MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge Unveils Agenda for "Brave New Web" Conference on New Media and Social Software

Business Wire, Jan 23, 2007

Agenda Includes Web 2.0 Pioneers, Technology Experts and Academic Leaders

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge today announced the agenda for its annual winter conference, "Brave New Web: Connect. Contribute. Collaborate." The event will be held on February 7, 2007 at The Colonnade Hotel in Boston.

The conference will explore how new media, social software and emerging technologies are changing business models and modes of communication, making it possible to reach out across wider networks and to narrower audiences.

"The latest Web tools and technologies, fueled by revolutionary thinking, have been driving consumer participation and new communities," said Trish Fleming, executive director, MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge. "Experts tell us these transformative technologies have barely been tapped. Our terrific conference roster showcases many of the entrepreneurs who are fueling innovation in the Boston area."

The lineup includes a morning keynote by Jeremy Allaire, chairman and CEO of Brightcove, a pioneering Internet TV service. John Furrier, founder and CEO of PodTech, a popular network of audio and video podcasts, will present the closing keynote.

"The widespread adoption of Internet video has given rise to exciting new dynamics where consumers and media owners interact directly, producing powerful networks effects and value," said Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Brightcove. "We are happy to participate in the MIT Enterprise Forum and to showcase how Brightcove customers are taking advantage of this new media environment to launch Internet video businesses."

"The media landscape is being revolutionized by a new breed of content producers and distributive technologies, which is creating exciting opportunities for PodTech and many others who are pioneers in this area," said John Furrier, founder and CEO of PodTech. "We look forward to this conference, where we hope to be able to contribute to the important conversation of how media communities and technologies will change our business and our daily lives."

Panels Span Technology, Business Dynamics and New Markets

In addition to the dynamic keynoters, the conference includes five panels featuring serial entrepreneurs, technology experts, academic leaders, venture capitalists and new media pioneers:

Plenary Panel: Boston Launch 2.0 - Focusing on the technology and capital requirements for launching Web startups.

* Joseph B. Lassiter III, Professor of Management Practice, Harvard Business School (moderator)

* Adam Bain, Executive Vice President, Technology & Production, Fox Interactive Media

* Richard Levandov, General Partner, Masthead Venture Partners

* Michael Skok, Partner, North Bridge Venture Partners

* Jeffrey Taylor, CEO, Eons

* David Weinberger, Fellow, Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet & Society

Breakout Session 1: New Media: Participation and Fragmentation - Exploring participation by user-consumers and the fragmentation of media sources.

* Henry Jenkins, Co-director of the MIT Comparative Media Studies Program (moderator)

* Laurie Baird, Director of Technology Partnerships, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

* Jose Castillo, President, thinkjose.com

* Alex Laats, CEO and chairman, PodZinger

* Amber MacArthur, New Media Reporter/Host, CityTV News

* Andy Plesser, Founder and CEO, Beet.TV

Breakout Session 2: Where Do I Get My Web 2.0? - Surveying the tools and services available to start a company or solve business problems.

* Rafe Needleman, Editor, Business Buying Advice, CNET (moderator)

* Phil Hollows, Founder and CEO, FeedBlitz

* Brian Shin, Founder and CEO, Visible Measures

* Scott Smigler, President and Founder, Exclusive Concepts

Breakout Session 3: Social Software: Getting to Critical Mass - Building a community of active participants who feel rewarded for their contributions.

* John Udell, Evangelist, Microsoft (moderator)

* Martin Clifford, CEO, Wis.dm

* Antonio Rodriguez, Founder and CEO, Tabblo

* Rebecca Xiong, Founder, HeyLetsGo

Breakout Session 4: Geeks to Grandmothers: Extending the Reach of Technology - Investigating how new technologies can be made more usable and accessible for everyone.

* John D. Lanza, Partner, Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP (moderator)

* David Cooperstein, Editor in Chief, gather.com

* Steve Garfield, Videoblogger and Boston Correspondent, Rocketboom.com

* Nick Gogerty, Founder and CEO, InClue

* Juliette Powell, CEO and Executive Producer, Inspiration Festival

Demo Lunch

The "Brave New Web" conference will feature a Demo Lunch where local Web startups will have an opportunity to present their service to attendees. The lunch will feature startups whose business models integrate pioneering use of next-generation Web technology.

Conference Logistics

The conference opens for registration at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 3:45 p.m. on February 7, 2007. A networking reception will be held following the closing keynote. The Colonnade Hotel is located at 120 Huntington Avenue, Boston. For agenda details and registration, please visit www.mitforumcambridge.org. Members of the press may register online as Press.