(Not me, but the hair and glasses sure are similar.)
Summer’s typically the time when things slow down. People go on vacation. The sunshine, the heat, it all makes things go at a more relaxed pace.
Not for me. At least not this year.
Next month, I’ll be headed down to Richmond, VA for two events. I met Doug Meacham, the co-founder of the Richmond, VA chapter of Social Media Club, last week at Social Media Breakfast Boston, and he invited me to speak at the July Social Media Club Richmond event on July 23.
Super cool, right? Well, that’s just the beginning.
The Jepson School of Leadership at The University of Richmond is hosting the Strategic Leadership and Social Media for Social Good Conference on July 24 to teach social media to local nonprofit executives. They have invited me to give the keynote address to a group of over 200 Richmond-area nonprofit executives.
I’ve given several talks on the ways nonprofits can utilize social media to enhance their mission, but this is my first keynote address. I’m honored by the offer, excited to have the opportunity, and am just a bit nervous!
Then, on August 8-9, I’ve signed up for not one, but two discussions at PodCamp Boston.
David Karp and I will be presenting “Social media and charitable causes: are you a Gates or a Buffet?” Here’s our description for the talk:
Bill Gates created the largest charitable foundation in the world using his own wealth. Warren Buffet decided to add his money to Gates’ rather than create his own foundation. In social media, anybody can create something, but there’s also a lot to be gained by joining or promoting what already exists. What’s the right balance of making and joining social causes and social media? In this session, we’ll try to discuss ideas and trends more than platforms and products, and try to generate some new ideas about how social media can help advance positive social agendas with both the Buffet and Gates models.
I figured SMB4 would be the best place to introduce my idea for a Pecha Kucha-inspired social media talk. From my listing:
Test your presentation chops! do you have what it takes to distill your message into 20 slides?
In a crowded social media marketplace, concision and brevity are words to live – OR DIE! – by. Presentation Fu will pit four contestants against each other to find who can give the best presentation using the Pecha Kucha framework: 20 slides, 20 seconds per slide. The winner will be chosen by the audience and will win a prize!
Want to be a contestant? Send an email to gradon AT gradontripp DOT com.
That said, I’m looking for contestants that want to show their skills at presenting to a timed slide show, as well as a sponsor company or three that would like to donate prizes for the top contestants. If you’re interested, send me an email at the address above.
Lastly, SM4SC is setting up Social Change Camp in New York City. We’re still working out specifics, but we’re planning on having it in late August or September, depending on the availability of a suitable location. For more info on that, check out the Social Change Camp wiki.
It’s going to be a busy summer, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. 
If you’d like to schedule me for your event, please feel free to email me at gradon AT gradontripp DOT com.
