June 27, 2008

Here's How My Speaking Schedule Looks

Conversation with students of MSU, Chennai, July 4th, 2008

The Michigan State University annually organizes a Summer Study Abroad Program and this time, select students are visiting South India. Their focus is on 'Culture, Politics and Globalization' and I've been invited to share my views. Technically, this isn't a "speech" as in podium et al. It's a more friendly coffee room discussion. It's informal and I like it this way. Usually turns out much more interactive and productive. The program is organized by the wonderful Swarna Rajagopal, who taught at MSU and currently heads the Chaitanya Consultancy.

New Media Course , Chennai, July 4th till Nov 4th, 2008

Right after I finish the session with MSU students, I have to tackle the T.Nagar traffic to head to the SRM University's city campus to take my first class of the New Media course. My students are the Journalism students who are pursuing their Post Graduate Diploma. This course is spread over 4 months and I teach every Friday

It's the second time I've been invited as a visiting faculty. The first time was to teach SriLankan Tamil Journalists who did their journalism course here. Thankfully, the new course is at their city campus in T.Nagar and unlike the last time, I don't have to travel 80 kms each day to teach at their main campus in Kattangalathur.

India's Premiere Entrepreneurship Event, Delhi, July 18 & 19, 2008

This is one event I'm absolutely looking forward to. With over 500 entrepreneurs, CEOs, VCs, Technologists in one place, it's an event one wouldn't want to miss. Along with Amit Somani, the Head of Search at Google India and a guy who oozes passion for product innovation, I'm organizing the Innovation BrainJam. This deserves a separate post but in a nutshell, its an exciting & pulsating shorter version of an unconference.

I'm also speaking at the event. I'm sharing the stage with Mahesh Murthy, a successful entrepreneur and investor. He is CEO of PinStorm and founder of SeedFund. We are talking on 'The Art of Marketing The Startup'.

The iCommons Summit, Sapporo, Japan. July 29- Aug 1, 2008

Imagine collecting 300 of the most passionate folks in Digital culture and free knowledge sharing from 64 countries and you can imagine the kind of energy and spirit buzzing around. The event brings together activists, change agents and new world social entrepreneurs to chart and reflect on a positive path for a more fair, more just, more creative world in the Information Age.

I'm wearing multiple hats here. As a speaker, I'm participating in the Video Lab and the Open Business sessions. As a Podcaster, I'll interview some of the best minds at the event. As a journalist, I'll cover the event for the Business Standard and The New Indian Express. More importantly, I hope to garner insights and ideas that I can bring back to India and share it with everyone.

The Asia Brand Summit, Mumbai, Sept, 25th & 26th, 2008

It's a 'by invitation' event that aims to get together CEOs and Brand & Marketing heads. About 250 from India and another 250 from various countries. It'll be a congregation of people behind some of the world's most successful and sought out brands. The theme of Asia Brand Congress is "Communicating A Brand That Connects, Engages And Inspires Audiences" and I'm absolutely convinced that the online space plays a substantial role. I've been invited to sit on the 'Advisory Panel' and hope to actively contribute to the event. More importantly connect up with leading minds and soak up on inspiration.

Web 2.0 & Beyond Conference, Mumbai, October 16 & 17, 2008

I'm speaking on 'Corporate Blogging and How can Businesses Benefit from it', a topic that I'll comfortably rattle out even if you wake me up in the middle of my sleep. It's also a topic that I'm passionate about and I hope to impress the folks on the power of conversational marketing and online community building.

If you are coming to any of these events, do touch base with me. I'm available at 98415 97744 adn Kiruba at Kiruba.com. It'll be good catching up.

Labels: Proto.in, Speaking