Ann Mack , Director of Trendspotting for JWT, shares details on some of the key trends that brands will need to understand in the years ahead. By outlining changes in the global zeitgeist, Ann will explore what’s driving them and detail how they’re beginning to play out both in society and in social media. This presentation hopes to inspire you to consider how to convert these shifts into compelling opportunities. summary of tweets: Conferences & Events 2012 trends Ann Mack JWT social media Social Media Week MORE >>

We were able to listen to CC Chapman today speak about content production and making completely awesome content for your audience. CC is a best selling author and award winning marketing expert. Guaranteed to leave your audience educated, entertained and inspired! Here are some of the talking points he gave us. Creating content is easy. Creating ENGAGING content is harder. Embrace that you’re a publisher : create an editorial calendar, think about enhancing events instead of just announcing them, what types of content can you be gathering? Why a new Facebook Page? Set up Google Alerts. MORE >>

In the past few months, I’ve heard a few generalizations made about social media that have me thinking back several years to when the field was coming alive and we were all trying to figure out this new space. Comments like “social media is an open forum” (yeah, but… ), “community is number one” (it may be, but…). While While things have evolved significantly, a few things remain unchanged. wanted to resurrect three main ideas that have stuck with us since the start, and ones that everyone should remind themselves of right now. Sure, but why use it? MORE >>

The Community Roundtable recently released a report giving an in-depth assessment of to what point community management has evolved over the past several years, and highlights four stages of communities as a framework under which to run your community management team and processes within your organization. There are three common community structures: Exclusive, Discrete and Distributed. Usually, communities become sustainable only when members feel they – not the organizations sponsoring them – have a say in the future of the communities. You can view the full report here. MORE >>

Discussion on multimedia use from Renee Basick , Director of Multimedia Initiatives at University of Chicago. This session, part of eduWeb 2012, examined trends in online consumption of multimedia, tools available for creating it, and how to choose the correct format to tell the story. PHOTOGRAPHY. Use slideshows when you can identify a strong narrative arc. Use galleries to convey a theme through images. Incorporate dramatic tension, consider a surprise or reveal image. Capture critical moments. AUDIO SLIDESHOW. Add depth to still photos using ambient sound and interviews. VIDEO. Be funny. MORE >>