Tweet beach meet kicks off Sydney’s seven days of social media
April looks set to be the month that Twitter went mainstream in Sydney.
Starting from next Tuesday, Twitter users – or those who want to understand what’s behind the hype – will be able to immerse themselves in what amounts to Sydney’s seven days of social media.
Mumbrella can reveal that the Twitterarti are to be invited to gather on Bondi Beach gather at the Hilton on Tuesday morning for a breakfast discussion on social media being organised as a PR stunt for Hilton Hotels.
Using the hashtag #beachmeet, PR agency Mark Communications is organising the event which will see the live meeting going on at the beach Hilton, with Tweets from the event going out to the online audience. The beach is being given wireless broadband provided by Telstra for the session.
No offence to Siimon, but it looks like he’s been on twitter for about 2 minutes. I’m sure there are a few other “admen” who have been active a little longer and might have some more value to bring to the topic. Can I suggest @markpollard, McCann’s Strategy Director?
Oh, and @thefatjew – beam him in from NYC. Very good value.
Checked out Siimon Reynolds stream I agree with Simon’s comment. Also second his suggestion of @markpollard as someone who gets it and is already helping people understand the value of Twitter.
Yes – let’s not forget the very cool free twitter session that Mark is running on Thursday April 23rd – 40 minute run down for folks who wnat to know a bit more about twitter – still a few places left and if you are keen to go or know someone who would benefit, you can find out more info here:
http://www.markpollard.net/fre.....pril-2009/
Mark only has single letters in his name so that may put some people off…
Oh, I see … it’s “so social” that there are a limited number of spots that have to be booked.
Tim, I think SBS needs a new agency – all the epileptics in town will be running for the windows
I’m inspired by the idea that people would shell out $449 to hear a group of nobodys tell them how to use simple services on the internet.
There are some seriously clueless people out. Full marks to Tim Burrowes for figuring a way out to take advantage of them.
Did I mention Mark Pollard is talking about twitter for FREEEEEE
@Kelly … ever heard of a ‘giffin good’?
Not until now, but I like it!
another PR exercise to feed on the twitter hype
And here’s a novel thought. Why not get an average punter who uses twitter to join the panel? That way it won’t just be navel-gazing and talking about ourselves.
Social media does pertain to the general public after all, doesn’t it?
I hear you Simon!
Social media is becoming very “sceney” and alot of people are spiralling into the trap of being part of the “social media clique”. It’s the same people who say “Ergh! Twitter is so over, my mother/father/uncle joined last week.
If social media types really believed that “it’s all about the conversation” or “it’s the democratisation of media” then why are the same people being so elitist about it? I mean there’s even a Social Media Club now, (which I will be attending) but I seriously think there are a few people who are starting to believe their own PR now!
If it is indeed a PR stunt for Hilton Hotels, is the Hilton chain now only interested in the tiny segment of the community that have twitter accounts?
its because people on twitter are seen as online influencers, particularly those with a large number of followers. its the same reason Comcast and other companies are providing customer service on twitter.
i totally agree with @lara.
Hi Kelly, Thanks for the info about Mark Pollard’s session – I’ve updated that into the above story. I’ve never heard Mark speak, but I hear he went down a storm at the first Ignite Sydney.
Hi Simon, Mark is a good suggestion for that session, and one I’d already made to the organisers – I know there are a number of people they’re waiting for answers from before they mention them.
Hi William, I’m not the organiser, but I understand they are providing chairs and tables which I guess would be why they’re putting a number on it.
Hi Lara, “Nobodys” is a bit harsh. Who would you invite to speak? By the way, the person who usually comments on this site from your IP address (who doesn;t usually call themselves Lara) arguably has a lower profile than the people who are speaking at the event.
Cheers,
Tim – Mumbrella
I’m confused. Simon wants Siimon uninvited because he’s not experienced enough on Twitter.
But later in the comments Simon wants more inexperienced people invited. Are there two Simons? (Well, three if you count Siimon)
Hi A. Nonymous,
Nope – both messages from the same Simon.
