Wanted, Panel for this Topic: "Beyond Gimmicks"

Several months ago I was asked by Celia, one of our internal marketing/PR peeps to submit a panel idea for upcoming conferences.  She's been shopping it around, but so far—no takers, which I think is a shame because a lot of folks are talking about this exact topic.  So, if you are involved in planning an upcoming event and see a fit for this, please let me know. It will be quite easy for me to assemble a quality panel around this topic, I'm sure.  :-)

Beyond Gimmicks: Why Behavior-Changing Experiences Will Rule in a Fragmented, Digital Age
What’s the buzz all about? Marketers are obsessed with generating it. Buzz that is. Going “viral” has become the ubiquitous holy grail of not only digital marketers, but offline as well. Create something so clever, so disruptive—that people will talk about it and (hopefully) share with others is one of the most common requests from clients—“give us a subservient chicken”. But what’s in it for the customer? Time and attention starved consumers, users and even social media participants are becoming wary of thinly veiled disguises at getting them to help make something go viral. What’s a marketer to do? Our panel will discuss alternatives to buzz marketing and dig into why it’s so important to provide value in an increasingly fragmented world where people can forget about your brand and why it matters in a nanosecond.

Suggested Moderator:
David Armano, VP, Creative for Critical Mass
David has over 14 years experience in the creative field with the majority of his time spent in digital marketing and experience design. An active thought leader in the industry, David authors the popular Logic + Emotion blog currently ranked in the top media + marketing blogs according to Advertising Age. David’s writing and visual thinking has been cited by Forrester, The Boston Globe and landed in BusinessWeek on several occasions including their “Best of 2006”. Prior to Critical Mass, David served spent time as a creative lead at notable firms such as Digitas and Agency.com—putting in a combined tenure of 8 years in the large digital agency environment. He led multiple initiatives for clients such as HP, Allstate, Fifth Third Bank, Miller Brewing, Grainger, and Bally Total Fitness.

Comments

[Paul McEnany]

That's actually pretty good timing. I'm starting a conference also called Beyond Gimmicks: Why Behavior-Changing Experiences Will Rule in a Fragmented, Digital Age, so this seems like a perfect fit. Unfortunately, we will require a significant sponsorship and the conference will take place in my living room. Please contact me if you are interested.

[karl long]

yep, sign me up to do the panel as well. Sounds like a good fit for AdTech no?

[David Armano]

Hear that Ad Tech? Nokia's Karl long wants to see this panel happen. C'mon Google, do your magic. :-)

Oh, and Paul, your living room is plan B.

[David Malouf]

Wait! isn't putting up your panel ideas on your blog, just a Gimmick?

Jason Fried of 37Signals.com just did the same thing. :)

[David Cushman]

I'm advising on a conference set for NYC on June 16-17. This sounds right up our street.

[David Armano]

David M, if I wanted this post to go "viral" indeed it would be a gimmick. I just want someone to take me up on the panel idea! PS, I never said Jason F. wasn't smart as hell. ;-)

David C. Let's talk. I'm at davida@criticalmass.com

[Dave Gray]

I'll be on your panel if you want me Dave, schedules permitting.

[Steve Mast]

hi david ... i am the co-chair of the 2008 cma digital marketing conference held every year in toronto. your topic sounds interesting and i think there might be a fit. if you're interested send me a note at smast@delvinia.com and i will provide you with the details. cheers!

[Asi]

If this is happening and you need help with it - I'd love to join you

best

A.