Content Economy Unconference (Thursday, September 30)

I’ve been to a hundred media conferences, how is the Content Economy Unconference different?

This event does not follow the standard model of sitting and listening to speakers or panels - often presenters have great things to say, but a long time ago, media pros have realized that NOBODY has all the answers, we are in a rapidly evolving environment, no one knows what is going to work every time – this conference is a way to try to find things that work for each of us, and try to learn from each other and find the next answer, the next revelation.

This unconference is structured around five 20 minute-long “Catalyst Sessions” where two subject-experts lead a group of attendees around a discussion of the issues and what works and what doesn’t in the industry. In addition at the “Pro Blogger Alley” over 20 major Metro-area professional bloggers and local journalists will present what works and what doesn’t in local media reporting.

The event is largely invite-based and focused around getting the sharpest media people together in one room. Throughout the course of the event, you will be connected with experts in every field of the Content Economy with plenty of time to network with one another and continue discussion of interesting topics.

The event will cumulate with an open bar networking/cocktail hour (open bar) until 11pm followed by a continuation at a bar/lounge across the street should attendees be so inclined.

Who is this Unconference for?

The Conference connects all the groups that center on the content creation and distribution, bringing together DC’s professional media community, and focusing on the challenges and opportunities of creating and selling high quality professional media. 

• Content Creators - photographers, videographers, journalists, pro-bloggers, technologists, etc that create the media lifeblood
• Content Editors and Producers - that helps turn disparate facts into stories
• Content and Media Executives - that package, distribute, and sell the stories produced and get them out to the world

What is the Event Schedule:

• Event opens, networking
• Keynote Speakers
• Catalyst sessions (part 1 - three sessions)
• Pro Blogger Alley 
• Catalyst sessions (part 2 – two sessions)
• Wrap-up Insights - What did you learn from this event?

What is a Catalyst?

A “Catalyst” is a kickstarter – an issue expert that helps foster the conversation, serves as moderator, and brings high value issues to the fore.

What is a Catalyst session?

“Unconference - meets Speed Dating - meets Musical Chairs” – four sessions are spread around the room, each has a limited number of seats, attendees choose a session to attend, after 15 mins they switch to another session. There are 5 mins between sessions to move and engage in your private discussion.

• 0-:05 mins  (5 mins)        -  Catalyst’s presentation about the content issue, what are the most vital issues about this topic?/What are the most interesting development in this field?
• :05-:20mins (15 mins)     - Group discussion about topics in this field and the newest developments around the topic, users are asked to participate and discuss their knowledge and experience
• :20-:25mins (5 mins)       -  Independent discussion and moving to the next group

The Catalyst Sessions: 

1. Creating Content Session – Creating professional quality photo and video content
2. Editing and Post Production in a New Media world – what is in store for post production in New Media and Content editing
3. Promoting Your Projects / Marketing and Distribution
4. Making money on your content, how to make money on your pro content
5. What do media companies look for when acquiring content? How to sell to media companies?

What is the Pro-Blogger Alley?

Area journalist/bloggers are asked one question – “What have you learned about creating local content and making money on it?” This is a session that allows all the area’s blogger-journalists to present their experience in finding, creating, and distributing media in DC. They will run through what their experience has been in generating news and creating and distributing content. What works, what doesn’t, and what they’ve discovered.

What are the Wrap-up Insights?

Attendees will be asked to address one question – “What did you learn or take away from this event?”; anyone that has achieve a particular revelation about the nature of media or the Content Economy is welcome to speak up and tell us what they’ve discovered.