International Speakers Spearhead Line-Up for Swarm 2015

International guests Joe Cothrel, chief community officer at Lithium Technologies, which powers some of the biggest brand communities in the world, and Caty Kobe, head of community at next-generation financial services business Square, will deliver keynote presentations. James Kliemt, the social media manager behind the most famous police social media presence in the world (QLD Police) is also keynoting at Swarm, and Mia Garlick, head of policy for Facebook Australia and New Zealand will be a keynote at the Swarm Symposium on Everyday Social Media.

“We’re privileged to have industry luminaries Joe, Caty and Mia share their inspiring insights and ideas on shared challenges, best practices and future directions in community,” said Alison Michalk, co-founder of Swarm and CEO of Quiip, Australia’s leading community management company.

“Australian businesses won’t want to miss the actionable innovations Joe and Caty are delivering to drive the next generation of successful enterprise customer communities for leading brands,” said Swarm co-founder Venessa Paech, head of communications and PR for five million member creative marketplace, Envato, and formerly community lead at Lonely Planet and REA Group.

“High utility content, combined with opportunities for collaboration, networking and learning through hands-on workshops make Swarm a must for community strategists and builders seeking to establish or advance their place in our fast-evolving industry.”
 
Swarm was the world’s first community management conference when it launched in 2011. Since then, it has become the industry’s flagship event for those in community building, social media, moderation and communications fields, showcasing authoritative trainers and speakers from business, charitable, education and government sectors.

Other confirmed speakers for Swarm 2015 includes:

- Luke Buckle, Houzz – built online communities for Seven Network’s Sunrise program and Fox Sports, now community manager for Houzz, the Australian arm of the popular renovation/design community connecting home owners and trade professionals.

- Jonathon Hutchinson, University of Sydney – one of the world’s top academic thinkers in community, he is shaping the next generation of community practitioners and applying innovative social techniques to transform education.

- Amber Robinson, Essential Baby - National Parenting Editor (Essential Kids & Essential Baby), Fairfax Digital, Australia’s largest online parenting community, reaching more than 1.5 million parents monthly.

- Stephen Von Muenster, Von Muenster Attorneys & Solicitors – principal of Von Muenster Attorneys & Solicitors, a law firm specialising in advertising, communications and social media, online reputation management and the use of big data.

Swarm Day One features speaker presentations from local and global thought-leaders, Q&As, a debate and lightning talks on hot topics, issues and trends such as: why CEO’s are turning to community management as a leadership discipline; strategies to combat bullying and build sustainable, safe communities; communities as a driver of content; and, legal and policy developments social media and community professionals need to know.

Day Two gives attendees the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and hone their skills in hands-on workshops on topics including crisis management and ROI/measuring online community.

Results of the inaugural Australian Community Management survey will also be announced at Swarm 2015.

The program has expanded this year to feature a Symposium on Everyday Social Media on Friday September 4, facilitated by the University of Sydney, where top academics will showcase new research. Entry to the Symposium is free.

When: 2-3 September, 2015
Where: University of Sydney, New Law Building F10, Eastern Ave, Camperdown Campus, Sydney
Tickets and event information: swarmconference.com.au