Social Media Breakfast Austin Returns After 11 Month Hiatus

An informal discussion about “Hacking SXSW” brought tips from various audience members on how to derive value from the interactive conference without paying for a pass. Jane Kovacs, 3M Public Relations Supervisor, listens to suggestions. Photo: Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink

by Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink

After a hiatus of eleven months, more than 35 attendees braved an early wake-up call as Social Media Breakfast (SMB) Austin resumed meetings at a new location, Casa Chapala in North Austin.

The first Social Media Breakfast Austin was held in February 2008 when meeting founder Bryan Person came to Austin on a “scouting visit”. The series became a regular fixture in September of that year after Person relocated to Austin.

The popular breakfast series fell by the wayside when Person, Director of Social Insights for Social Dynamx, became entangled with finding time to continue the programs.

Attendees at the meeting were given a chance to submit topics and vote for future presentations. Photo: Ed Lallo/Newsroom Ink

Monthly programs have been taken over by two new SMB Austin team-members who were introduced by Person at the meeting, independent social media specialist Joey McGirr and Bryan Chaney, Global Social Media Strategy Manger at AON.

Attendees at the meeting were given a chance to submit topics and vote for future presentations.

The top topics of interest for future meetings included: Austin innovators such as Socialware; search efforts and social media; as well as future social media predictions and hardware.

An informal discussion about “Hacking SXSW” brought tips from various audience members on how to derive value from the interactive conference without paying for a pass.

Tips included:

• Set up Tweetdeck for #SXSW and #RSVP to receive information on open events.
• Cruising the main hall and visiting with attendees in open areas, especially around the iPhone charging station.
• Visit the free tents that are open to the public.
• Visit venues where SXSW events will be held and make friend with owners and bouncers.

For the lucky with passes in hand, Thomas Umstattd, Jr, CEO of Castle Media Group, reminded everyone “Networking diminishes after 10pm. Remember the sessions are the reason you attend SXSW, and the early morning sessions are when you have great access to speakers.”

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