January 23, 2013

6 Can’t-Miss Conferences for Techie Changemakers

 By Lisa Jones

With a new year upon us, many young leaders are making resolutions to surpass achievements made in 2012. Raise more funds. Reach more volunteers. Re-organize. It’s no secret that technology is a critical, yet constantly evolving tool necessary for social changemakers to achieve their 2013 goals.

Equipped with the best intentions, organizations often find that distractions ensue, January comes to a close, and it’s back to the bustle of business-as-usual with little time to devote to revisiting current tech tools and practices.  
One way to guarantee time to focus on re-thinking your technology strategy is by registering for great conferences. Though they may seem far away now, they ensure you will re-focus your attention to innovation throughout the year. Many conferences also offer discounts for those who register in advance. 

Whether you are a tech expert or a begrudging beginner, attending a tech conference will re-ignite your enthusiasm for innovation that burned bright in January. Register for one today and thank yourself later. 

1.   Social Media Marketing World 

San Diego, CA, USA 
April 7-9, 2013

If you are interested in improving your organization’s social media strategy, this one-of-a-kind conference is for you. You’ll choose from 49 expert-led sessions covering social media tactics to content creation to social strategy. Pick up actionable tips to improve your marketing with Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube. Learn about the psychology of social media, measuring social activities, organizational transformation, and much more.

2.   2013 Nonprofit Technology Conference

Minneapolis, MN, USA 
April 11-13, 2013

This 3-day event is the ultimate conference dedicated solely to the use of technology to further the mission of nonprofits. The gathering brings together nonprofit professionals from around the world to collaborate, innovate, and maximize technological effectiveness. You'll leave the conference energized and brimming with new tech resources, contacts, and actionable strategies. 

3.   2013 International Social Entrepreneurship Conference

Madrid, Spain   
April 25-26, 2013


This year’s event focuses on the theme of Technology, Innovation, and Social Change and will examine at how innovative applications of technology, both high-tech and low-tech enable social entrepreneurs to address important unmet social needs. The event is facilitated by INSEAD International Business School’s Social Entrepreneurship Network and promises both local talent and international experts to help you revisit your organization’s use of technology for social good. 

4.   The International Conference in Technology and Innovation Management

The Hague, Netherlands
June 24-26, 2013 

The 2013  conference will bring together leading researchers and practitioners from around the world to present their latest findings and share practical advice. Expert-led sessions will inform the debate on responsible innovation and entrepreneurship. Topics include responsible development, innovation collaboration and smart networks, strategic tech management, and legal issues involving technology.

5.   Social Good Summit

New York, NY, USA (and via live stream)
September 16-19, 2013


Held at the heart of UN week, the Summit is where big ideas meet new media to create innovative solutions. The Social Good Summit unites a dynamic community of global leaders to discuss a big idea: the power of innovative thinking and technology to solve our greatest challenges. It ignites conversations between a live audience in New York City and thousands around the world participating via live stream. The most innovative technologists, influential minds and passionate activists will come together this September with one shared goal: to unlock the potential of new media and technology to make the world a better place.
 

6.   BBCON 2013

Washington, DC, USA
September 29-October 2, 2013


Hosted by Blackbaud, the leading global provider of software and services designed specifically for nonprofits, the conference will feature over 100 sessions to help you stay at the forefront of technology, get hands-on training, and network with thousands of nonprofit professionals and industry leaders. “Birds of a Feather” lunch sessions allow you to connect with peer attendees working in similar roles.  Stay tuned for BBCON Australia to release its 2013 date. 

Image credit: The Good Capitalist

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