Virtual Enterprise 2011

Posted by mdraycott on Feb 25, 2011 in Blog, Education, Enterprise, Entrepreneurship, Facebook, Geek, Personal Challenges, Social Media, Students, Twitter, Virtual Enterprise 2011 | 1 comment

Hi Guys

Today’s blog is going to summarise a few of my reflections on the Virtual Enterprise Conference 2011. First off I just want to say a huge thank you to our sponsors: Welsh Assembly Government, Glyndwr University and Simple Hosting Solutions; Our Speakers, and the 100 or so of you who came along and made the event such a huge success.

The conference kicked off with Lauren Currie (@redjotter) from the start Lauren took control of the room; and proved herself be a sassy, confident young lady with a positive (although at times challenging) message. She talked passionately and pushed everyone present to get out there and JFDI…and in doing so set the tone for the next two days.

“A truly inspiring speaker, a great kick to get you moving”Student Feedback

Next up was Rhys Gregory (@rhysgregory) a student who plucked up the courage to take part in last years open session. This year Rhys presented with confidence and style, overcoming his early nerves to show that anyone with an idea and some time can start to create a movement through blogging and social media.

“A great start…definitely a speaker to watch in the future”Business Feedback

Following Rhys was Paul Smith (@paul_a_smith) better known as the Twitch Hiker; Paul’s humour quickly won over the room as he recounted his tales of crossing the world using twitter, focusing on the communities his trip created and how ultimately it was these individuals and the relationships they built that made his adventure possible.

“One of the best speakers I have heard…witty intelligent and full of inspirational stories” Student Feedback

After lunch was Ande Gregson (@andegregson) this adventurous e-entrepreneur discussed social media and the lessons he had learnt in his journey from corporate tech specialist to social media event organiser. Ande not only gave the students tips and tricks to get them going in social media, but also echoed Laurens message: get out there and try it…don’t regret letting an idea pass you by!

“Brilliant, full of information” Student Feedback

Straight after Ande was Judith Alexander (@zoneglyndwr), In her session our very own Zone Manager told students about how @Virtent had inspired her to get online and start a movement to promote Glyndwr’s student enterprise hub and how this was so different from her youth and where she had started.

“Great to see the lessons other Universities can learn from Glyndwr” Staff Feedback

Last but by no means was least Alex Tew (@tewy) this viral media pioneer showcased a career of ups and downs focusing on building short term viral hits in his search for the next million dollar idea. Alex challenged students to see failures as feedback, gave tips to develop high impact ideas, closing by calling on everyone present to get up and have a go!

“A wonderful speaker, truly inspiring to see someone our age with such a varied career telling us that anything is possible” Student Feedback

Day two was, as always a more low key affair, with presentations from myself; focusing on the lessons from Second Life for business and career development and the eponymous John Lester (@Pathfinder) whose sessions; a mix of philosophy, technology and humour never fail to win over an audience.

I hope that aside form the early technical problems, everyone who joined us in Second Life enjoyed themselves and our wonderful new Sim (Enterprise Central) now available for bookings by students, staff and businesses.

All in all the conference was phenomenal, but I think there was one clear message across the two days aimed at everyone…not just those in the audience; just get out there and do it, if you have a passion, project or idea do something with it…find someone who can support you…create a network….but most of all just get moving!

“ [The Conference] Offered insight, inspiration & opportunities. A very good event indeed. Trust me, quote me, get involved
Again thanks to everyone who spoke / attended” @1neilcoles

Thanks to everyone who spoke, supported, helped and attended, your all awesome!

Peace

Matt