A month or so ago, I spoke at WebJam about how frustrating it was that organisations setting the agenda for social networks are industry-based (e.g. media and advertising) and that very few are protecting everyday users/members. Add to that, none of these industry groups really provide an online community for their members (industry or otherwise) one wonders how they can protect our social media initiatives when they aren’t participating and don’t “get” it themselves. And industry organisation simply can’t take care of consumer generated content as well as their own needs! So I’m delighted to be part of a ACMA and Communications Alliance day called Consumer Congress with people like Jennie Brockie from SBS Insight – and you can come along too! Yay! :

Master of Ceremonies and Moderator – Jennie Brockie Program 9.30am Registration – Tea and Coffee 10.00am Welcome 10.30am What Technologies are on the Horizon? Our esteemed panel will provide an overview of the technologies that are likely to be adopted in the future and how consumers could use these technologies. Speakers: Laurel Papworth, Online Communities Strategist, World Communities; Mark Pesce, Writer, Inventor and Researcher; Michael McLeod, CEO, Message Stick Communications 12.00pm Lunch 1.00pm How will future technologies assist with accessibility? Our expert panel will look at how accessibility will improve with new technologies. How will future technologies help with the challenges faced by the people with disabilities, older Australians and the rural consumer? Speakers: Graeme Innes, Federal Disability Discrimination Commissioner, HREOC; Alex Varley, CEO, Media Access Australia; Tim Noonan, Company Director & Principal Consultant, Tim Noonan Consulting 2.30pm Afternoon Tea 2.45pm Empowering Consumers – The Way Forward The panel will address possible scenarios and solutions for enabling consumers to fully participate in the digital age. Join our thought-provoking panel as they outline the possible future policy initiatives, creative strategies and future goals. Speakers: Mara Bun, Head of Research, CANNEX; Chris Cheah, Member, ACMA; Katherine Blashki, Chair of New Media Technologies in the Faculty of Science and Technology, Deakin University 3.45pm Closing Remarks 4.00pm Close – Drinks and Networking

Dave “LifeKludger” whatya reckon I should make sure gets heard? Mike “Fang“? Priscilla “Lil’ Sis“? Anyone else? If people are silly enough to give me a podium, I’m gonna use it. And if I’m silly enough to ask you your opinion, you should shout out. 🙂