Two Communications Events You Should Not Miss

Yesterday I wrote about a planned marketing event for spring of next year, that if goes as explained, with be the communications equivalent of a used car salesman's convention. The next two events won't. Make sure not to miss them.

The Big Show

This year The Big Show will be part of the Vietnam Advertising Festival, organized by Sunflower Media . The official opening ceremony of The Big Show will start at 6pm Friday 10th, Dec 2010, and will showcase the best creative work from Vietnam's top advertising & marketing agencies. The venue will be The Zoo, Thao Cam Vien.


Barcamp Saigon

BarCamp is a user-generated event — open, participatory workshop-events, whose content is provided by participants — focusing on technology as well as teaching and learning. Sunday, December 12th, 2010 From 8:00a.m to 05:00p.m. RMIT International University. 702, Nguyen Van Linh Str., District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

Both events are free, and that's truly good news in a market where professional conference organizers come in, put on a lackluster show, and then leave with all the profits. Both these events not only come from the creative community but give back to it in inspirational and educational ways.

Finally, after years of competing unsuccessfully, the Big Show and the Golden Bell Awards will now exhibit together under the banner of the Vietnam Advertising Festival. Organized by Sun Flower Media, this event promises to showcase the best advertising work of the city at a venue that truly gets the Young Lions inspired. The Zoo. - Correction: The Golden Bell Awards, organized by The Vietnam Advertising Association, will not be participating. Why not? I don't know. They did two years ago. Another mystery only the VAA can answer.

Barcamp is a more unusual and not really marketing oriented event. Most geeks will know it as a good place for geeks - but I attended the first event two years ago and found it inspiring creatively. No big star speakers, no awards, but a truly collaborative environment that sparked thought and inspiration.

Do give these two event your full attention. They'll both be better than any profit making conference coming into town anytime soon.