TechBiz Connection Presents Panel Discussion on Web 2.0 and Social Networking

Irvine, CA, May 11, 2008 --(PR.com)-- According to Jack Bicer, TechBiz Connection president, Web 2.0 is a trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to facilitate creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users. These concepts have led to the development and evolution of web-based communities and hosted services, such as social-networking sites, wikis, and blogs.

Topics covered will include: What is it and how are companies using it today? What are the primary difficulties experienced with Web 2.0 and how are they being addressed? Can it be monetized, and if so, how? Where are the best Web 2.0 ideas coming from? What resulting changes should businesses be preparing for?

The panel moderator is Paul Ulyett, managing director, RiechesBaird Strategy Group, who specializes in enabling clients to generate sustainable, profitable revenue growth through brand aligned business strategy, business process reengineering, human performance improvement and customer relationship management. His clients include a wide range of companies including; Microsoft, FileNet, Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield of California, The Trizetto Group, Dana Capital Management, Encore Credit Corporation, U.S. HealthWorks and American Airlines.

Panelists include:

John Payne, CEO, CircleUp.com, a leader in social messaging. He is the former CEO of two public Internet software companies, Stamps.com and Day Software and was the founder or co-founder of four Internet and wireless software companies. He also served as the jumpstart or turnaround CEO for four startups. Payne is an experienced fundraiser who has lead over $550 million in public and private equity transactions, including over $150 million in venture capital from well known early stage venture firms and strategic investors.

Christopher Heiser, president of Ten23 Software, a software development and consultation company that specializes in wireless and enterprise applications. Ten23’s primary aim in the enterprise space is to mobilize businesses quickly. Ten23 is also utilizing their expertise with an upcoming mobile/web consumer application that enables instant accessibility to information and collaboration amongst friends and coworkers. Before Ten23, Heiser was the vice president of development at RxLASER, Inc, where he worked with such customers as GMACM, MortgageServ, Infor, Epicor and Citi Financial in developing and implementing enterprise-scale server applications for high volume data processing and distribution.

Rodney Rumford, editor and publisher of Face Reviews, has over 20 years experience in the technology industry. He is a true visionary and has authored books on social media, business blogging and podcasting. He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, Business Week, Business 2.0 and numerous Associated Press and Reuters articles. Rumford has been involved with the Facebook f8 platform since its launch. His company www.GravitationalMedia.com provides business, strategy and technology consulting to help brands engage in social networks and technology. FaceReviews.com rates and reviews Facebook applications, as well as provides news and strategy insights about social media trends.

Elmer Thomas, social media expert, serial entrepreneur, and blogger specializes in using technology to increase productivity and revenue for both in-house projects and key partners' endeavors. In addition, Thomas donates countless hours to the community, mentoring young students and owners of start-up businesses. His award-winning accomplishments have been featured, syndicated and referenced all across the Internet and media. For more information, visit www.ElmerThomas.com.

The forum discussion and subsequent question-and-answer session is sponsored by Daly-Swartz Public Relations, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, ExactTarget, Inc., Septium Corp., University of California, Irvine, and Brilliant Blue.

Admission to the TechBiz Connection event is $30 prepaid and $40 at the door. For further information and RSVP, visit http://www.techbizconnection.org or e-mail Jack Bicer at president@techbizconnection.org.

TechBiz Connection was created to support Southern California business and technology professionals, companies and entrepreneurs by providing timely education and networking opportunities. The organization focuses on where technology and business intersect; everything a successful high-tech company would want to do.

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