This conference is a must-attend event for all those who are serious about using social media to engage employees and citizens by using blogging, podcasting and the latest Web 2.0 technologies to drive communication results. You will benefit from:

• 21 innovative speakers at your disposal to share their strategies and experiences in government blogging, podcasting and other Web 2.0 technologies
• Over 24 hours of intense, interactive learning - we guarantee you will recoup your money spent by implementing just a few of the strategies shared during the conference
• Optional networking lunches that give you the opportunity to brainstorm and benchmark solutions with your fellow attendees
• Unique and interactive workshop sessions that will enable you to practice and apply your skills in peer groups -- you will walk away with strategies and tactics that you can begin to implement in your own organisation
• An abundance of networking opportunities - you will make many new contacts so be sure to bring plenty of business cards
• A comprehensive overview of social media innovations from leading practitioners like the Ontario Public Service, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario, U.S. Department of Defense and many more
• Acquiring new knowledge to lead your organization through the imperative, yet sometimes extremely difficult, responsibility of ensuring that the right information gets to the right people, efficiently and effectively
• Participating in instructional sessions that will share real-world examples, tactics and lessons learned from leading social media initiatives that will ground you in advancing your own strategy
• The opportunity to learn how to use new social media tools to foster your organisation's values and mission in a hands-on environment
• A complimentary packet of research materials that will serve as a helpful resource long after you have attended this conference
• A formal Certificate of Completion, which documents your training achievement and commitment to continuing professional development

Dear Government Communicator:

Imagine that you could communicate directly with Canadians who share an interest in the policies and programs you are responsible for. Imagine if you could do this without the need to deal with the intermediaries of traditional mainstream media or organized special interest groups. Imagine if you could conduct this communication in a medium that would enable interested Canadians to respond directly to you in their own words. Wouldn’t that be a powerful medium for engaging Canadians in the work of their government? For restoring and building faith in public institutions? For conducting an ongoing consultation about what Canadians think about your programs, what they would like to see from them, and what they will support?

Well, you need imagine no longer. Social media provides you with the channel to achieve all of this and much more.

Of course, these benefits do not come without obligation. Social media requires transparency, openness about intent and a willingness to listen and act about what you hear. Not only will Canadians tell you when they agree with you, they will also tell you when they disagree. And they may suggest changes that they would like you to make.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THIS CRITICAL CONFERENCE:

This conference will feature speakers who have tested and proven the power of social media in public sector settings. They will talk about what worked, what didn't and how to avoid making the mistakes that can lead to failure.

• City of Ottawa piloted a successful social media and Web 2.0 strategy in their agency
• Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada overcame institutional hurdles that blocked the way of introducing social media in their organization
• Treasury Board of Canada piloted a wiki that heightened their collaboration with each other and brought them to a new level of improved services to their customers

The attendees at the previous Social Media for Government conference held in September learned a great deal and came away smarter and better prepared for the new era of social media. I hope that you will join me and the other participants at the February conference, as I'm sure that you will gain valuable information that you can apply to your own programs.

Register today online or by calling our conference hotline at 773-695-9400. Attend A.L.I.'s "SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GOVERNMENT: How To Engage Your Employees And Citizens By Using The Latest Web 2.0 Technologies To Drive Communication Results," this February in Ottawa, to hear from communicators who are currently social media tools, with results & benefits.