I'm sure that many of you, since you're reading a blog entry have already heard all the hype and news on the power of social media.  Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter - we've got it down.  We use these mediums to share news, find business contacts and scan for the latest industry information.  But at MPI, we're not satisfied with the status quo.  We're ready to take a big step onto the virtual blacktop at WEC Vancouver and add Foursquare to the networking mix.

The Foursquare network allows connected users to geo-track their location through their web-enabled phone and comment on what they're doing.  The concept engaged thousands of South by Southwest (SXSW) attendees this past spring, who created a buzz by sharing the conference's hot shows and events with thousands of other users.  For WEC attendees, it will allow you to share your location based on session and speaker.  Even better, you can see who else is at your location based on their updates.  That planner you've been meaning to introduce yourself to? Your next mentor in the supplier network? They'll all be there at WEC, now you can plan accordingly.

As an added incentive, MPI has a Foursquare Follow contest that rewards the most active user of Foursquare at WEC.  Users just need to follow "WEC10" on Foursquare and check-in where we check in.  The individual with all WEC session and event check-ins that is first to update at the closing General Session will win the MPI Prize package.  Those who attend the necessary check-in locations will gain MPI education that touches on CSR, SMM and technology education with an emphasis on networking.

So get started by signing up for a profile at foursquare.com. Then you can start following WEC attendees (check the Pathable community conversations).  Our starter suggestions include speakers MIdori Connolly and Dawn Rasmussen as well as MPI staff Kristen Kouk and myself.

You have from when you set up your account to opening General Session to learn the ins and outs of Foursquare.  Then you get to have fun, make connections and use this cool new tool to network at WEC 2010!

As a side note: I can't think of a better day to announce this than on Social Media Day, and I'd be remiss if I did give proper credit to the talented @kristenkouk for creating this fantastic program.