To say that FutureMidwest induced a whirlwind of emotions would be an understatement. This past week was crazy chaotic, but in the best way possible. For anyone who isn’t familiar with FutureMidwest, it was a two-day technology and knowledge conference (technically it was a conference, but I prefer “movement” because it meant so much more) that took place April 16-17 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre. It featured fantastic speaker presentations that all revolved around the impact the social Web has had on businesses and communication in general. There was also an evening entertainment/networking program.
This will not be another FMW recap post. You can read some coverage and recaps from the conference here and on several local blogs and Web sites, like Detroit Moxie, The Detroit Regional News Hub and the Yaffe Group Tidbits blog.
I experienced something different as the person in charge of interviewing all the speakers for a special FMW video the team is putting together. While this job caused me to miss a good portion of the Friday speaker presentations (all those recaps are really helpful!), I had the pleasure of getting up close and personal with the speakers. It was very refreshing to hear the enthusiasm in their voices when they made comments like “FutureMidwest proves positive things ARE happening in Michigan” and “I’m blown away by this conference and all the people here.” I wanted to know what the speakers’ impressions were of FutureMidwest and what those who lived out of state planned to tell their friends and families about metro Detroit when they went home. The answers were very positive, and every speaker seemed sincerely impressed not only with the conference, but what they learned from attendees about how they’re playing a part in moving our state forward.
Now, of course they could have just been telling me what I wanted to hear. It’s not like one of the speakers would say on video, “Actually, I think Michigan is the most depressing place on Earth.” However, I could see the genuine enthusiasm and excitement in their eyes, and I believe in their sincerity. I truly hope they went back home and spread the good word about FutureMidwest and their experience in metro Detroit. We talked about this at last week’s Social Media Club Detroit meeting: Social media is important, but we must not forget the power of word-of-mouth, particularly when it comes from a trusted source.
If you haven’t yet, please watch this incredible FutureMidwest video that kicked off the Friday evening program. It gives me chills and gets me pumped for what the future has in store for my beloved mitten state. A big high five goes to Green Sky Creative, UWEMP and Fancy Lad for their collaboration on the video
Shauna Nicholson and I also created a mini recap video when the conference ended.
Nikki Stephan & Shauna Nicholson Recap FutureMidwest from Shauna Nicholson on Vimeo.
So where do we go from here? I can tell you the FMW team is already prepping for the 2011 event. The bar has been set. We’re well aware. 🙂
As Joseph Jaffe from Powered so eloquently stated during his presentation, “The next big thing is now.” Yes, the next big thing is now, but we can’t get so bogged down with searching for that next big thing, or that one magic solution to our state’s problems. We will achieve improvement in Michigan by taking things one step at a time and working in unison. Silver bullets do not exist in problem solving. Success is made of little victories. I wholeheartedly believe that.