Social Media Club Chicago-What a Party!

On December 8, I attended the Social Media Club Chicago’s Holiday Party at CME Group. In addition to attending, I had also been involved in planning and tweeting about the event as communications director for SMC Chicago. Ever since the event ended, I’ve been left with this amazing energy and buzz that’s hard to explain. I’m sure part of it came from being part of a great group of people that plan these events, including Jeff Willinger @jwillie, President; Barbara  Rozgonyi @wiredprworks, Founder; Amy Ravit Korin @interactiveamy, Volunteer Driector and Chris Geier @chrisgeier, Technology Director.

If you’ve heard about SMC Chicago, but never been to an event, you should not take my word for it, but read from Dan Prager, who attended for the first time and gave, what I consider, a very accurate summary of what Social Media Club Chicago is all about.  If you have been to an event, but missed the Holiday Party, let me try and capture why I thought it was so amazing.

This was the first Social Media Club Chicago event I’ve been at (since my first) that I stepped away from the volunteering duties (bartender or registration) to hear the speakers. And what a fantastic duo of speakers it was. Erik Qualman @equalman, who authored Socialnomics, is one of the most intelligent, well-spoken people I’ve met when it comes to social media. You may have already seen some of his videos, but if you haven’t, or even if you have, check them out!

Then there was Shel Israel, @sehlisrael, who authored Twitterville. Shel is engaging and refreshingly honest. His ability to tell a story about Twitter successes not only provides a deeper understanding of the potential of Twitter, but also Shel’s insights on this very powerful tool.

But amazing speakers were not all the night was about. What really struck me were the people. SMC Chicago is one of the few events that I’ve never heard anyone say they were uncomfortable networking with new people. Part of it is the fun environment and part of it is the people of SMC Chicago. I always meet new people and this event not only did that but also allowed me to expand on some existing relationships. I loved that several people came to me and said they followed me on Twitter and just wanted to meet me face to face (F2F). Leah Pogliano @LeahChristine, was someone who I was connected with on Twitter, but never met. Now we are connected on Facebook and LinkedIn as well as on twitter. Others that I met for the first time F2F include @wangle, @robfrappier, @firebelly (all the way from Indianapolis!), @leyla_a, @rebeccadenison, @veronicaludwig, @gaweiler, @ChicagoDiane, and many others!

Read about why I use F2F (Face to Face), instead of IRL (in real life).

See some of these faces as captured by Abby Harenberg.

I think if you watch the video recap of the event by Steve Stokes and Stokes Studios, you’ll really see the energy, enthusiasm and fun time that everyone enjoyed!

Finally, I’d be amiss not to throw out props to a few businesses that provided some treats for the night. Ramon DeLeon is a SMC Chicago favorite with Domino’s Pizza. We also were treated to Asian dumplings by Wow Boa and some sweet treats by Goodies Etc. And, Tres Generaciones tequila provided top shelf drinks.

I’ve already previewed the venue for the next event, and all I can say is get ready to have some fun! Bowling, table tennis, Foosball…Plus we’ll be tying in some great networking opportunities!  So come join us at the next SMC Chicago event on January 28, 2010. Registration is open,  and you can visit http://smcchicago.org to be notified of more details and upcoming events.