A8 • www.vicnews.com
Friday, May 3, 2013 - VICTORIA
NEWS
Social media experts, newbies flock to Victoria Attendees of three-day ‘camp’ learn best ways to get messages out there Daniel Palmer News staff
Businesses need to be social-media savvy in order to avoid becoming obsolete. That’s the advice from organizer Chris Burdge to the hundreds expected to attend the fourth annual Social Media Camp, starting Monday (May 6) at the Victoria Conference Centre. The three-day event attracts online gurus, and curious business owners from across Canada who hope to learn just what makes online platforms so powerful. “When we first put on the event we really didn’t know what to expect,” said
Burdge, camp co-founder and owner of social media consulting firm bWest Interactive. It turned out the local appetite to learn more was strong, as more than 450 people showed up for the initial conference. Burdge expects at least 600 attendees this year. They’ll hear the likes of keynote speaker Mari Smith, who recently ranked fourth on Forbes Magazine’s top 50 social media power influencers, and marketing pro and author C.C. Chapman. “Social Media Camp appeals to a pretty broad audience,” Burdge said. “We created sessions that appeal to different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. And this year we’ve got sessions directly
targeted to human resources professionals to look at recruiting, hiring and the legal aspects of using social media in the workplace.” The camp also features social media streams for government, small business, non-profit organizations and general marketing. A highlight of the event is the 2013 Social Media Awards, hosted by TV tech geek Steve Dotto on Tuesday night. Among the award categories are excellence in engagement, excellence in customer service and best personal blog. For more information or to buy tickets, visit socialmediacamp.ca. dpalmer@vicnews.com
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Social Media Camp co-founder Chris Burdge holds today’s primary messaging device. Charla Huber/ News staff
Lyme awareness boosted A pair of events hosted by Lyme disease awareness advocates next week aim to get information out about the rare and often hard-to-diagnose affliction. A free screening of the film Under Our Skin: The Untold Story of Lyme Disease, happens Tuesday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Hillside Seniors’ Health Centre, 1454 Hillside Ave. Seating is limited, but reservations can be made by calling 250-370-5641, ext. 2, or emailing WellnessCentreRegistration@viha.ca and leaving your name, phone number and how many seats you need. On May 11, a rally at the legislature gets underway at 1:30 p.m. Guest speakers include Lyme disease patients who will share their stories. For more information visit LymeVI.ca or CanLyme.com or call Dave at 778-433-1047. Authorized by Financial Agent David Pearce, 250.290.4537
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