Social Media Technology Conference & Workshop
September 22-23, 2011 ( co-hosted by Bowie State University/Howard University)
Social media has transformed communication the world over. People from all walks of life and especially African America students in universities, and particularly in the historically black colleges and universities, use social media technology for day to day interaction more than any other demographic ( Honig, 2010). Yet, little attention has been paid in the popular press or academic to how and why this key demographic is utilizing social media. The use extends beyond personal and goes into how these individuals are reacting to businesses. This is the more reason why society and academia need to be aware of what really constitutes social media; the impact social media has on interpersonal as well as global communications.

This conference and workshop will bring together experts in the area of social media technology from the professional, as well as the scholarly world, to share their perspectives on the technical, ethical, economic, legal, political, personal safety, and cultural implications of social media technological use. The format for the event will be a two day intensive conference and workshop combining panel discussions and research paper presentations. Professionals will be selected to conduct workshops that teach Bowie State/ Howard University students, as well as students from neighboring universities, how to create and effectively utilize social media in different contexts.
Panel/paper presentations:
One page paper and panel proposals that address issues surrounding social media technology and professional interests are welcome. Individuals should send the proposal along with their name, affiliation, contact information and resume/CV to klangmia@bowiestate.edu or any of the contact persons below by June 15, 2011. Presenters will be notified by mid July on the status of their proposals.
Costs:
The registration fee for the two-day conference is $25. Students pay the reduced rate of $10. All presenters, attendees and workshop participants are required to pay the conference fee. Venue: Bowie State University (Center for Learning and Technology, CLT 102/117)
Contacts:
Dr. K. Langmia
Assistant Professor of media and mass communication studies
Bowie State University
14000 Jericho Park road
Bowie, MD, 20724
301 860 3704 ( Tel)
301 860 3702 ( fax)
klangmia@bowiestate.edu
Dr. P. O’Brien
Assistant Professor and Organizational Communications graduate program coordinator
Bowie State University
3018603703[Tel]
pobrien@bowiestate.edu
Dr. Tia C. M. Tyree
Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism, Howard University
525 Bryant Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20059