The Big Conference: Standing Up With the Big Boys

Over the past year I've been assessing whether or not to host a big social media conference in Portland. Among the comments I've heard are:

• People in Portland won't want to attend a full day conference
• They won't pay enough to cover the costs
• They don't think social media is important here
• They won't know who these speakers are

Well, BOLD Businesses know better and will argue that Portland, Maine CAN support a major conference and should host said conference because:

• Maine
  business people are aware how important it
  is they stay on top of current trends and how these trends are likley to impact their business
• Given
  an opportunity to spend 1 day with 5+ nationally recognized social
  media thought leaders, the really smart folks will jump on it
• Portland,
  Maine is a beautiful place with wonderful restaurants and culture, a great draw for attendees

It's time to stand up with the big boys. And so, I am planning a conference for October 13th – The Big
Conference (http:www.TheBigConference.com
coming soon). 

It's
not that I dislike Boston. I just don't think Maine business people
should HAVE to travel to Boston, or farther, to see and hear Chris
Brogan; New Media Markeing, Mike Volpe; Hubspot, David Alston; Radian6; and Tim Hayden, GamePlan Marketing (all are on the agenda for The Big Conference).

And, if you travel to Boston
you WON'T hear Laurie Brooks,
Senior PR Rep & Company Spokesperson for LL Bean, . As a rule,
Laurie declines most invitations to speak but, because she agrees with
my points above,
she's agreed to speak and will join the others here in Maine.

Social
media isn't just hype, it has changed how and where people gather,
communicate and engage. Hope to see you October 13th and remember…don't wait for others to do your homework. Be smart, Be BOLD and follow your gut!  The Big Conference. #TBC