I found that some companies are very engaged, others are in the process of becoming more involved, and others are sticking their head in the sand – believing that they will lose “control” if they put themselves out there in social media.   Guys, you are already “out there.”  Web 2.0 technologies have significantly shifted the power from institutions to the people.  Get with the program!

Anecdotally speaking, I saw a lot more social media activity than at last year’s show.  The show’s Twitter hashtag was very active, companies were using social media to drive booth traffic, and it was clear that social media is playing a greater role in marketing strategies for many.

I liked what I saw from Michelin.  They are actively listening to their customers on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc., and according to Michelin Marketing Communications Manager Bianca Hogan, the company has established procedures for engaging with advocates and responding to detractors (when a response is appropriate).

It was music to my ears when Ryan Fisher, account manager with Michelin agency Jackson Marketing Group, described how they conducted research at another trucking show to find out which social media platforms are most used by drivers and owner operators.  We see the opposite all too often; companies wanting to jump into Facebook, Twitter or something else before really analyzing how, where and why their target audiences are using social media.  For the record, they found Facebook to be the main platform with Twitter and YouTube also very popular.  Facebook and YouTube are a great way for these road warriors to stay in touch, personally and professionally, while Twitter is good for sharing the latest news on road delays, weather conditions, etc.

Joan O’Clair, corporate communications and social media manager for TravelCenters of America and Petro Stopping Centers, explained that the company has launched a popular iPhone app. to help customers check fuel prices, utilize the company’s emergency road service and much more.  Phase II of the app. is on its way with restaurant specials and more.

Magnus Koeck, vice president of marketing and brand development for Volvo Trucks North America, said Volvo Trucks has been involved in social media for some time in Europe.  Koeck said he has challenged his team to learn more about New Media because it is obvious that Volvo Trucks’ customers are spending more and more time online.  He said they will soon be adding a digital media specialist to the marketing staff.

It was also great to see the traditional media integrating social media into their offerings.  We had a great conversation with Deborah and Evin Lockridge about how they are using Twitter and other New Media tools at Heavy Duty Trucking magazine.

Then there was the speaker who warned the audience not to get involved in Facebook for security reasons.  Yes, you have to be aware of security issues and have a social media policy in place.  But advising not to get involved is akin to a transportation company in the early part of the 20^th Century sticking with mules and wagons because you could lose control of a motorized vehicle’s steering wheel.

So, my very trusting bosses, John and Christine handed me the credit card and sent me off to SxSW.  This geek version of spring break brings all the brightest minds in digital media together to paint the town red in Austin, TX.

I have attended several sessions which vary from growing communities to becoming a better manager, of which I did attend ( for John and Christine’s peace of mind).  Many of the sessions I attended lacked the meat that I was hoping but I’m also trying to avoid the run of the mill topics that we’re all sick of hearing of.  SxSW does offer a great mixture of novice, intermediate and advanced sessions and organizes in such a way that you can focus on certain tracks to get the most value.

Sunday evening I was invited to Co-Host a party SE@SX which was sponsored by PGi.  Sloane Berrent put on a fantastic event and gave an opportunity for the local leadership of Charlotte, Atlanta, Orlando, Raleigh and New Orleans a chance to network and share their experiences about being a Southerner in the tech industry.  It’s pretty incredible the events and growth that are happening in the South and I encourage you to check out the Louisiana Economic Development initiative and the start-up community in Raleigh, North Carolina aka The Triangle.   I fortunately had Dave Delaney standing next to me to represent Nashville and we highlighted our PodCamp, BarCamp, Geek Breakfast and of course, Social Media Club Nashville.  I walked away from this event being so inspired to make stronger connections with the S.E. cities who are truly doing amazing things that I want to be apart of.

The absolute best part of SxSW has been the networking and connections made offline.  I was lucky enough to meet some big names in the game and look forward to growing those relationships which will hopefully, help the Nashville community.  I will always bring it back home!

Nearly every company in the Technology space is well represented here in Austin and I have to say, Microsoft and TechSet has hosted the best Blogger’s Lounge in the Austin Convention Center.  I earned the Mayorship of the Blogger’s Lounge on Foursquare for just over 4 hours before someone swiped it from me….grrr…..

Considering SxSW next year?  Here are some things you must do…

1. Play the Foursquare game outside the Austin Convention Center with the Foursquare crew and win buttons.
2. Eat as much Ironworks and Salt Lick BBQ – no words to explain this and you will thank me.
3. Stop for injured Bicyclists and call 911.  I like to think I saved a guys life.
4. Bring an umbrella for the one day it rains, silly me.
5. Get on every VIP list possible because it’s not fun standing in line = Free drinks. =)
6. Don’t go there with expectations, just have a good time and the opportunities will come.  Promise.

If you were not able to attend SxSW and want to capture the main takeaways here in Nashville, come to SxSW Nashville on Wednesday, March 24th.

Also, check out my Flickr Pictures to see what it was really like at SxSW!

Did I miss anything in Austin that you suggest I should check out next year?

Ok, ok really it goes something like this…

The JTMarCom team recently did some work for the Dunkin Donuts Franchisee in Memphis, TN so after a very successful day at work, John, Christine and Alex decided to take me out to the famous Blues scene in Memphis which is most notably located on Beale Street.  I grabbed a few drinks (3 shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey for me) while the others ate and we met some really interesting people at the restaurant who were in town for a Blues festival.  After leaving the restaurant, we lollygagged around to a few shops on the street and came upon Tater Reds, a local shop with crappy tourist stuff that appeals to drunk people.  After being mesmerized by all the autographed drum heads on the ceiling, I discovered who would soon become my new bestest bestest friend.

Travelocity is running a campaign in Memphis; they’ve stashed their famous Gnomes around the city and if you find one, snap a silly picture and submit it to their website/FB page and win a weekend stay in Memphis.  Alex and I snapped away and had a good ole’ time until……He fell down and broke his crown!

The store owner, Tater, was not amused and after a few minutes of staring at the ground in confusion, I decided I always wanted a Travelocity Gnome and it was only fate that this Gnome came into my life.  Again, after a few drinks this was a GREAT idea!  Tater insisted he’d be in big trouble with Travelocity (Did you know you can purchase the same Gnome I have on QVC for just over $30 w/ shipping & handling? http://bit.ly/5SPZPi )  and they would be charging him an arm, leg and crown for the loss so there was nothing else he could do but push this cost onto us.  I very happily obliged because this little Gnome didn’t deserve to be thrown away, he needed a good Gnome…oops, I mean home.

I tweeted “http://twitpic.com/yzbes – Alex & I paid $100 for the Travelocity Gnome we broke at Tater Reds just now. But who else has a GNOME?!?!?”

I received a response from the Travelocity Twitter account who passed along the email address of Joel Frey who is a big guy with Travelocity and after telling me it was one of the strangest Gnome related emails he’s ever received, he was more than happy to resolve the situation.

Tater received his Gnome from Travelocity corporate office but will not accept it as a replacement because it was a 9’’ Gnome instead of a 13’’ Gnome and it was wearing a sombrero and maracas..I say beggars can’t be choosers buddy so give me my $100 back!

If you ever check out Beale Street, I highly recommend you NOT drink Jameson Whiskey and get creative with Gnomes.

I hope this post makes my Grandma proud!