Social Media Week, organized by Crowdcentric, happens twice a year in about 30 cities around the world. Chicago is one of global 14 cities participating in the Fall edition on September 24-28. Other participating cities include Barcelona, Berlin, Bogota, Glasgow, Hong Kong, Jeddah, London, Los Angeles, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Shanghai, Torino and Vancouver.
Social Media Week explores the social, cultural and economic impact of social media – and its mission is to help people and organizations connect through collaboration, learning and the sharing of ideas and information. Over 90% of the events are free to the public.
This year’s theme is Empowering Change through Collaboration. The Chicago Host Team (comprised of Zocalo Group and Chicago Tribune) and the Advisory Board are working to finalize the 2012 program, which includes keynotes, panel presentations, case studies and networking/social events. This will be Chicago’s second year participating; last year we had 80 events at 30 venues featuring over 200 speakers. Confirmed speakers for 2012 include:
- John Tolva, City of Chicago
- Matt Maloney, GrubHub
- Margo Georgiadis, Google
- Logan LaHive, Belly
- Brad Keywell, Lightbank and Groupon
There will also be social and networking events, including:
- Launch Party at Rockit Bar
- Silent House Party Simulcast with Berlin (location TBA)
- Closing Night Party at Sound Bar
There are a number ways to get involved with Social Media Week Chicago:
- Promote Social Media Week Chicago to your social networks #SMWChicago
- Attend an event. Most events are free, but advance registration is required. Online event registration will begin August 28.
- Organize a program. Online event submissions ends on August 21.
- Participate as a speaker or volunteer to help execute an event.
- Sponsor or host an event.
No matter how you choose to get involved, stay connected on the go with the Social Media Week mobile app.
