CES: Bloggers spread social media messages in Las Vegas and beyond
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Virtual armies of technology enthusiasts won’t be the only attendees at CES this year. They’ll be joined by a fleet of bloggers employed by exhibitors looking to capture the public’s imagination.
C.C. Chapman, a “digital dad” and blogger of five years from Boston, will blog for consumer goods maker Kenmore from the floor of the show at the Las Vegas Convention Center and host a blog-themed discussion with company executives.
He said: “Kenmore asked me to go out and cover things you find at CES and share them across social media. Not only for people at the event but for people who can’t go.
“I’m curious to see what’s truly new. I’m excited to know some of the things Kenmore will be showing. Talking about a cellphone is old hat, but talking about a washer is exciting.”
Chapman will create video and audio content with an iPhone and two digital cameras and post frequently to Kenmore’s Twitter feed and Facebook page. He’ll check in at locations using Foursquare and Gowalla so that his fans -- and his wife and children -- can track his movements.
He’s based out of the Kenmore booth, which features new products and daily cooking demonstrations, including a virtual cookery face-off with chefs based in a Chicago studio.
Other major exhibitors have tapped big-name bloggers. Chip maker Intel said its strategy involved working with bloggers -- or “brand ambassadors” -- who attend the show on the company’s behalf. These include mommy bloggers, daddy bloggers, vloggers and podcasters.
Allison Wesley, a spokeswoman at Intel, said, “Their advice, networking and content sharing amplify our traditional media efforts at the show so that it reaches consumers where they enjoy tuning in online.”
Audiovox and RCA have employed two ‘social ambassadors’ to walk the floor for the four days of the show and sign up social media fans and followers. They will be wearing RCA- and Audiovox-branded shirts with social-media-themed slogans.
Robin Raskin, the founder of Living in Digital Times, a technology-themed events and promotions company, said CES offers bloggers the chance to showcase their talents to a wider -- but also more targeted -- audience.
“Our most social show is MommyTech. Microsoft Mommy bloggers will be there and we’ve partnered with BlogHer too.
“We’ll be presenting and tweeting all sorts of data on how moms buy and use tech. We’ll have a mommy blogging area on the show floor, a special tour for mommy bloggers.”
Raskin’s recommendations include Elisa Camahort from BlogHer, Beth Blecherman at coolmomtech.com and Diana Eng, a designer who blends fashion and technology.
Raskin, a former editor of PC Magazine, who created CES’ Last Gadget Standing award, said she uses Twitter, Facebook, Constant Contact, Freeconference.com, Skype, LinkedIn and Gwabbit.com.
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-- Craig Howie