On Sunday, The New York Times printed an article by Katharine Seelye titled "Conventions Throw Doors Open to Bloggers." The article focuses primarily on the Democratic National Convention in Denver next year. Seelye writes, "Bloggers obviously bring a different take — less restrained, more granular, in real time — from that of the mainstream media, and that’s exactly what the Democrats want when they gather at Denver’s Pepsi Center from Aug. 25-28." My guess is that the RNC, taking place right here in the Twin Cities, will follow suit, passing out press credentials to many bloggers as well.
Another point Seelye made that I found very interesting was that because TV ratings for conventions have greatly decreased over the years (for many reasons I'm sure, but maybe one being that we the people have heard from these candidates for two years already come convention time?), convention planners are looking for other avenues in which they can gain publicity and coverage.
So, my question is: How has the influx of social media (YouTube, blogs, MySpace, etc.) changed the way we plan and publicize our events? Is it a must to have a video camera on-site now? Must you blog continuously throughout your week-long conference? Does this change how and to who you reach out when it comes to getting media coverage of your event?
(Hat tip to The Ethical Blogger for pointing me in the direction of Seelye's article)
--Amanda Fretheim Gates
Associate Editor








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