Report Back From Internetix Cape Town
This is a little late in coming but I’d like to take a moment to share my experience of Internet Solution’s Internetix event in Cape Town with you.
I was invited to speak at both events (Jo’burg is still to come, Cape Town was held yesterday) on the subject of Harnessing the Social Web. To be dreadfully honest I wasn’t expecting much – I’ve become so disillusioned about the local conferencing scene after a series of negative experiences that I normally anticipate the worst.
This was distinctly different. From the pre-conference dinner at Wang Thai and the excellent accommodation at Lagoon Beach Hotel in Milnerton (also the venue for the conference) to the behind-the-scenes technicalities and not least, the contagious enthusiasm of all the IS staff I got to meet – everything was pleasantly surprising.
The speakers were also very good, judging by the responses of the more than three hundred attendees, with Ronnie Apteker (founder of IS) being a highlight for me. Other speakers are summarised at Christine and Bev‘s blogs, and this site too (not sure what the name of the author is, but apparently I made them gasp?)…
I’m really looking forward to the Jozi event, happening this coming week. If it’s anything like Cape Town was it’ll be a blast – credit to the IS team for pulling of a truly world class event.
Popularity: 10% [?]
I’ve been retained by Internet Solutions’s advertising agency to help promote their new “Secure Card”, & to entertain the delegates (of course!) during the lunch time. Stick around this time, I just missed you in Cape Town yesterday!
I was quite impressed by the spectrum of delegates – great to see some of the SA Tweeters & bloggers there.
I’ll be there earlier on Tuesday, so I hope to be in time for your presentation.
Best wishes,
- Marcel
The funny thing is that I can’t remember what made me gasp. If Marcel knows any hypnotists who can get it out of me, it would be appreciated. :)
What is quite ironic is the fact that none of these Web-related talks used the media they were preaching about, to extend their reach. Overseas all the big web related conferences place their talks online after the event; in audio or video form. It is definitely something they should look into for next year.