Mitch Joel, journalist, publicist, president of Twist Image - a digital marketing agency - and author of the book Six Pixels of Separation, elaborates on the need for marketers to embrace the paradigm-shift afforded by social media tools.
Joel contends that marketing will never be the same again, and that not only do marketers need to learn to experiment with social media tools as channels through which to ply their trade, but to also enrich and augment their traditional methods through them.
itbusiness.ca's Brian Jackson recently chatted with Joel and his interview is available online here.
You've only got two days left to get your application in for the British Columbia Technology Industry Association's 2010 Technology Impact Awards.
Founded in 1994 by the BCTIA, the Technology Impact Awards celebrate the successes of our industry and the companies, people and innovation that continue to put British Columbia on the map and who serve as role models for others in our province.
As a Finalist or Winner, your company will benefit from the local, national and international exposure the TIAs deliver.
Click here to view award categories and criteria and be sure to apply by March 17th. This year’s celebration dinner will take place on June 8th.
As the largest and most influential association representing BC's technology industry, BC TIA is dedicated to fostering growth and development in... [more]
This past Saturday, Edmonton was host to it's inaugural TEDx event at the Trans Alta Barns (photos here) Mack Male and myself were on hand to live blog the event. TEDx is a program that enables local communities such as schools, businesses, libraries, neighborhoods or just groups of friends to organize, design and host their own independent, TED-like events (click here for more information on TED).
The crowd was treated to a world-class line-up of speakers that shared their passions on a range of topics from open source genomics to mobile disaster response. Speakers talked on the theme of “Cultivating the Creative Economy”, and though limited to a strict 18 minute time slot as per TED rules, all made great use of the time and were truly inspiring.
The event was sold out and many more followed the live stream or on twitter, pushing the hashtag #tedxyeg to the number one trending topic in Canada on Twitter. To watch videos of the event stay tuned to the TEDx Edmonton website.
Speakers from the event were:
Tim Antoniuk Industrial design professor, dedicated to creative-economic-emergence Tim Antoniuk is an Associate Professor in the Industrial Design Program at the University of Alberta. Before coming to the University, Antoniuk co-founded Hothouse, a furniture design, retail and manufacturing company that sold its own line of products to over 750 international companies. Over the past decade, Tim’s design collaborations have won awards such as The Apple/National Post Design Effectiveness Award and an award in the furniture category of the Annual ID Design Competition. Tim has gone on to become a regular presenter/exhibitor at international design conferences and exhibitions on ideas that surround sustainable desire, morphing products and the emergence of a new economy and creative class (‘creative-economic-emergence’). Currently the principal investigator on a major research project with Droog/Renny Ramakers and a collection of designers/researchers from across Canada and Holland, the Luxury of the North project is exploring how Northern Canadian influences could positively influence the future of (sustainable) luxury products.
Cameron Herold has been coaching, speaking to, or helping entrepreneurs build companies on five continents. He launched BackPocket COO to coach & mentor young, fun, entrepreneurial, growth companies and help make their dreams happen. He is one of the country’s most innovative business leaders and was a leading force behind one of the most successful businesses of the decade, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. As Chief Operating Officer of 1-800-GOT-JUNK? he helped to build a presence in 46 states, 9 provinces, and 4 countries while being ranked the “2nd Best Company to Work for in Canada” by Canadian Business Magazine and “the #1 Company in BC to Work for” twice by BC Business Magazine. Cameron helped the leading edge company grow from $2 million to $105 million in revenue in six years with no debt or outside shareholders, an awesome achievement by any standard. Cameron will be speaking at TEDx Edmonton on the topic of “Raising Kids to be Entrepreneurs”.
Andrew Hessel Genomic scientist and champion of open source biology Originally based in Edmonton, Andrew Hessel is a genomic scientist and consultant in DNA technologies. He is a strong supporter of open source biology for accelerating innovation and as a counterbalance to proprietary biotechnology. He is the founding director and CEO of the Pink Army Cooperative, the world’s first cooperative (open source) biotechnology company that is working to make personalized, affordable medicines for breast cancer. Andrew is also co-chair of the Bioinformatics and Biotechnology program at Singularity University, an interdisciplinary university whose mission is to prepare leaders for accelerating technological change. Working with leading academic and commercial groups, he has traveled the globe for more than 15 years in his exploration of digital biology, the successor to recombinant DNA technology which is transforming DNA into an easy-to-use programming language for biological systems. Andrew’s work is empowering a new generation of young researchers to tackle big biology-related problems like sustainable fuel production, environmental cleanup, superbugs and cancer. Andrew was featured as a speaker at TEDxSiliconValley in 2009.
