For the 2nd year running we are thrilled with the opportunity to serve as platinum sponsor for FutureM kicking off next Monday, September 12th, 2011. Microsoft is supporting FutureM by contributing speakers, and also serving as host venue for 10 FutureM events. 
We will be leading two marketing innovation sessions featuring Stefan Weitz (Director of Bing Search), and Ginny Musante (Director of Marketing Xbox LIVE Advertising Business). In addition, NERD will host events covering such topics as Gen-Y, geo location, mobile, cause marketing, cloud computing and more.
This year promises to be even better than last, and the members of the organizing committee have done an outstanding job creating a week long program with the best and brightest marketing, media and technology industry experts.
Here’s a sampling of FutureM events:
Tap Into Gen-Y
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a college student in today’s digital-anything-goes world? Are you trying to connect with Millenials and GenY and don’t have a clue where to start? Do you want a glimpse into the perspective of the most digital savvy generation yet to hit the consumer marketplace? This event will give marketers and entrepreneurs a deeper understanding for the collective minds of one of their most important target groups.
Date: Monday September 12th from 2pm to 4PM – 1st Floor at NERD.
FutureM Opening Night
The biggest celebration of marketing innovation during FutureM, the festivities will end in a networking party and begin with a welcome from the Mayor of Boston, Thomas M. Menino, and four mini keynotes from four internationally renowned speakers including: Jessica Greenwood -a Cannes Lion Festival speaker and Director of Contagious, Carol Kruse -SVP of Marketing for ESPN and one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2011, Frank Rose – Wired Magazine contributor and Author of The Art of Immersion, and Rishad Tobaccowala – Chief Innovation Officer for VivaKi
Date: Monday September 12th from 5PM-9PM– Back Bay Events Center – 180 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA.
Massachusetts: The Future of Marketing is Here
Mobile, social, gaming, analytics, video, cloud… virtually all of the technologies that are redefining the practice of marketing today have their home, if they have one, right here in the Bay State. Why is that? More importantly, what does it mean for the future of marketing?
Date: Tuesday September 13th from 8:30am – 10:30am – 1st Floor at NERD.
Bing & Social
By integrating the opinions and collective know-how of your Facebook friends and the collective wisdom of the crowd into your search results, Bing brings a powerful tool to the decision making process. Research shows us that 90% of people rely on the “friend effect” in making decisions, and 80% will defer a decision until getting input from friends. In this talk, Stefan Weitz, Director of Search at Microsoft will discuss this powerful integration, explore its implications on consumer decision making and why it’s so important, and the opportunities it presents for marketers and advertisers.
Date: Tuesday September 13th 4:30pm – 6:30PM – 11th floor Commons at NERD.
Kinect & the Future of Digital Marketing
Microsoft sold 10 Million Kinect devices in 4 months – Wired Magazine called it the fastest-selling consumer tech product of all time. While its hands-free interface redefines the way that consumers interact with games, the opportunities for contextual advertising and positioning will redefine the way that marketers and advertisers think about reaching their audiences. In this talk, Ginny Musante, Director of Director of Marketing for the Xbox LIVE Advertising Business will explore the scenarios and opportunities, and the implications on the future of digital marketing.
Date: Wednesday September 14th 11AM – 1PM – 1st floor at NERD.
Beyond Cause Marketing Summit 2011
Rather than rehash past campaigns, Beyond Cause Marketing will build on the success of its 2010 run by bringing leading cause marketing practitioners from corporations, charities, and agencies together with disruptors and innovators from other disciplines to challenge the commonly held assumptions of cause marketing. The half-day will begin with a rapid-fire presentation of five never before explored ideas presented by leading practitioners and thought leaders. Building on this energy, we’ll then harness the collective innovative wattage to fashion solutions to real problems by forming into cross-disciplinary teams and taking on the problems brought to the table by others. To cap the half-day, these solutions will be presented to the larger group with critiques and feedback given on the spot.
Date: Friday September 16th from 8:30am – 2:30pm – 1st Floor at NERD.
We are looking forward to seeing many of you at FutureM either at NERD or other venues in the community. If you have not had a chance to register you can do so here – FutureM promises to be a great week!