Cheers,
Tim – Mumbrella
A. Nonymous Coward, who says an “average punter” who uses twitter is inexperienced? I’m sure there’s someone out there who uses it regularly who doesn’t work in marketing (or isn’t an actor/author/sportsperson/comedian).
And if there isn’t, we really are navel-gazing.
Thanks for clarifying that, Simon, It may be based on a slight misunderstanding in that case. I happen to have written about it from the media and marketing perspective because that’s who Mumbrella’s audience is, but as far as I know, they’re reaching out to anyone who’s on Twitter, not just to our particular fishpond.
Cheers,
Tim – Mumbrella
No, I get it. I just think it’s unlikely that Joe the plumber is going to nominate himself as a participant.
And I think, given all of the Social Media hype at the moment, that it would be good for us Media and Marketing types to get a different perspective.
Hi Simon,
I totally agree.
Cheers,
Tim – Mumbrella
Hi Simon,
We’re organizing the event and are keen to get lots of people involved. Mark has been invited and we welcome any other suggestions too. The idea of the meeting is to get people from all walks of life, including experts and the general public, to discuss twitter. It just so happens that Siimon was keen to come along.
Hi William,
As per Tim’s comment, we will be providing a table which is why there are tickets available. Anyone can come down and hang out, we just wanted to make sure that those people who were interested in hearing the discussion can – which is why we’re also reserving spots on the sand. It’s certainly not intended to be an ‘exclusive’ event.
Hi Inspiredworlds,
Yes it is a PR exercise, Twitter is a hot topic at the moment and people want to talk and learn more about it. Hilton is offering its meeting expertise and services to bring all people (general public and experts) together in a public forum to discuss the issues. All items discussed will be made available to the general public following the event and via Twitter.
Hi Jonathan,
Hilton is hoping the Bondi Beach meeting will be accessible to a much wider range of people than just those currently on Twitter, we really want everyone to be involved! Twitter is a great channel but not the only one.
@tim
Agree. No disrespect to the speakers intended.
Feel free to use your administrative privileges to replace “a group of nobodys” with “anyone”.
Isn’t the whole idea of having a gathering on Twitter/social media for beginners kind of a vicious circle/catch 22 type thing. Surely people that don’t know about Twitter/social media by now don’t give a shit, so wouldn’t go to one of the above events?
Anyone else see similarities between now and all these social media experts and 5/6 years ago when everyone was suddenly an expert in PPC/SEO? Not sure how anyone can have all the answers or really any answers given how new the space is.
It’s unlike the advertising industry to think it knows the answer to complex social questions.
I completely agree with Ben, to use the term expert in reference to social media is naive. The social web is an ever morphing monster that is still early in its lifecycle when it comes to marketing within it.
With that said there are people out there who are able to deliver some interesting thoughts and insights. So best of luck to everyone getting involved at any level.
Tim B- i can’t believe I haven’t been invited to the beach, is it because i cancelled my twitter account on account of not believing either my own hype or self importance? Agree with other fans of and thank God for Mark Pollard someone who actually has something to say that is worth hearing.
Rebekah H,
Isn’t there the small matter of you being in the wrong hemisphere? And you should get back on Twitter. I promise to follow your every utterance…
Ben,
Horribly so. There are several sub groups including the cynical charlatans, the unknowingly rubbish experts and the enthusiastic amateurs. I feel a separate post coming on…
Cheers,
Tim – Mumbrella
Check Ros Reines @tabloidterror Twitter update – I’m sure I saw something a couple of days about ditching this event…
Yes you’re right, Chris. After the story was posted she tweeted that she couldn’t make it.
Thanks for posting these Tim. The Thursday session looks great.
Personally I can’t think of anyone more qualified on all subjects with the word TWIT in it the title than Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimon
It’s only fair that since I voiced my skepticism in this forum that I follow up here.
Some good points raised by the panelists. It was more media event than Tweetup but egos were left at the door and no elitism detected.
Good work guys. 🙂