SOCAP09 has grown up since it first came on the radar last year. There were about 600 attendees at the 1st event and now this past week over 1000 attendees came from around the world to attend the three day conference at Fort Mason. This is a conference about making changes to our existing profit-driven financial systems along with promoting social innovation, creating sustainability and making new beginnings for our society. Pretty lofty goals for most people, but these folks are the best-of-the-best thought leaders and doers; driven to make change and make a difference. These movers and shakers include those from the world’s top social innovators, investors, donors, entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, new media, NGO’s and non-profits, wealth managers, development agencies, venture capitalists, MBA students, and numerous other groups interested in the growing opportunities of social capital.
Sonal Shah, Director of the White House Office of Social Innovation was the keynote and set the stage by sharing with the audience the role that the Obama Administration is taking on with social innovation and how companies can gain access to partnerships. Additional, diverse speakers participated on Keynotes and panels from the Rockfeller Foundation, IDEO, Social Capital Partners, REDF, Change.org, Grey Ghost Ventures, McKinsey and Co. and the list goes on. This wasn’t just a conference, this was about getting together, having a conversation that matters, and making a roadmap for change immediately. It should be interesting to learn what those changes will be in the near future.
Technology played a huge role at the conference. BusinessBoomer provided live streaming of interviews with some of visionaries and business leaders. Twittering #socap09 was rampant throughout and after the conference along with ongoing coverage with numerous videographers, bloggers and flippers – those using the flip phone for short interviews uploaded immediately to sites. Coverage can be found throughout the Internet and from the source, SOCAP09’s Blog. There was also a photographer, me. More photos below and on Julie’s Flickr Page:
Sonal Shah, Director of the White House Office of Social Innovation
Kevin Jones SOCAP09 Convener, Sangeeta Chowdhry of Acumen Fund, Sally Madsen of IDEO, Lucky Gunsaskara of FrontlineSMS Medic & Mark Bedford of NComputing
The Audience Listening Intently to the Speakers Words of Wisdom
Solving Hunger One Grilled Cheese Sandwich at a Time - Feel Good Sponsored Break
The BusinessBoomer Team: Julie Blaustein, Ryan Billings, Janice Bailon, Arabella Santiago and Rainer Cvillink
Even During Breaks Attendees Stay Connected
