Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Breaking Social Media News: Alabama Social Media Association!!

I am so excited to tell you all about the latest, greatest aid to the growth and relationships within social media in Alabama - the Alabama Social Media Association!!

Founded and led by some of the most prominent Social Media Pioneers in our state, Alabama Social Media Association (ALSOCME) was created to help businesses and community organizations find their way into our fast moving field.

It's an independent, grassroots nonprofit group, and is open to anyone who wishes to share ideas and grow in their knowledge of social media and how it is used by people and businesses of all types.

"Not only do we want those who are curious about social media on a corporate level to attend and join the Alabama Social Media Association, but we also want Alabama's bloggers who are already showcasing their social media skills to join us and take part," said Executive Director Kristen R. Heptinstall, who works as Senior Producer for Social Media and Community at AL.com. "All of our board members and I are bloggers and 'social media geeks' at a personal level."

The association, although based in Birmingham, will serve the entire state by sponsoring educational programming six times a year, including an annual conference. Social events will be held every month, and all members of the community are welcome to participate, regardless of their digital/social media experience.

ALSOCME’s kickoff will be held Wednesday, March 30, at The Hill Event Center at the Alabama Theatre, 1811 Third Ave. N. Ike Pigott, with Alabama Power Corporate Communications will present “Social Media: The 21st-Century Canary.” Pigott, a nationally known social media expert, will share examples of how he has used social media tools to spot potential crises and the tactics and strategies for using social media to address these issues.

Networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., with a program at noon. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Zoës Kitchen.

Sponsors for the March 30 event are The Hill Event Center at the Alabama Theatre and Zoës Kitchen.

The event is free, but participants must RSVP. To register, or for more information, visit www.alsocme.com. For questions about ALSOCME, write alsocme@gmail.com.

ALSOCME’s Board of Directors are Chair of the Board Jeff Vreeland of Vreeland Technologies, Erin Shaw Street of Southern Living, Wade Kwon (a communications consultant), and Stacey Hood of Stewart Perry Construction. Partners include the Alabama Tourism Department, the Alabama chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, the Internet Professionals Society of Alabama, the American Advertising Federation–Birmingham and Hoover Mayor Tony Petelos.

You can find out more about ALSOCME by following them on Twitter, or going to their website, www.alsocme.com.

3 comments:

Wade Kwon said...

Rachel, thank you for such a great report. We are very happy to be partnered with Alabama Bloggers. I've loved spending time with the group at the monthly lunches, so I know this is a perfect fit!

Erin Street said...

Ditto what Wade said! We are so thrilled to work with your group.

It's such an exciting time in Alabama to be part of these discussions. Looking forward to growing together -- for the long haul!

Jeff Vreeland said...

Thanks Rachel for the coverage! We are looking forward to working with the Alabama Bloggers at our meetings and upcoming Annual Conference.

Keep up the great work!

If you haven't linked up and introduced yourself yet, be sure to go here to do so!