Often labeled a fad, a buzzword or a mystery, the notion of
“social” on the Web is at the heart of many
misconceptions, and with good reason. The definition of the social web
continues to change in fundamental ways. There is already evidence
that this year will mark even more change, as people look to connect
more seamlessly around Web content – articles, photos, videos
and more – no matter where they are on the Web.
These connections around content will define our social
experience, and they represent a tremendous business opportunity for
website owners, publishers and advertisers . For the first time, the
traditional idea of an algorithmic-driven Web experience, where
content is primarily found through search, is challenged by a
people-centric Web experience, where it is discovered through shared connections.
Meebo will lead a discussion on the changing definition of the
“Social Web.” This conversation will explore whether
the social Web has truly arrived, how people are currently using it
and what website owners and brand advertisers need to consider when
they think about the social Web and their target audiences.
Timings
9.00 - Breakfast
9.30 -
Presentation - Elaine Wherry, Meebo
9.40 -
Panel Discussion
11.00 -
Session closes
Speakers
Elaine
Wherry - Co-Founder and Vice President of Products, Meebo
Elaine Wherry is Co-Founder and Vice President of Products
for Meebo, one of the Web’s fastest growing consumer Internet
companies that enables almost 170 million people to share and
connect with their friends online. Wherry leads the Web, Product
Management and User Experience teams, and designs the look and feel
of all Meebo’s products. Wherry, along with college friends
Seth Steinberg and Sandy Jen, started Meebo in 2005 to connect
people to their friends across the Web. Wherry authored
Meebo’s initial JavaScript framework five years ago, and has
been the driving force behind product developments such as Meebo
Messenger, Meebo Mobile and the Meebo Bar.
Wherry, a classically trained violinist, graduated from
Stanford University with a degree in Symbolic Systems and a
concentration in Human Computer Interaction. She is a recent
recipient of the Founders Fund TechFellows Award in Engineering
Leadership. When she’s not writing code, Wherry blogs about
thoughts on the art of design at ewherry.com.
Leo Ryan
- 360 Influence Strategy Director, Ogilvy PR Worldwide
Leo Ryan has worked both agency and client side in online for
the past ten years in New York, Sydney and London. An education in
architecture has given him a foundation in lateral problem solving
using role playing and design as analytical tools. He maintains an
interest in design by writing regularly for design publications.
As giffgaff’s marketing manager, Kim is responsible for
all the content at giffgaff. He leads giffgaff’s web analytics
and manages PPC, SEO and Display. He does his best to satisfy the
giffgaff community by improving site usability and leading projects
inspired by our members. Originally from Barcelona, Kim studied at
ESADE business school. Before giffgaff, he worked for Marketing at
PepsiCo for 3.5 years where he managed Iberia’s local brands
such as Matutano. Fascinated about the world of Internet, he’s
always been involved with online projects since his early college days.
Jemima is an award-winning business consultant and author of
“Monkeys with Typewriters: myths and realities of social media
at work” (Triarchy Press, 2009). A former TV producer, Jemima
founded iKnowHow in 2002 to help creative businesses use digital and
social media. She has worked on strategy for Fulcrum TV, Skillset,
RDF Media and Women in Film & Television, and run workshops for
various clients including the UK Film Council and Pact. Jemima holds
an MBA in ebusiness and has taught at masters level at Cass Business
School and Kings College London. She currently heads up digital
engagement for the RSA Fellowship Council.
Kim
Faura - Marketing Manager, 
Chair:
Jemima Gibbons - Consultant & Author, 
