That’s SMWF Europe over for another year; thanks to everyone who took time out of the ludicrously summery weather to come indoors and listen to a host of social media experts waxing lyrical about the developments in our industry.

After Chris Brogan tore down our preconceptions and misapprehensions on the morning of day one, before building us back up again based on fundamental common sense, we knew we were in for a good show. Thanks to all our speakers and chairs for the benefit of their insight and expertise over the two days.

There’s much debate about whether social media has matured as a market, and as such, whether there’s anything new to be said, but what we saw this week the answer to that question is a resounding no. It’s true that many of the basics and best practice areas are out there, including commonly know tips and tricks, but many of the less glamorous organization’s wide issues are still being worked on. In many cases it’s the organization wide role that hasen’t been addressed, and how ‘social’ is being approached from a top down perspective.     Fundamentally how social is approached from a strategic role and its integration within an organizations wide approach either from a campaign generation or service quality and relationship management perspective. As always, much still needs to be done in terms of best practice, and delivering on the basics is always important.

This year we’ve seen delegates approaching our speakers and exhibitors with complex strategic and operational questions about how they achieve pre-defined objectives. They understand the channels and they know what they want to achieve. That’s a big jump from last year when the majority of conversations centred on why social media was worth getting involved with; the question used to be ‘why’, this year it was most definitely ‘how’.

The top end of social media is forcing its way into the stratosphere, with measurement strategists burrowing ever deeper into the data, returning with philosophical questions about how we define engagement, why we measure it and how we mine applicable insight from it to inform future strategies. As the understanding increases, so the hunger for more data driven insight also grows.

Next year SMWF is moving onwards and upwards to a new venue. Look out for some massive developments in the format and content too. We’re constantly developing, and will introduce a number of new facets, including more in-depth content and new innovation only sessions, breakout workshop sessions, barcamp discussion only tracks for audience participation,  more speed networking with multiple parties and networking opportunities around the event.

We look forward to continuing to connect with you until then. Here’s how this year unfolded, in pictures.

 Keynote conference room

Chris Brogan – Keynote Address

‘Who should create content within an organisation? Everyone.’

‘Checking your Smartphone is the new smoking’

SMWF is nearly upon us. On tomorrow the doors of Olympia will open on one of this year’s most eagerly anticipated social media events; offering six conference tracks, a bustling exhibition space, and more industry movers, shakers and deal-makers than you could shake a stick at.

Read on for some important information for anyone planning to come along… (more…)

We are pleased to announce the launch of SMWF Connect our brand new networking service for 2012!

SMWF Connect provides the opportunity for all workshop delegates, speakers, exhibitor & sponsors to connect pre-event, share knowledge, engage in discussions & pre plan meetings with key folk they are looking to connect with during the show.

How does SMWF Connect work?

Pre-event 

• All sponsors, exhibitors (one per company), speakers and delegates will be sent an invitation with a unique username & password to create a profile within the SMWF connect system
• Once logged into the tool users can connect with each other, start conversations, share announcements and send meeting invites
• Pre arrange your onsite schedule by selecting your chosen workshops

During the event

• Access your individual show schedule which includes all confirmed meetings & selected session on the mobile platform

Benefits of SMWF connect 

• Opportunity to set up 1-1 face time with fellow industry folk
• Increased opportunities to meet prospective clients and suppliers
• A chance to share your experience and knowledge
• Engage with session speakers pre event, create thought provoking discussions & questions
• Increase your social connections

To be able to take advantage of the SMWF Connect service register for your paid workshop pass here.

If you have already registered for a workshop pass you will be receiving your invitation to join this week. If you have any problems using the tool or have any questions please contact rachel@sixdegs.com.

We look forward to connecting with you!

The SMWF Team

Twenty years ago Gerald Ratner described the jewellery his stores sold as ‘crap’ at the Institute of Directors annual conference. Days later his organisation had seen £500m wiped off its value. It’s reputation unsalvageable. Had Gerald made the same faus pas today his company reputation would have been destroyed in minutes due to the instantaneous sharing of news, information and off the cuff remarks through social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube et al.

Social media has revolutionised the way that individuals, organisations and brands communicate with each other. Life is never going to be the same again. But while there are so many positives, potential disaster lurks around every social media corner. In the last year alone we have seen brands such as Dell, United Airlines, Chrysler and Domino’s Pizza fall foul of social media, so why do so many ‘marketing and communications professionals’ get it so spectacularly wrong in the social media sphere? (more…)

We are pleased to have partnered with both the K West & The Hilton London Olympia to offer all SMWF visitors a discounted room rate for the 26th, 27th & 28th March 2012.

Only a limited number of rooms are available at each hotel, and the rate is only available until 24th February so book today to make sure you have somewhere to stay! (more…)