I have experienced so much for only having been at The Yaffe Group for just two months and so far, one of my favorite experiences has been attending FutureMidwest. This was my first time at the conference and I was able to learn so much; from the predictions that Detroit will have a successful transit system in the coming years, and the idea that curation is the next big thing, right down to the overall culture of the conference.
When I walked through the doors of Eastern Market into the Quicken Loans pavilion for the first day of this two-day digital conference, I couldn’t help but notice how many people were so engaged in technology. I too pulled out my phone and began multitasking between tweets, Facebook updates and check-ins. After all, technology, fun digital things and social media were a huge topic at the FutureMidwest conference. After my first tweet, “#FMW11 with my Yaffe crew,” I followed the hashtag #FMW11 for the next two days and realized I was in the company of some pretty cool people.
Tech guys, social media folks and PR pros were among some of the professionals who attended FutureMidwest. Presenters and spectators both had great ideas and thought-provoking opinions. Everyone there seemed to be so knowledgeable at their craft, enhancing the outcome of the conference.
As FutureMidwest took flight, I began to observe my surroundings even more. Most people in the venue had an iPad, iPhone, Android or Blackberry in their hands. Of course most people now-a-days have one of these devices, but it was just awesome to see a room full of people with one of these savvy pieces of technology, and they were all on it at the same time. I also noticed a certain type of fashion throughout the room. I picked up that more than half of the male presenters wore button down shirts, jeans and a blazer. This certainly speaks for the culture of the conference in saying that people in this business are hip and trendy. One presenter even apologized for wearing a suit during his presentation, further proving that this is a pretty laid back, fun business. Women there were fashion-forward as well, wearing their hipster riding boots, well-fit jeans and trendy jackets.
Above all, since the conference was about learning, I definitely learned a great deal about the future of the Midwest, new technologies and advancements and creative ideas to use with clients. But I also learned that, as a new-comer to this particular professional world, I certainly fit the culture with my iPhone and riding boots.
How about you guys? Were there any first timers who enjoyed being in the presence of so many with the same interest?
Jessica Mosley – FutureMidwest Newbie & loving it
Future Midwest Photos by: Brandon Chesnutt
Very nicely summed up! I was a first-timer at FWM, too, and I’ll definitely be back next year. A great event!
Agreed! I’m sure next year will be even better!