Lauren Cotton's blog

Lauren Cotton

I joined Chinwag in August 2010. I'm a bit of an all-rounder, working with all aspects of Chinwag, Chinwag Jobs and Digital Missions - helping with events, writing blogs, newsletters and development.  I also have a creative side...

Chinwag's Careers Day @ Digital Shoreditch: Programme & Companies Announced!

job interview

Come along to Chinwag's Careers Day at Digital Shoreditch next week (23rd May), where you'll be able to meet the industry's leading employers including agenices, top brands and exciting start-ups.

If that wasn't reason enough, you'll be able to improve your job-hunt with a brillant programme of advice sessions, with Portfolio Reviews from Vitamin T, CV Surgeries with Chinwag Jobs and Creativity & Ideas Workshops by Hyper Island.

There's limited space, so make sure you book now!

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Thinking Digital Startup Competition at Thinking Digital 2012

tdc

Thinking Digital are holding their first ever Thinking Digital Startup Competition, chaired by Paul Smith (of the Ignite100 startup accelorator programme) and supported by Northstar Ventures, at this year's event.

To enter, the startup needs to have been created or started operating after 1st Jan 2011 and applications need to be in by Friday 11th May.

There'll be a total of 5 startups pitching for 3 minutes on Tuesday 29th May during Thinking Digital University (TDU). Chosen startups will get a free pass to Thinking Digital 2012 (or 2013 if you already have a 2012 pass).

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"Instagram Your City" for Social Media Week! #InstagramYourCity

ldn

As part of the global festival that is Social Media Week, taking place in 14 cities this September including our very own capital, we're asking you to represent London and capture it's unique British beauty. 

This contest will be taking place across all this September's host cities, including Barcelona, Berlin, Bogota, Chicago, Doha, Glasgow, Hong Kong, Jeddah, London, Los Angeles, Torino, São Paulo, Seoul and Vancouver.

In the coming weeks, Social Media Week will launch the Instagram Your City website, which will pull together the best photos. One "Best-in-Show" picture will be selected from these. Once selected, the winning contestant will be given the opportunity to travel to any Social Media Week city of their choosing during the September 24th - 28th event. 

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Ravensbourne2012 - a Degree Show promising to be like no other, 13th - 14th June

ravensbourne

The wonderful guys (and girls) at Ravensbourne have helped us during two Social Media Week London's, Feb 2011 and this February just past.

On the 13th & 14th June, Ravensbourne2012 will be opening its doors to industry and the public, to showcase London’s brightest new graduates. The two day festival, organised and designed by the student body, is a chance to see a collaborative showcase of graduate work, alongside other outstanding live events and installations. A graduate show like no other. And the invite is extended for you to attend.

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Deadline Extended for UKTI Multi-Sector Mission to China, led by Lord Green (May '12)

Beijing Skyline

The deadline for UKTI's high profile Trade Mission to China (taking place 28th May - 1st June 2012) has been extended to end of play, Wednesday 25th April.

The multi-sector mission, which will be led by Lord Green, Minister of State for Trade & Investment, is timed to coincide with the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) and will also include a "UK Day" Showcase with networking and bespoke b2b meetings, networking with Chinese government officials and more.

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Win Tickets to DemandCon (28th May 2012)

demandcon

DemandCon, the conference dedicated to accelerating the sales and marketing funnel, comes to London on 28th May 2012

We're delighted the organisers have offered two lucky Chinwaggers the chance to win a free conference ticket worth £395.00 each.

Entering the competition could not be easier, simply follow the link below and fill in the form by Friday 18th May and a ticket could be yours.

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[Press Release] Tickets Released for this year's Digital Shoreditch Festival

eldn

Digital Shoreditch Festival 2012 is thrilled to announce the release of tickets for this 2 week festival of digital creativity with an expected 10,000 attendance! It brings together renowned leaders in digital taking place in more than 200 sessions from 21st May – 1st June.

The aim of the festival is to facilitate the wide spectrum of individuals and companies to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas through an extensive range of events and activities.

Each day of the festival will be themed, including Chinwag's Careers Day on May 23rd.

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Win Tickets to Search Marketing Expo - SMX London (15th - 16th May)

SMX

This year's Search Marketing Expo - SMX London (15th - 16th May 2012) will be held at Chelsea Football Club and is being hosted by Chris Sherman and Danny Sullivan, the acknowledged industry thought leaders on search marketing. Joining the event will be Amit Singhal, head of Google's core ranking team, who'll be the opening keynote speaker.

