Creating the future

There are two kinds of people in the world. Those that dream. And those that dream and do.

Luckily for me and you, there are two of the later here in New Orleans. Chris Schultz and Tiffany Starnes are of the latter breed. On a trip back from last year's SXSW festival, the two had a crazy idea.

"Let's start a conference here in New Orleans that focuses on Building Communities Through Social Network Platforms" and then tie it into an ultra cool music festival - Voodoo Experience. 

And in less than a year, it has happened. This October, the first ever TribeCon Conference will begin. 

What I think is really cool (and have thought since the first day Chris/Tiffany told me about their idea) is that the entire conference isn't just another social media conference. No, this one has a very specific, and I think immensely important focus -- community building. Have you read Godin's Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us? [amazon link] If not, you should read it right before you come to TribeCon... it will prime you for what I think is going to be a great group of folks talking about the future of advertising.

From Tara Hunt author of The Whuffie Factor: Using the Power of Social Networks to Build Your Business [another amazon link] to Brian Oberkirch (wicked smart guy I've heard speak) to NOLA's adopted daughter Sloane Berrent (another wicked smart person I've heard speak) and a host of others that I'll give you the joy of discovering over at the TribeCon site, this is shaping up to be another great new conference. Can it be as great as the south's other new entry into the conference circuit -- Social South? I don't know, that one was pretty great, but the stars surely seem to be aligning in that direction. 

All of this to say, if you're interested in learning more about how to use Community to benefit your cause, yourself or your brand -- I think you might want to take a peek at this conference and give a good bit of thought to stopping down that weekend.

And me, I'll be there. Haven't finished my deck yet but here is an overview of my session:

Micro-Content
The fundamental dynamics of content creation and dissemination have changed. No longer must we be slaves to worldwide media conglomerates where a handful of executives creating safe, homogenous content that appeals to the masses call the shots. For less than the price of a new car anyone with a point of view can produce and disseminate high quality, engaging Micro-Content focused on even the most niche interest.

Video, web, audio, print and even book publishing has become available to the masses. And if you think only amateurs and teens are creating it, think again.

Come see how this change to the media landscape combined with the explosive growth of social media is creating a unique opportunity for marketers big and small to get Tivo’d by today’s savvy consumer.

So, you coming or what? If you do, the first round is on me. And by the way, if you're coming: feel free to use Promo Code TomMartin to save 25% off your registration fee. So I guess that means, you'll be buying the second round... and maybe the third right?