Social networking featured throughout the No More Homeless Pets Conference

While we wanted everyone to be able to attend this year’s No More Homeless Pets Conference in Las Vegas, it is understandable that logistics would just not allow it. However, in lieu of sending everyone “wish you were here” postcards, we will be offering digital glimpses of the conference online throughout the weekend.

Undoubtedly, there is sure to be a lot of valuable information and ideas that come out of the event and Best Friends wants to keep people connected. Some methods may be familiar, while others are newer and cutting edge. Regardless, the public will have the opportunity to “test drive” various online communication methods in a controlled and safe environment, with no long-term obligations.

“What we’re trying to do is give people who aren’t here the experience of being here,” noted Jon Dunn, Best Friends Social Marketing Specialist. “I think there are going to be so many great things that come out of the conference, why not from the get-go, get it out.”

Following are the NMHP Conference “web 2.0” tools:

Forums
Recognizable to Best Friends Network members, the forums have always been used as virtual bulletin boards. With conference specific topics such as “What You Liked So Far?” and “Brainstorming the Issues,” share your thoughts with other Network members.

Tweets
Most of us think of our feathered friends when it comes to tweets. However, online messages posted to the Twitter site, referred to as “tweets,” are actually really short blogs, as in limited to 140 characters or less. Best of all, it allows the instantaneous ability to communicate with others online, via either a computer or utilizing the text feature on mobile phones.

Chats
Online chatrooms have been a part of the internet for years; however, think of this as taking it to the next level. Not only can individuals from outside the conference communicate in real time with those who are there, but attendees can converse with one another.
• Really enjoying a particular workshop; let others know what is being said – as it is happening.
• Want some company for lunch? Invite others to meet you and make new friends.
• Ask where Dogtown megastar John Garcia was last seen.

Blogs
Read about the conference from not just one, but a multitude of Best Friends employees. You will never know who may post next; as attendees from throughout the Best Friends organization plan to contribute.

Though all will be attending with the goal of No More Homeless Pets in the future, each person’s interpretation will be unique. Check back often as people will be writing about their own experiences, as well as posting photos and even videos throughout the weekend.

So whether you are actually in Las Vegas, or only there in spirit, please take part in these exciting new networking capabilities. Who knows, you may just find that one or more of these tools would be beneficial to your local shelters and rescue organizations as well.

For more information:

• For those attending the conference, come to the 2:30 p.m. workshop on Friday, “Doing Better at Doing Good: Using Social Networking and Viral Strategies.” The conference networking tools will also be announced during the breakfast on Saturday.

• For those unable to attend, or who are not in Las Vegas, you can still participate online through the No More Homeless Pets Conference website.

• Also, be sure to check out additional articles about the conference on the NMHP Conference community on the Network.

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photo credit: photo taken by Jennifer Hayes