Theresa Howland Western Canadian head of Canada’s 100% green electricity provider Bullfrog Power is Canada’s 100% green electricity provider. As Vice President, Western Region of Bullfrog Power, Theresa Howland is responsible for leading the company’s operations in Western Canada. Theresa has held progressively more senior positions in marketing and product development since joining the deregulated electricity industry in 1996. Prior to joining Bullfrog Power, Theresa oversaw business development activities for leading wind power developer, Vision Quest Windelectric, an independently operated division of TransAlta. From 2004 to 2005, Theresa served as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Wind Energy Association, and from 2002 to 2006, served as a Director. In this capacity, Theresa led and participated in cross-functional industry teams to develop strategies and policy recommendations to support wind energy growth in Canada. Earlier in her career, Theresa spearheaded a successful green power program for a major utility. Theresa received a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary.
Shafraaz Kaba Local architect passionate about urban design, art and architecture Shafraaz Kaba is an architect and partner in the firm Manasc Isaac Architects Ltd. in Edmonton, Alberta. He has also worked in design studios in London, England and Gilgit, Pakistan. Shafraaz is the founder of Media, Art and Design Exposed (M.A.D.E.) in Edmonton, a society which creates public programs that bring design, art and architecture to the public. In 2006, Shafraaz was named Vice-Chair of the Edmonton Design Committee, an urban design review panel for the City of Edmonton. Recently, Shafraaz has been involved with Edmonton’s Public Art Masterplan and is the Chair of the 2010 Banff Session committee, which will bring world-renowned architects to Banff to discuss current matters in design this April. In 2009, Shafraaz was recognized as one of Avenue Edmonton’s 40 Under 40 for his professional accomplishments and contributions to the community.
Shawna Pandya Entrepreneur working on new start-up leveraging smartphones for disaster response at NASA-Ames An Edmonton-grown export and currently based in Silicon Valley, Shawna Pandya is passionate about technology, innovation and social development. She is co-founder of CiviGuard Technologies, a start-up based at NASA-Ames in Silicon Valley that leverages smartphones for disaster response. As CMO for CiviGuard, Shawna handles the formation of new alliances, partnerships and the development of CiviTriage, a smartphone-based patient-triage-and-tracking system. In addition to medicine (University of Alberta), Shawna also holds backgrounds in entrepreneurship/innovation (Singularity University), space studies (MSc Space Studies, International Space University), and Neuroscience (BSc Hons, University of Alberta). Her published works include papers on telemedicine for the developing world, on neuroArm, the world’s first intra-operative, MR-compatible image-guided robotic arm for neurosurgery and a book chapter on space technology spin-offs for medical benefit. In her spare time, Shawna has launched Space Without Borders, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to leveraging space technologies for global development.
Grant Skinner is an internationally recognized leader in the field of rich interactive experiences. His body of work spans experimental interaction, applications, games, websites, installations, embedded devices, and mobile, with a recent focus on projects that span multiple environments. Grant fuses his experience with design, user experience, development, and business with a driving creativity to produce projects that push the boundaries of interactive technologies. While building his company gskinner.com into a leading interactive production shop, Grant has worked with a wide range of high calibre clients including AOL, BBC, Salesforce, Nissan, Adobe, GE, Atlantic Records, Comcast, EA, CNN, and DirectTV.
Sean Stewart Influential pioneer who defined the alternate reality entertainment genre worldwide Sean Stewart is an award-winning science fiction novelist, a groundbreaking figure in transmedia storytelling, and the most experienced and influential writer of Alternate Reality Games (ARGs) in the world. Currently based in California, Sean has founded four genre defining companies including 42 Entertainment and Fourth Wall Studios. After graduating with honors from the University of Alberta, Sean published a line of critically acclaimed science fiction novels, including the World Fantasy Award-winning Galveston. In 2001, he was the lead writer for The Beast, the project for Spielberg’s A.I. that invented the ARG genre and was named Entertainment Weekly’s #1 website of the year. He was lead writer on the I Love Bees campaign for Microsoft’s Halo 2 for XBOX, still considered the biggest ARG in history, as well as Year Zero, the groundbreaking transmedia collaboration with rock ‘n roll legend Nine Inch Nails. He was also writer on The Dark Knight ARG (Warner Bros), Vanishing Point (launch campaign for Microsoft Vista), and Dead Man’s Tale (campaign for Pirates of the Caribbean 2). In publishing, he has continued to push the envelope of the traditional novel with the transmedia Cathy’s Book, a New York Times and international bestseller currently published in twenty countries and a dozen languages around the world.
