2011 Boston Community Manager Appreciation Day
Yesterday was the 2nd annual Community Manager Appreciation Day, or CMAD. For those of you that are unfamiliar with this “holiday,” it is a day where we recognize and celebrate the efforts of community managers around the world that use social networks to connect with customers and improve upon those relationships. CMAD is held every 4th Monday in January. Check out the Wiki entry for the “official” word (Reading that last sentence, looks like an oxymoron to me, but I’ll leave it in).
Boston’s CMAD was held at the Asgard in Cambridge, right across the Charles River. I arrived fashionably late (Not by choice, parking is not fun over there). Walking in to the restaurant, I immediately notice how community managers share the same mannerisms. They whip out their iPhone’s and Blackberry’s and check-in on Foursquare. What does this tell me? Community managers practice what they preach. They have a willingness to share their experiences with friends and even complete strangers.
It was a fun and non-threatening atmosphere. Drinks, appetizers and raffles; a winning combo.
Although CMAD is celebrated around the world, it was great to meet community managers that live close by and share experiences in person. Hearing how other companies are leveraging online communities and how community managers are constantly overcoming challenges in their roles, makes it all worth while. It’s makes it that much more fun to be part of something where everyone is excited to be there. I met some great [smart] people and I hope this tradition continues. All in all, a networking opportunity that should not be passed up.
If you want to lean more about this year’s CMAD, here are few resources. Will I see you next year?
Jeremiah Owyang – Wrap Up of 2nd Annual Community Manager Day: Voices Around the World #CMAD
