3rd annual social media summit set

With the goal of helping participants to learn more about “what’s happening and what’s possible” in the world of social media, the state Division of Economic Development in association with Epiphanies Inc. will present the third annual “A-Ha!” NH Social Media Business Summit on Thursday, Oct. 27, at Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford.”Social media is no longer an option for businesses and organizations,” said the division’s interim director, Chris Way. “The business case has been made that these tools are just as necessary as traditional marketing methods – and in most cases even more effective.”Lani and Allen Voivod, co-owners of Laconia-based Epiphanies and co-founders of the “A-Ha!” summit, have again designed the program and will serve as featured speakers. Other speakers will include: • Abby Fichtner, “evangelist for startups” at Microsoft and a highly regarding blogger in the Agile development field, will be the keynoter. • Lou Bortone, who has more than 20 years experience as a marketing and branding executive with national media. • Steve Boucher, communications and legislative director for the Division of Economic Development, whose “No Bull Business Blog” was rated “Best in Show” and “Excellent” over the last two years by the nine-state Northeast Economic Developers Association. • Nancy Clark, chief strategist and President of Glen Group, an award-winning ad agency based in North Conway. • Ric Pratte, director of the Meltwater Buzz Social CRM platform for The Meltwater Group. • Corissa St. Laurent, regional development director for Constant Contact. • Kevin Skarritt, founder of Flock Marketing and communications director for the Michigan Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction.”This is NOT a ‘101’ training-type event, though it’s definitely suitable for both newbies and experienced users, too,” said Lani Voivod. “While there will be countless and specific tactics and strategies shared throughout the day by our featured speakers and many other New Hampshire business leaders and new media trailblazers, the summit will showcase what’s happening and what’s possible in the social space throughout the Granite State and the world at large.”Continental breakfast, lunch, and refreshments are included for all attendees. For more information, visit AhaNH.com.