Krystle Dos Santos is an award-winning soul and jazz singer-songwriter. As one of URB music magazine’s “next 1,000 artists to watch,” in 2009, Krystle is a fresh face on the Canadian music scene. Her unique blend of dance beats, funky grooves and soft jazzy soul have inspired comparisons to Sade, Joss Stone and Jill Scott. Released in July 2008, Dos Santos’ self-titled debut CD was awarded Urban Recording of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards. Currently, Krystle is working on creating a new sound, dubbed “electro-soul”; combining electronic, urban beats, live instrumentation, soul vocals and an indie-pop vibe. Recently, Dos Santos has performed and collaborated with various Alberta artists including Dragon Fli Empire, members of Souljah Fyah, House DJ, Marzetti, and Politic Live. Her single “Shake Ya Body”, appeared on an episode of ABC’s Samantha Who? and has been released to commercial and campus radio. She is currently working on her sophomore concept album due out in summer 2010 to prepare for upcoming summer tours in Eastern and Central Canada as well as Music and Arts Festivals across the country.
Twestival Victoria takes place on March 25th, as a fundraiser for Concern Worldwide. Last year the event raised $5000 in the name of charity, and hopes to build on that number this year.
“Twestival is a global Twitter fundraising festival with the motto 'Tweet, Meet, Give'”, explains Janis La Couvée.
Janis helped bring Twestival local to Victoria in Septmeber 2009. She is a long-time social relations volunteer (early 90's), and is witnessing firsthand the effects of Social Media.
“In my immediate neighborhood, I sit on an organizing committee for a local community event. We meet all year to produce a one day event. The same sized committe was able to plan and execute Twestival Victoria in just six weeks.”
“As a city, we came in second in fundraising, just behind Toronto who had over four times the number of participants.”
Victoria is an example of Social Media done right. The community is unique because of it's ability to translate online communication into face-to-face relationships.
This past week, the relationships Janis has built both online and off were able to once again benefit a worthy cause.
“Just this past week I decided to shave my head in support of Babes Go Bare for cancer, if I could raise $1000. And it happened! I've shaved my head twice before and NEVER raised $1000. The BC Cancer Agency will now benefit from my influence.”
It's stories such as Janice's that magnify the beauty of Social Media. She has an active network of individuals at her fingertips that can both read and share her messages.
“I love the possibility of increased connection, the ability to network with people outside an immediate geographical location (like a neighborhood), while at the same time still doing all the grass roots community building that is necessary to build capacity on the ground.”
It's individuals like Janice that make communities such as Victoria's click. It's always been this way, and always will be. It just so happens that the means for communication are improving drastically, complements of technology.
Victoria's success is largely a team effort. Organizations and events such as Social Media Club and Wordcamp help to educate the local businesses and people. There's also the local phenomena of Tweetups (#victoriatweetup), which frequently pop-up on a purely organic basis, that keep people connected and informed.
With the rules of Social Media as yet largely undefined, tapping into the mediums potential can be both intimidating and, as Janice explains, a lot of fun.
“To me, Social Media is a giant experiment, especially locally.”
“In the year to come, we hope to mentor the local not-for-profit community, and perhaps have more regular conversations with traditional communications and public relations professionals.”
To get involved with and learn about Social Media in Victoria there are a few resources worth noting. As mentioned, Twestival Victoria takes place March 25th, Social Media Club takes place the fourth Tuesday of each month* and Wordcamp Victoria happens May 15th. As for Twitter, the tag #yyj is as good a place to start as any.
*except for this month, to make room for Twestival
Many of you may have heard of Billy Reid. If not, you may have seen one of his videos online. This was one of them. And it continues to be one of my favourites:
Now, Billy has been tapped to be the spokesperson for the Doritos viral video campaign - Doritos Viralocity. So I took the opportunity to ask him some questions about the campaign and about the importance of video.
Why was it important for Doritos to create this campaign?
Doritos is one of those brands that is constantly looking for new ways to market their products and offer campaigns to Canadians that are groundbreaking. They aren't afraid to take risks and connect with their audience through new and innovative ideas. Holding a user-generated video contest is very forward thinking, so it fits their history.
Why did you decide to work with Doritos?
There are a few reasons. First off, this is a Canada-only contest, so (being Canadian) I'm excited to be a part of that. I also liked that Doritos is allowing the internet audience to decide what video should come out on top. Too many contest winners are chosen by faceless corporate heads when it should be in the hands of Canadians.
Why is video so important for brands wanting to increase their market share?
People are spending a lot more time online than ever, and video content is obviously very popular. If brands can create interesting video content, people are more likely to spread the video to their friends, family etc. Doritos has obviously tapped into this and is very forward thinking that way.
For more information on Billy Reid or the Doritos contest click on the links.
Taking a cue from Tourism Queensland's "Best Job" contest, Flight Centre has teamed up with other Canadian companies in creating their own "Best Travel Job Ever" contest. 
With up to $50,000 in prizes being offered, Fight Centre is searching for people who are passionate about travelling and who want to share this passion of theirs with the world.
