Confessions of an eBiz Junkie

A Tour of Social City at EMC World

So I'm off to the Big Apple to represent EMC and pick up our first-place award for engagement marketing in BtoB Online's 2011 Social Media awards. The campaign that took the award was a rather large launch (internally known as 'Mega Launch') back in January.

As I sit here staring at the inevitable flight delay board, I reflect on our ongoing evolution in the social realm. One thing that's consistent - When we want to have an impact in Social, we go BIG.

To that end, and with EMC World 2011 now in the rear-view mirror, I thought I'd give you an inside look into our social presence at EMC World - 'Social City'.

Social City was designed to put all of our social engagement points front and center for attendees of the event. Be it EMC's Facebook presence, our EMC Community Network, our roster of industry bloggers - There's a point of engagement for everyone.

It was also designed to help drive EMC World discussions far beyond the physical confines of the event. As you'll see - Social City helped us extend the conversations to hundreds of thousands more via digital channels.

So - See for yourself. Here's your very own tour of Social City - including the now infamous Bloggers Lounge - at EMC World by yours truly. I suspect you'll see what I mean... We like to go BIG with Social.

 

 

We ARE Big Data

At EMC World last week, ten-thousand of us got together in person to discuss what happens when cloud meets big data. Through the wonders of Social Media, we were able to extend that conversation well beyond the physical confines of the event, to hundreds of thousands more.

It was simply awesome to watch.

As we've done in recent years, we had a really cool 'buzzboard' running on plasma screens throughout the event (See screenshot below). Somewhat par for the course, our buzzboard scrolled tweets and images tagged #EMCWorld in real time. It's a good reminder of the digital discussions that take place alongside the physical.

During his opening keynote, EMC CEO Joe Tucci shared that in 2010, the digital universe was 1.2 zetabytes. By end of decade, it's projected to be 35 zetabytes. That's 44x growth. WOW!

To that end, we added a new twist to our buzzboard this year - The 'Big Data Meter'. Here's a screengrab from the counter on our EMC World Facebook page.

 

 

We set out to project the amount of digital information generated during an event such as EMC World. To get there, we looked at social activity from last years event and made some assumptions based on audience growth.

We then turned our attention to the logistics of this years show... How many keynotes, how many breakout sessions, how many hours of live broadcast, etc;.

The net net here - Between tweets, blogs, images, breakout presentations, keynote videos, live broadcasts and the like, roughly 100 terabytes of information a day was created and added to the digital universe during EMC World.

And, as we watched it all unfold in real-time, I'm convinced that our assumptions going in were rather conservative.

My takeaway - big data is not merely an interesting theme on the horizon. It's not a phenomenon specific to big companies. Rather, it's here, it's now, and it's all of us...

More information on our exploding digital universe over here.

(Virtually) Live from EMC World

Well we're back - and last week was an absolute whirlwind. Perhaps you hadn't noticed, but we had a little something going on in Vegas.

Tons of great content coming out of our EMC Bloggers. All of the awesome keynotes are available to our fans on Facebook. In addition, the gang from SiliconAngle and Wikibon were broadcasting live from the Bloggers Lounge. Here's an excerpt of a chat I had with the boys, and you can catch interviews with folks like Jeremy Burton, Chuck Hollis, Howard Elias, and many more over on SiliconAngle.TV.

More EMC World thoughts soon!

 

Watch live video from SiliconANGLE.com on Justin.tv

EMC World 2011 - The Bloggers Lounge is Back, Baby!

Where does the time go? Seems like just yesterday we were hanging backstage with The Counting Crows, getting jacked up on free espressos, and chatting about the wonders of all things Social...

Well, it's THAT time again.

What happens when big data meets cloud? Does whatever happens in Vegas really stay in Vegas? Does Len Devanna actually have a caffeine threshold?

There's one way to find out.. Join us in Las Vegas in May for EMC World 2011!

Bloggers who have attended in the past will likely attest to one thing.. The EMC World Bloggers Lounge is the place to be during the event. Always a good crowd, a steady stream of EMC thought-leaders to chat with, and no shortage of good fun...

The Bloggers Lounge is open to any attendee of EMC World who's also a blogger. It's that simple.

Sign up below and we'll see you soon in Vegas! Here's the list of bloggers so far... Already a great crowd.

 

 

Radio Silence - But Still Here

I've been neglecting my blogging duties of late... Sorry for that. Chalk it up to no shortage of exciting things going on. I was hoping for a lull following the oh-so successful EMC World 2010... No rest for the weary, I'm afraid ;)

One of the things keeping me busy is finishing up my story for next weeks Social Media Summit presented by Cisco and Ragan Communications. I plan to walk attendees through lessons learned during our journey to become a socially-savvy brand. Perhaps we'll see you there?

