Just returned home after moderating LiSA 08 at Hotel deLuxe in Portland.  I had the honor of acting as moderator for the inaugural social media marketing roadshow event, hosted by TAOW Productions.  Esteemed panelists spoke about social advertising best practices, integration with traditional advertising and explored measurement.  I haven’t seen such a passionate panel since the early days of search engine marketing, where the similar lack of understanding and enthusiasm created heated debates.  Featured panelists included:

-Michael Berkley, CEO, SplashCast Media
-Hashem Bajwa, Digital Planning Director, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners
-Dave Allen, Director, Insights & Digital Media, Nemo Design
-John Furrier, blogger @ Furrier.org and former CEO of PodTech Network

The 1.5 hour panel discussion flew by as each of the experienced marketer/technologists share strong opinions, sometimes contradictory, about social advertising issues.  The hottest topics included how brands can engage, whether it is good to jump in head first, dabble or wait awhile until everything shakes out, how to develop a strategy and measure effectiveness.  Areas that the panel and social media-savvy audience agreed on included the need for companies to provide content and tools for evangelists to create their own messages and conversations about the brands.  There was some debate over defining, identifying and interacting with “influencers” as well as the big question: is it working and how can marketers take advantage of social media advertising opportunities.  The session closed with recommended resources from panelists, including books like Tipping Point, Word of Mouth Marketing, Wisdom of Crowds and my favorite, Meatball Sundae.

While the jury is still out on social media advertising & marketing, it was clear the panelists and audience alike were passionate and engaged about the discussion.  Look for future LiSA 08 events in a city near you.  I might even see you there.