We're delighted the organisers have offered two lucky Chinwaggers the chance to win a free conference ticket worth approx £890.00.

Entering the competition could not be easier, simply follow the link below, complete the form and a ticket could be yours. 

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Careers Day @ Digital Shoreditch: Great Staff, Top Jobs - Get Involved

Come along and join us on Wednesday 23rd May for our Digital Careers Day, part of the Digital Shoreditch Festival 2012.

The day links leading employers to candidates seeking a career in the digital sector and gives HR professionals a unique opportunity to meet a large number of well-qualified candidates.

Job seekers will benefit from mentoring sessions, portfolio reviews and guidance offered by premier agencies, brands and start-ups. There will also be a networking lounge where recruiting companies and job seekers will be able to network, check emails, have a break and a chit chat.

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Only 5 Days Left to Get Earlybird Tix for Chinwag Insight: Psychology of Online Influence

birds nest

The Earlybird is due to fly the nest! Yes, Earlybird tickets (at only £149*!) for Chinwag Insight: Psychology of Online Influence end this Friday 20th April, so make sure you snap yours up before it's too late!

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The latest in the Chinwag Insight series, the Psychology of Online Influence, will be a half-day conference taking place on Thursday 3rd May.

With top speakers such as Nathalie Nahai (The Web Psychologist), Dr Barbie Clarke (Family Kids and Youth), Elizabeth Kessick (JustGiving), William Higham (The Next Big Thing) and more sharing their insight, you'd be a fool to miss out!

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New Speakers Announced for Chinwag Insight: Psychology of Online Influence

brain scan

You may well have heard about the latest in our Chinwag Insight series, the Psychology of Online Influence, taking place on Thurs 3rd May. You'll be glad to know we've recently added to our impressive speaker line-up.

Along with our previously announced speakers, we'll be joined by the wonderful Elizabeth Kessick, Head of Insight at JustGiving and Dr Barbie Clarke, Founder and Managing Director of Family Kids and Youth.

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Win Tickets to Thinking Digital, 29th - 31st May 2012

td2011

Thinking Digital (29th - 31st May) is a three-day event drawing together exceptional talent from the worlds of technology, media, science, industry and the arts. 

It attracts speakers from around the world, who to come to Gateshead to share their wisdom and experiences to encourage us all to pursue our passions and dreams. 

We're delighted the organisers have offered one lucky Chinwagger the chance to win a free conference ticket worth £330.00.

Entering the competition couldn't be easier, simply follow the link below, complete the form and a ticket could be yours.

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Applications Open: UKTI Multi-Sector Mission to China Led by Lord Green (May 2012)

birdsnest stadium

UKTI Trade and Investment are running a high profile Trade Mission to China from 28th May - 1st June 2012, led by Lord Green, Minister of State for Trade & Investment.

The multi-sector mission is timed to coincide with the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) and will also include a "UK Day" Showcase with networking and bespoke b2b meetings, networking with Chinese government officials and more.

To apply, complete this application form and return to Allegra at B-to-B (details on form or below). Closing date for applications is Friday 20th April.

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Win Tickets to the Guardian's Activate New York 2012 (Thurs 3rd May)

NYC

The Guardian is pleased to announce the launch of the second annual Activate Summit in New York on Thurs 3rd May 2012, an event for business leaders, developers and digital practitioners focusing on how we can change the world through technology.

We're delighted that The Guardian have offered a few lucky Chinwaggers the chance to win two pairs of conference tickets worth approx $2390.00!

Entering the competition could not be easier, simply follow the link below and complete the form and a ticket could be yours.

Please note: the prize does not include travel / accommodation - please enter only if you are able to attend!

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Heading to SXSW Next Month? Come and Find Team Chinwag!

tradeshow

Are you making the trip over to Austin, Texas next month to South by South West?

Team Chinwag will be there, along with the UKTI Mission to SXSW companies, so if you'd like to catch-up, please come and find us! Check out the list below to see where we'll be.

Also, if you're heading out and would like the chance to chatter with other UK delegates who'll also be there, come along to our Pre-SXSW 2012 Mixer, 6.30 - 9.30pm on Wednesday 29th Feb in Central London.

You may also find it useful to check out these 50 Essential SXSW Tips.

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