NetHui 2011: Registrations reach 150
Registrations
There are now 150 people registered for NetHui covering a breadth of sectors and communities. We would like to see at least 250 participants so will continue to actively promote the event and we encourage participants to recommend NetHui to friends, colleagues and acquaintances. There are ultimately space limits so people should book early and let their friends and colleagues know “to avoid disappointment”.
Keynotes
The announcement that Professor Lawrence Lessig will be a keynote speaker has generated significant interest and the low registration price of $30 ex GST has also been attractive. We are also arranging local keynotes and further announcements will be made as soon as we are able.
Multistakeholder
As a multi-stakeholder discussion event it is important for InternetNZ that we reach out. NetHui is a platform for discussion by all sectors and communities in New Zealand to address Internet-related issues. The programme plan is available on the website and the Stream Leaders have been proactive in reaching out to communities to identify sessions that will be of interest. See www.2012.nethui.org.nz/programme
Sponsorships
We are pleased to advise that NetHui now has a number of major sponsors, being Google at Gold level, Scoop Media Cartel, TradeMe and FX Networks at Silver level, Alctatel Lucent as Innovation and Emerging Issues Stream Sponsor, TelstraClear as Digital Citizenship Stream Sponsor and Catalyst IT as Education Stream Sponsor. We are very grateful for this support.
There is substantial web advertising of NetHui occurring through the sponsorships of Scoop Media Cartel and TradeMe. This has been assisting in reaching out to that broader base, along with personal contact and through community organisations including those that have been assisting from the outset and are mentioned on the front page of the website.
Online participation
Being there is best, but for those that cannot make it to Auckland, we are arranging for R2 to stream NetHui live. Livestream will be the portal for this, which will provide live chat alongside and link into social media such as Twitter and Facebook. This will also enable people to catch up on what was discussed at sessions where they have been attending another at the same time.
Discussion forums on the website have been slow to take off but will remain a central point to discuss the stream content as we near the event. Encouraging more social media activity around NetHui is in our plans. As at writing, the number of people “like-ing” the Facebook page is at 95 and there are 78 Twitter followers. Please show your support and follow if you are a user of these servicess. There are links on the home page.
Evening functions
Plans are being formed for the evenings of NetHui. Wednesday evening will be an opening Welcome Function, for which we are currently seeking sponsorship, and Thursday there will be separate events in each of the rooms for particular communities. Further details will be advised soon.
