inundated with a wave of new buzz words...Web 2.0, Social Media, Communities, Social Productivity, Influencers, Marketing 2.0...This session will provide a business explanation of what Social Media is, why it matters to a business and most importantly how to operationalize it in a global business environment.  We'll explore a strategy development model for engaging with Social Media  and a framework for establishing a long term approach to ROI.  And finally, we'll look at the Microsoft MVP program as a best practice and framework for tapping into the influencer/enthusiast population to drive word of mouth, brand affinity, product quality and online success.

If you are in Silicon Valley please join us on Tuesday the 26th of February from 10:30-11:30am at SAP Labs in the Co-Innovation Lab 3410 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto. You can also join the WebEx and audio conference: https://sap.webex.com/sap/j.php?ED=91409712&UID=45623552 Meeting number: 741 648 207 Meeting password: sapsalon Audio Conference: US & Canada: 866-331-0889 International: 803-477-2002 Participant Code: 899684

Bio : Sean O'Driscoll is a recognized industry leader on social media and founder of CGT Consulting, an independent consultancy focused on applying social media and influencer programs to driving business strategy and long term results.  CGT was founded to bridge the enthusiasm for social media and communities to real world business objectives that drive value across the innovation, sales & marketing and customer service & support functions.  Prior to founding CGT, Sean was a 15 year veteran at Microsoft Corporation.  In his most recent capacity as General Manager, Community Support Services, Sean was responsible for developing social media and community-based support models and leading the worldwide MVP program. The MVP program was designed to award and recognize amazing individuals in technical communities around the globe who share a passion for technology and the spirit of community.  Sean continues to support Microsoft as a strategic advisor on customer communities, Word of Mouth and Influencer program strategy.  Sean graduated from Pacific University (92) in Forest Grove, Oregon, with degrees in business administration and philosophy. He now lives just outside Seattle, Washington, with his wife Kari, and two daughters, Erin and Lauren.