Social Media Summit
Here’s the thing: Most of us know, in some form, that the social web has implications for how ministry is done in the 21st century. Some may even say that understanding social media is important enough to spend time and resources on. Ministry resources, even.
- What if there was a gathering that focused exclusively on understanding the social web in order to be better ministers?
- What if you could spend a day learning, discussing, imagining the possibilities for your church and the social web?
- What if you could have some of your questions about social media answered in a clear, concise manner? In a way that didn’t make you feel like a dope. In a way that honored you.
Would you want to go that event? Would you want to be a part of helping build that experience? Would you be interested?
No, seriously. I’m really asking. I’m feeling more and more the need to make the social web accessible for all people, not just the ones who currently “get it.”
The social web is flattening everything. I feel like people should have an understanding of what that means and the implications for ministry. One of the first steps I want to take to make this happen is planning a summit. A social media summit. But I don’t want to put my hand to the plow if people aren’t interested.
That leaves me with two questions:
- Would you be interested in coming to an event like this?
- Would you be interested in help making this event happen?
Let me know. Either in the comments below, via Twitter, or email. I’m serious. I think it’s time for this to happen already. Who’s with me?
I have a couple of thoughts:
1. Definitely would work with you on something like this.
2. Hold it in California =P Nashville is a really good and cheap place to hold events like this too. MSP has a good airport if you setup pickups for people…sorry got into planning mode, it just happens with events.
3. Have you thought about maybe working with the Christian Web Conference since they have already established a conference like this that focuses on these areas? Maybe they can focus it around some of the areas that you are thinking about?
4. Please be the first conference in a long time to make it affordable to go, no more than $80.
5. Could you get Christian and non-Christian people to speak, both add value into this topic.
I probably have 80 more thoughts but I will leave it at that.
I'm interested participating and helping to make it happen. Two questions I'll throw out for discussion…
1) How much social media is going to be covered at Echo? Will that diffuse the need/desire for a conference totally devoted to social ministry & ministry.
2) Could it be done effectively online? If so, I think it would dramatically increase participation.
I do social media for a ministry – The Seed Company. I'd be interested. My focus is ministry & not church – so your summit might not be exactly in the same area you'd be dealing with. But it still could be useful for me to attend.
I've attended several “secular” social media events. There is lots of value there for those in ministry. So you might look at what has been done in that space & expand from there.
yes and yes
Where would it be hosted? Why not USE social media to host it, rather than ask people to spend upwards of $500 in travel expenses? Better yet, why not have people donate based on what they think it's worth like many music labels and bands are doing with their albums.
I'd be very interested in having my “social media” guy be a part of this, but wouldn't even consider sending him due to budget priorities. I would consider paying around a $100 if there was a good, live, media platform.
Brian
Portland Oregon
Yes and yes!
Justin.. I would be very excited to see an event like this & would definitely attend! Also, count me in on making it happen!
Absolutely, both to help and to bring along people at my church that would benefit. I would also echo the sentiment that a social media “conference” that uses social media to break traditional boundaries of travel and cost would be excellent. Perhaps a local hosted event in combination with online material would be a great compromise between the two mediums.
Tim … What's your preferred method of communication? How can I get a hold of you?
Tim … What's your preferred method of communication? How can I get a hold of you?
Hit me up by email, Tim AT owensdesigns.com
Hit me up by email, Tim AT owensdesigns.com
Justin…I'm in. Feel free to connect at seiberling.ea@gmail.com or @eseiberling
Justin…I'm in. Feel free to connect at seiberling.ea@gmail.com or @eseiberling
I'm in. Sounds like fun. I'm on Facebook as well. Tripp Hudgins
LOVE IT!
Sounds fantastic.
Hey Justin,
Love the idea. Needs to happen and I would help. However, my concern is that the people who most need to BE at a social media summit would never come due to lack of interest, fear, budgets, busyness, etc.
What if you put together a compelling presentation that you “shop” at some other conferences where people are already gathered? I can think of a few. Just an idea to add to the mix.
Justin – I'm interested and would be interested in contributing if I can.
Paul .. Awesome. How can I contact you?
Tripp …. What's a good email address for you?
I think is a great idea. Would love to go and participate in whatever way I could.
If you have a church host the event, maybe the congregation would be willing to host participants to save on cost. Plus there's nothing like a home-cooked meal and the opportunity to make new friends.
Know of any interested congregations?
Yes, my brother. I will be in touch shortly.
Justin: I've actually had an idea kicking around for a while for a social media *unconference* for church professionals. Unconferences are REALLY about flattening the event, turning over the content to the wisdom of the crowd and giving everyone who wants to the chance to present.
I have some experience in this area and could lend my expertise as part of the planning process. Happy to talk to you about it. I'll DM you now!
GREAT IDEA. We have a group in MSP called Social Media Shepherds (http://bit.ly/SMshepherds) that would love to help with this event or host a complementary event/series in the Twin Cities. It was our discussion topic this morning, in fact.
You guys are so awesome! I need to get a conference call set up soon!
I'd be interested in this, too
PS – What is your email address?
greg (at) perfectporridge (dot) com
Justin, I would like to talk with you about this. I am putting together an Internet Ministry Conference on October 26-27 and SM is a huge part of it. Please visit the site and contact me about it.
http://www.internetministryconference.com/
dk@reconnectproductions.com
Justin, I would like to talk with you about this. I am putting together an Internet Ministry Conference on October 26-27 and SM is a huge part of it. Please visit the site and contact me about it.
http://www.internetministryconference.com/
dk@reconnectproductions.com