Lauren Cotton's blog

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and Thomson Reuters have teamed up to provide UK technology companies with the chance to demo their products at UK Demo Day on Sunday 11th March at this year's South By Southwest Interactive (SXSWi). 

If, like me, you're an avid tea drinker and have been wondering how you'll manage to fit in your daily fix between running from event to event during Social Media Week London, we have some good news for you.

Yorkshire Tea's very own Little Urn will be joining us outside the SMWLDN Hub at the Design Council on Wednesday 15th, where you'll be able to grab a cuppa to keep you going.

This year for Social Media Week London, we’ve got some amazing partners, and learning more about each of them inspires our team and challenges how we at SMWLDN do what we do.

Bringing on Small Business Sponsor, Constant Contact has been no different.

Learn a bit more about them with us, as we talk with Annette Iafrate, Vice President & Managing Director, UK at Constant Contact Constant.Through affordable and easy-to-use marketing tools, Constant Contact helps create and grow customer relationships. And now, they’re here to help strengthen and grow how we support small businesses in this area.

It's almost here, Social Media Week London is only a few days away!

To make sure you're completely in the know, we've pulled together daily event highlights so you know exactly where you should be next week.

The below highlights are for Tuesday 14th Feb, but you can also take a look through the full SMWLDN schedule and check out the events taking place at The SMWLDN Hub.

If you haven't already - make sure you're signed up!

This year, Social Media Week London (taking place next week, Mon 13th - Fri 17th Feb) has a fantastic hub, located at the Design Council in Bow Street (map), sponsored by Google+

There is a full agenda of great events at the hub during the week including events from Nokia, Google, Ogilvy, Constant Contact, as well as some of Chinwag's own and SMW's Global Keynote. Take a look at the SMWLDN Hub schedule below to see whats going on.

Jump to Monday // Tuesday // Wednesday // Thursday // Friday

Remember to RSVP!

Nokia is excited to support Social Media Week (13th-17th, February 2012) for the second consecutive year. To showcase its commitment to Social Media Week, Nokia UK, along with Milkround, will host ‘CV surgeries’ to share tips on ‘how to build a perfect social CV.’

The first 10 lucky people to register will be entered into a draw to win a Nokia Goodie Bag including the latest Nokia Lumia 710 smartphone and Monster music accessories.

It's less than a week until Social Media Week London returns, we hope you're looking forward to it as much as we are!

To make sure you're completely in the know, we've pulled together daily event highlights so you know exactly where you should be next week.

The below highlights are for Monday 13th Feb, but you can also take a look through the full SMWLDN schedule and check out the events taking place at The SMWLDN Hub.

If you haven't already - make sure you're signed up!

Ogilvy Keynote: The Insidious Plot to Socialise The Enterprise, Tuesday 14th February, 11am - 1pm

Oglivy, our London Supporting Sponsor present this deabte at the main Hub for this year’s Social Media Week London, The Design Council, sponsored by Google +.

We’re delighted to announce Ogilvy as this year’s Official London Supporting Sponsor for Social Media Week London 2012. 

On Wednesday 15th February, Ogilvy & Mather are hosting the Ogilvy Social Spin @ London Eye, a VIP party on the London Eye as part of their premier sponsorship of Social Media Week London.

Congratulations to the 40 leading UK digital companies selected for this year's UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Mission to South by South West 2012.

The exciting mission will see the companies travel out to Austin, Texas for an action-packed 5 days at SXSW Interactive, one of the largest and most well known conferences focused on digital media and technology.

Each of the companies joining the mission are listed below, don't hesitate to drop them a line directly to arrange a time to meet up in Austin, or follow their progress via their Twitter accounts. You can follow the UKTI team's coverage of the mission on Twitter @uktiatsxswi.