mesh conference

In many ways, meshmarketing was created because many people who attended the marketing stream at the last mesh conference asked us for more hands-on insight, advice and tools-they-could-use. After exploring the idea of doing another conference, we decided to take the plunge…and glad we did because we think it’s something the community wants and needs.

Here’s why we think you should come to meshmarketing:

1. Hugh MacLeod’s keynote. A marketing consultant, blogger and a well-known cartoonist, Hugh’s going to offer a unique perspective that will draw upon his experience in launching creative and successful marketing campaigns for clients such as Saville Row tailor English Cut, South African winery Stormhoek.

2. The panels. While there are only two panels, we think they’re going to be provocative and engaging.

The panel looking at how digital, public relations and advertising agencies are co-existing and competing will be fascinating at a time when social media is causing the lines between them to blur, making it a bigger challenge for clients to determine who does exactly what these days.

The second panel exploring the role that marketing plays in social media will offer lots of food for thought given the rules of engagement are very different from traditional marketing.

3. Mitch Joel. This is the first time that we have had Mitch at a mesh conference so we’re excited about the insight he’ll offer. The timing for Mitch’s appearance couldn’t be better as his new book, “Six Pixels of Separation” looks at how businesses can use digital marketing and social media to reach a global audience.

4. The workshops. The entire afternoon of meshmarketing will be devoted to eight hands-on, interactive workshops that will put the spotlight on the tools, technique and best practices for digital marketing.

The workshops cover a broad range of topics: everything from how to effectively use SEO/SEM and insight on how to market on Facebook to social media analytics and creating Web sites that convert. The workshops are designed to be interactive and engaging so be prepared to participate and contribute, as well as learn.

5. The socials. The opportunity socialize, network and meet new people is a key part of the mesh experience so we’ve got two socials happening.

The pre-conference party will be an art exhibit featuring Hugh MacLeod’s work, and an opportunity to meet all of our speakers. The after-party, sponsored by the Social Media Group, is open to the high-tech community, and a great opportunity to meeting and mingle.

We’re really exciting about putting on the first meshmarketing. More information about the speakers and the schedule can be found on the Web site. Tickets can be bought through Eventbrite.

Since we announced meshmarketing a few months ago, there has been a lot of work happening behind the scenes – a challenge given how many people seem to disappear during the summer.

So, what is meshmarketing and why should you come?

It’s a one-day event happening on Oct. 22 in Toronto that is focused on insights, tools and tactics to help you get more insight about the growing online marketing and advertising markets. It’s an event designed to provide you with ideas and perspective on the key trends but, as important, practical and valuable knowledge that you put in action. You can register for meshmarketing here.

Our keynote speaker is Hugh MacLeod, a popular cartoonist, author and marketing thought-leader. meshmarketing also features two panels, which will provide some more food for thought to start the event.

One panel looks at how public relations, advertising and digital agencies are co-existing and competing at a time when the silos between them are blurring as the agencies start to offer similar services focused on the Web. The panel features Mia Wedgbury, president of Fleischman-Hillard Canada; Katherine Fletcher, a senior partner with iStudio; and Jill Nykoliation, president with Juniper Park

The second panel looks at how what role marketing plays within social media, and how it can be effectively and successfully done. The panel includes Mitch Joel, president with Twist Image and the author of a new book, Six Pixels of Separation; and Ferg Devins, chief public affairs officer for Molson Coors, who leads Molson’s social media activities.

We’re also really excited about the eight workshops taking place in the afternoon. Truth be told, a big part of the inspiration for meshmarketing came from feedback that we received during mesh from people looking for more hands-on insight and tools-they-could-use information and knowledge.

The workshops, designed to be interactive and engaging, include:

– Building Web Properties that Convert (Dan Martell)
– Advertising Networks 101 (Mladen Raickovic)
– Search Engine Marketing/Search Engine Optimization (Jeff Quip)
– Generating Customer-Driven Creative (Andrew Sutherland, Dino Demopoulos)
– The Keys to Mobile Marketing (Amielle Lake)
– Facebook 101 for Marketing (Elmer Sotto)
– Social Media Analytics (Katie Delahaye Paine)
– Inbound Marketing Campaigns (Dharmesh Shah)

We’ll kick off meshmarketing with a pre-event party and, of course, an after-party. More details to come soon. We’re looking forward to seeing you at meshmarketing!