If you’re reading this blog, you probably already know that social media is the next big topic in public relations. But you may not know that Edelman is helping to leading the charge in use of social media in public relations campaigns. Edelman began claiming its spot as a forerunner back in 1995, when they became the first PR firm on the Internet and they haven’t looked back since!

As the years passed by, Web sites lead to blogs and Edelman was there. In 2004 president and CEO Richard Edelman began his own blog, 6 a.m. Currently, Edelman executives and employees publish more than 30 other blogs, including one from Phil Gomes, who will be leading the educators discussions on Saturday.

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Here are your questions, here are our answers. Feel free to add more!

Q: How long will Saturday’s conference last?

A: Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the conference should be over by 5:30 p.m. The reception at East West Bistro will begin at 7 p.m. and end at about 10 p.m.

Q: What do I need to bring with me?

A: Business casual clothes, laptop, a notepad and a willingness to get your mind blown away by social media. Okay, just teasing a bit, but definitely count on the first few items if you can. For those of you looking for post-graduation opportunities don’t forget your resumes and/or business cards.

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If you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Space is limited, so register now!

For our out-of-towners: we blocked off hotel rooms at the Holiday Inn on Broad Street (the main street in downtown Athens). Rooms are set at $92/ night and have airport transportation for $40 each way. Want to cut costs? See who else from your university is going and maybe you can share a room.  (The Facebook group is a great way to network with others going to the event — connect with someone else looking for a roomie!)

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Bootcamp? What for?

My friend called me up the other day to invite me to a party on Saturday. Instinctively, I asked: “What are we celebrating?”

The truth is we can’t plan a party, an event or a campaign without a clear intention and purpose to guide us.

Our purpose in creating the Edelman Digital Bootcamp was clear: Educate students in social media techniques.

Why?

Simply put, we believe in Web 2.0. We believe in engaging in the conversation and getting back to what public relations was designed to do: build relationships.
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