Back in 2006 when I was social media curious, a friend suggested I attend a new conference called mesh. It was the first of a couple things that had a major impact on my job at the time and my career going forward. The other was becoming a blogger. It’s one of my favourite conferences and I make a point of attending mesh (and meshmarketing) every year.
What is mesh?
The idea for mesh came to be in 2005 when five of its original founders, Mark Evans, Rob Hyndman, Mathew Ingram, Stuart MacDonald and Mike McDerment, got together and realized Toronto needed a platform “where discussions of mind-blowing capacity” – about issues concerning changes in marketing, society, media and business – could take place. But they had no event experience, so they brought the sixth founder event manager, Sheri Moore, on to the team. The first mesh was born spring 2006.
Why mesh?
There are few events in Toronto (or Canada for that matter) that offer as much value. Over a period of two days, you’ll see at least 38 keynote speakers, presenters and panelists sharing their experiences, ideas and answering your questions. Keynote speakers this year include: Maggie Fox from SAP, Jevon MacDonald from GoInstant and Mark Little from Storyful. There’s always an opportunity for networking with friends old and new, where you can exchange ideas. At the end of Day 1, Sapient Nitro is hosting a social. Where else can you get so much for so little… and a free lunch?
When is mesh?
mesh is taking place May 27 and 27 at The Drake and 99 Sudbury in Toronto.
Why the new location?
I’m not sure. The first mesh was at MaRS Discovery District as were the next few. Then it moved to the Allstream Centre. This year, Sheri and her team have decided to try something new and spread it out over two locations – The Drake and 99 Sudbury. Most of the morning activities including registration and the keynote sessions will be taking place at 99 Sudbury. The afternoon sessions will be split between the two locations. I’ve been assured by Alicia Kalozdi-MacMillan who looks after Sponsorship & Partner Relations, that the locations are a four-minute walk apart and the breaks will be longer to accommodate those who want to attend sessions at both venues.
Most “told you so” moment
During mesh 2006, I vividly remember Tara Hunt’s keynote. The most memorable part was when she showed videos from a little known website called YouTube and a self-made video celebrity who was receiving sponsorship from a tech company for subtle product placement. I kid you not when many people sitting around me in the audience acted like she was from outer space. Some of us knew better.
Since then, I’ve attended every subsequent mesh conference and all but one meshmarketing event. Over the years, I’ve seen dozens of fabulous speakers and made long-term colleagues and friends. I had the pleasure of giving a workshop about B2B community building in 2010.
Save $100 on your mesh registration
This year I’m a bit of an ambassador of sorts and as such I have a promo code to share with you. Use VIPmeshES when you register to save $100 off the ticket price- but do so quickly, prices go up after May 23.
Keep in touch with the meshies
Follow them on Twitter @meshcon and #meshcon conversation.
Have a “sneak peek” on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at noon during a special @meshcon Twitter chat where some of the speakers will chat about what’s next on the digital horizon.
What are you looking forward most to at mesh this year?