During EMC World, we managed to connect with some folks from the Worcester Telegram who were keen to learn a bit more about our just how much we've embraced and encourage the use of social at EMC. In contrast to other brands who have yet to begin their respective journeys, these folks were surprised to see Social Media as a very cornerstone of the EMC World event itself.

Much going on, and piles to share... Just a question of digitizing thoughts. Stay tuned ;)

Talking Social @ EMC World 2010

Wow. What a show. From my vantage point, EMC World 2010 was a huge success. Overall sentiment from attendees was extremely positive, and the activity through the social channels was mind-blowing.

There's no shortage of folks to acknowledge... from EMC's Social Media team who did a tremendous job making the Bloggers Lounge a happening place and demonstrating the value of our EMC Community Network, to EMC's Events Team (One of the best in the biz, IMO), to the guys over at Wikibon and SiliconAngle who helped us take the event far beyond the confines of physical walls.

I'll have piles of content to share next week. But, before I retire for a much needed weekend, did want to get one bit out. As things began to slow yesterday afternoon, we took the opportunity to chat Social Media at EMC - Talking about our approach to blogging, the culture that supports the amazing transformation, much more. Check out myself, Jamie Pappas and Thom Lytle as we wrap things up from the show floor and chat all things Social @ EMC.

Thanks to all for the incredible event... See you in Vegas!

Watch live video from The Cube LIVE from EMC World 2010 on Justin.tv

Talking Culture at EMC World with Joe Tucci and Jack Mollen

If you're listening to the buzz (over 3500 EMC World Tweets so far), then you know there's no shortage of amazing conversations happening at the event. Here's a couple I wanted to get up quickly. First, our friends from SiliconAngle.com put together a great piece where Joe Tucci talks EMC Culture. In the second video, our own Polly Pearson captured an impromptu discussions with myself and Jack Mollen, EMC's EVP of HR.

Live from the Bloggers Lounge at EMC World

EMC World 2010 is definitely in full swing. Following the Sunday Night reception and concert by the Counting Crows, it was time to get down to business Monday morning. While VPLEX was the big story of the day, there was no shortage of breaking news. The Bloggers Lounge was a hub of activity, with standing room only as the show really got going. 

Partnering with John Furrier of Silicon Angle and Dave Vellante from Wikibon, we're broadcasting live from the Lounge daily from 2:30 - 5:30. If you follow EMC at all, don't miss these broadcasts. We had a surprise visit from Joe Tucci and Michael Capellas, who were happy to jump on camera and share their thoughts about the event, the days announcements, and more.

I was thrilled to sit on a panel with John Troyer and Stephen Foskett and chat Social Media, cultural evolution, and more. Be sure to check out all of the interviews and discussions from this series.

Watch live video from The Cube LIVE from EMC World 2010 on Justin.tv

Staying Connected with EMC World - Let me Count the Ways...

 

Here we are. Luggage is packed, schedules are finalized, and technologists and industry pundits from across the globe will soon converge on the Boston Convention Center for EMC World 2010.

Whether you're joining us in person or participating from afar, there's no shortage of ways for you to connect, engage and be a part of this exciting event. Here are a few ways you can keep up with the action...

It's back! The EMC World 2010 Bloggers Lounge

EMC World 2010 is right around the corner. Haven't signed up to attend yet? No problem, there's still plenty of time to get in on the goods. Last years show was a blast, with music from the Gin Blossoms, piles of cool technology, a night at Universal Orlando and so much more! Just look at last years video wrap up and you'll get a sense of the whirlwind of activity during this event.

This years show looks to be bigger and better than ever, and that includes the return of the Bloggers Lounge. I suspect last years blogging attendees will attest - there is no better place to relax weary feet, connect with like-minded folks, enjoy a nice espresso and blog about your EMCWorld experience than the lounge.

2009 EMC World Bloggers in front of the Lounge

Partnering with this years lounge sponsor Razorfish, we're looking to raise the bar a few pegs in 2010. We have plenty in store for you, and will be sharing some of the cool as we get closer to the event. In the meantime, folks have been asking for a way to ensure access to this 'members only' area of the show.

Here's the key to get in:

You must be a registered attendee of EMC World, manage a blog and have added your name to this sign up wiki. Adding your name to the wiki = Access to the lounge - so be sure to do it. Trust me, you'll be happy you did...

I'm looking forward to seeing our friends from last year and making some new ones too! See you there!