Gregg Tilston is Flight Centre's Social Media Manager:
We are incredibly excited about the potential for this contest. Travellers love to talk about their adventures and it will provide a fantastic opportunity for anyone who’s ever dreamed of getting paid to do something they love. We believe BestTravelJobEver.com is a great combination of social media and travel, and we expect some very creative entries over the next several weeks.
For information on this cool contest just visit www.BestTravelJobEver.com.
What are you waiting for?
1 Discount Travel Specialist. Over 1200 shops worldwide. [more]
We will be live blogging the TEDx Conference from Edmonton today here on TechVibes and at TEDxEdmonton's site. To watch live click this link. The event starts at 10:00 AM (MST).
What is Chevrolet doing at South by Southwest (#sxsw)? They're not showing off their new 2020 concept cars.
The music, film and interactive conference in Austin, Texas will be introduced to three emerging technologies that Chevrolet is looking to promote and test: location-based social networking, quick response codes, and augmented reality.
Jim Campbell is the Chevrolet general manager:
For Chevrolet, South by Southwest provides an invaluable opportunity to learn how best to communicate with customers in by leveraging these technologies.
Location-based social networking
Chevrolet has partnered with Foursquare Austin-based Gowalla. When Gowalla users check in at locations throughout Austin, they will receive messages and SXSW offers from Chevrolet.
For example, a select number who “check in” at Austin airport will also receive a message that reads:
Welcome and Congratulations: Chevy is here for SXSW, and we want to offer you a free ride in a new Equinox if you’re going downtown. Just show this message to the person holding the Chevy @ SXSW sign in baggage claim, and leave the rest to us.
Quick Response (QR) codes
When a Chevy vehicle is photographed using a camera phone, the QR codes will launch a dedicated microsite with key features of the vehicle. For example, a QR code on the hood will take attendees to a micro-site to learn more about the 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged engine in the Cruze, which will detail the vehicle's class-leading mileage.
Augmented reality
The Chevrolet iReveal application (still in Beta testing) will be able to unlock three-dimensional models of Chevrolet vehicles. The application will provide specifics of the vehicles, and users will also be able to insert the virtual image of the car over the actual streetscape viewed through the smart phone camera lens.
Christopher Barger is the Director of Global Communications and Technology for GM:
The potential of these technologies is incredible. Imagine using Quick Response Codes to download the price and options for a vehicle on a dealer lot right to your cell phone. Or, imagine using augmented reality to virtually preview different colors of the Camaro in your own driveway. We are just scratching the surface of what’s possible with mobile technologies and social media applications.
What are your thoughts on Chevrolet being at SXSW?
Thanks to the Finance Minister Jim Flaherty's recent Budget announcement on Section 116, this year's CVCA Annual Conference in Ottawa on May 26-28th should have a celebratory feel to it. And no doubt Conference headliner Rick Mercer will have plenty of new material ready for the audience after questioning Flaherty's Euromoney Finance Minister of the Year award on the Rick Mercer Report last year.
CVCA's Annual Conference is the premiere networking and professional development event for Canada’s venture industry and should attract 550+ attendees again this year.
The conference will kick off with a welcome cocktail event on the Wednesday evening and include a Gala dinner on the Thursday featuring the CVCA’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award presentation and entertainment by Rick Mercer followed by our popular scotch-tasting networking event. We will also offer attendees an optional golf day on Wednesday at The Marshes, one of Ottawa's premiere courses.
The conference program features timely topics on both venture capital and buyout and includes the following speakers:
Register online if you're interested in taking in the festivities.
The CVCA – Canada’s Venture Capital & Private Equity Association – represents the majority of private equity companies in Canada, with over... [more]
Almost a month ago to the day Doritos launched its a nation-wide initiative that asks Canadians to name the newest Doritos unidentified flavour.
However, this is not just any initiative. There is $250,000 at stake. 
As many of you may know by now, Doritos is asking Canadians to create a video that has the potential to go viral. The video with the most "viralocity" has the chance to win the jackpot. There will also be random prizes for over 300 contestants as well.
Tony Matta is the Vice President of Marketing at Frito Lay Canada:
At Doritos, we're constantly looking for bigger and better, a new and exciting way to break ground, that puts the consumer in control. This contest is an opportunity for Canadians to tap into the viral nature of videos, use their creativity and create a digital footprint that will give them the chance to walk away with some serious cash. The Doritos brand was built by the consumer, so we've decided to hand over our brand yet again and let the consumer keep calling the shots with the Doritos Viralocity Contest.
The Doritos Viralocity Contest is supported with a slew of online tools such as a custom website, a Facebook fan page, a Twitter account, and a YouTube channel.
For more information please visit www.doritosviralocity.ca.
By the way, here is our favourite video:
