This week I took part in two events which proves what I’ve posted previously that Nottingham is starting to come to the table as a serious centre for all things digital.

Web 2.0 Surgery

Wednesday 25th March was the inaugural Web 2.0 surgery, which just by coincidence was the same date as the one in Birmingham which  has been running for a year or so, although the organisers are unaware of their co-existance – great ideas happening in syncronicity.

Eight experts including myself gathered in the Cape Bar, and around a dozen people seeking expertise.  Despite the slightly intermitant wifi, we were able to impart a bit of knowledge and learn ourselves.  I spoke to everyone from new-starts setting up a web optimisation business, to a lawyer trying to blog without being contentious, to a guy trying to social networking the virtues of drain clearage, to an affiliate site owner looking for a change in direction.

I enjoyed the surgery, I hope I helped a little bit in addressing those little problems in e-marketing strategy and blogging.  I’ll be at the next one on:

Thursday April 23rd, 6.30pm, Cape Bar, Victoria St Nottingham.

Please let us know what you think of the events – is the location good for you?  Would working hours time be better?  How could we promote the event to the wider business community?  Advice in the comments please!

MediaCampNottingham, May 9th and 10th 2009

I’m really excited about this one.  The first ever event of its kind, MediaCampNottingham will land in town On Sat May 9th and I’m helping organise it. It’s based on the MediaCamp model that’s been running for a while now in London.  It’s an innovative UnConference exploring the latest digital trends in:

It’s an UnConference for knowledge-sharing and collaboration where you set the agenda.  MediaCampNottingham is for digital media professionals wanting to share and expand their knowledge, or businesses or social enterprises who are curious about the digital phenomenon and want to learn more.  This event is for you to share, explore, challenge and grow your abilities in digital media.   Learn about audio and video podcasting, blogging, web marketing, graphics, email campaigns, Second Life, Twitter and other social media tools. Whether you’re a veteran or just getting started, MediaCamp is for YOU.

For more info and to sign-up, visit the MediaCampNottingham wiki.  We are also looking for sponsors who could contribute towards the cost of lunch and refreshments in exchange for promotion on the website and at the event, or could contribute relevant promotional goodies for our giveaway bags.  If you can help, please contact Caron from PCM Creative.

Ada Lovelace Day

And while I’m here…

I totally missed blogging about Ada Lovelace Day as I didn’t find out until the day was upon us!   It’s an international day of blogging to draw attention to women excelling in technology. There’s a brilliant interview with Ada herself (in a Doctor Who style time machine style) here.

Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) was actually a local Nottingham woman, the daughter of wild 19th century poet Lord Byron, whose mother drew her into an opposite path, and she became a great scientist and technologist of her day, a rare achievement for a woman.  She worked on Charles Babbage’s analytical engine - the predecessor of the computer.

There are many great women in technology now, but probably not enough (apparently only 2% of Physics professors at universities are women) – and the lack of women in the games industry is well-catalogue.  Helen Whitehead thinks women are now excelling the field in communication technologies – particularly social media.  I think we’ve a way to come but it’s great when women are able to celebrate our achievements and spur each other on.

The revival of Girl Geeks Dinners in Nottingham is another example of both how Nottingham is getting more digital and humanistically connected and I’m looking forward to going along to meet some other girls working in the web and technology sector.  Sure beats the usual women’s networking for too many arts & crafts, life coaches and reiki healing ladies…