Marketing
INBOUND 2012 by HubSpot | August 27-30, 2012 | Boston, MA.
Virginia Johnson and I recently attended HubSpot's Inbound 2012 Conference in Boston, MA. To properly explain in detail how inspiring and exciting this conference was to us, would take several blog posts to even scratch the surface. HubSpot has successfully pulled off not only the "World's Largest Gathering of Inbound Marketers," but also one of the greatest marketing conferences in the last decade.
In addition to the knowledge leadership and presentations at #INBOUND12, the networking opportunities were bountiful, as was the after-hour socials and entertainment. The two biggest highlights of course was the keynote by Gary Vaynerchuk, and the interview and concert with world-famous performer, Cyndi Lauper.
To our amazement, we even had a photo-op with Gary Vaynerchuk after his keynote, which was as energetic and vulgar as was expected at one of his speaking engagements.
Vulgarities aside, Gary is a "people's marketer." He has the ability to truly understand his customers, and does his due diligence to craft messaging and campaigns which targets his audience with as little disruption as possible. Gary and other marketers like him are so successful because they see marketing and customer service as one-in-the-same, and craft their campaigns accordingly.
About the Inbound Conference
Besides being the world's largest gathering of inbound marketers, INBOUND is a 3-day marketing conference and training event designed to help marketing professionals, business owners, and agency executives deepen their knowledge of inbound marketing through a combination of inspiring keynote presentations, focused breakout sessions, expert-led small group workshops, innovative product demos, and exciting networking activities.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 (Raleigh, NC) — Empowered Ideas Co-Founder & Managing Partner, James C. Wong, had the honor of being invited as a guest speaker on the topic of Social Media for UNC TV's Black Issues Forum.
James Wong has been a life-long supporter of diversity in leadership and knowledge in North Carolina, even accepting his now second term position as the Marketing Chair for the Triangle Association of Black Journalists (TABJ).
Using Technology to Bridge Gaps, Breakdown Silos and Creating One Voice for the Field of Substance Abuse
In a time of diminishing budgets and increasing substance use rates, it is more important than ever to collaborate, maximize resources and take advantage of the technologies surrounding us in the digital landscape. Virginia Johnson will review a case study on how one state integrated cost-efficient digital strategies and non-traditional partnerships to build a statewide communication system, an integrated technical assistance infrastructure and created One Voice for Prevention. There were challenges that had to be overcome and lessons learned along the way. The case study will include the culture shift from traditional one way controlled communications to the multi-channel engaged communication system that is empowering and mobilizing; how social and digital technology helped breakdown the historical silos and created a safe forum for collaboration; and how digital analytics are being used to demonstrate effectiveness and reach of substance abuse prevention efforts in a time where proving outcomes is everything.About SALIS (Substance Abuse Librarians & Information Specialists)
SALIS is an international association of individuals and organizations with special interests in the exchange and dissemination of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) information. Incorporated in California since 1988, SALIS is recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(3) as a non-profit corporation. www.SALIS.org
On Saturday, May 19th, the Women's Power Networking (WPN) group hosted the Business Alliance Rally (#WPNBAR) at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC.
"Women’s Power Networking is dedicated to enabling professional women to achieve their highest potential by fostering a stimulating environment where they can form relationships, build alliances, share knowledge and provide support to one another. WPN celebrates the concept of womanhood and its outpouring of compassion, goodwill and encouragement. — www.WomensPowerNetworking.com"
Empowered Ideas' co-founder, James Wong, was invited to participate on a "Meet the Media" panel — representing the field of digital marketing, communications and social media.
Fellow Distinguished Panelists Included:
- Matt Donegan — General Sales Manager, Fox 50 (TV)
- Barbara Petty — Owner/publisher, Boom! Magazine (Print)
- Alex McTighe — National Sales Manager, Curtis Media Group (Radio)
- Bill Ammermann — Sales & Marketing Manager, WRAL.com (TV/FM/Online)
- James Wong — Co-Founder/Managing Partner, Empowered Ideas (Digital Marketing)
