A truly unique experience is about to happen in the land of Hollywood and Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles. At the end of this month, the City of Angels will play host to one of the biggest and most extravagant events on the West Coast: Twiistup.

But what is Twiistup? According to the event’s website, it’s an annual event that was designed to help bring something “new and unique” to the Southern California networking scene. It was created by Mike Macadaan and this year is produced by Francisco Dao who has made it clear that he wants to expand from the previous editions to create something even bigger and better. So just HOW is he going to do that? First of all it’s not a one day event. It’s nearly a two day event where you have networking and celebration and then the traditional conference for the other day where exceptional speakers will help enlighten the crowd.

So aside from the celebration of networking and learning more about what’s going on in the technology and web scene, what else can Twiistup offer that intrigues people to attend? The mission of the event is clear: it’s to create buzz, energy and excitement in the air in order to help move ideas along. The organizers of the event want to focus on bringing the “best and the brightest” together in the area to make the community better.

The format.

Before you think it’s all just fun and games where people get together for over a day and a half and swap business cards, please note that this is not your average networking event. Attendees will be able to attend sessions and panels relating to not just the technology industry, but also entertainment and music – all three industries which share some things in common. Some of the panels tentatively lined up for this year include:

» Incubators and Early Stage investing
» Bridging the online/mainstream divide
» Technology and Music
» Investing and Marketing based on the 7 Deadly Sins
» Startup Ecosystems
» Opportunities and Challenges of User Generated Content
» Monetizing Social Media

Just who shows up?

The past five years of Twiistup has received thousands of people in attendance and this year promises to be nothing short of a record. Here are some of the folks who you will at least see throughout the event and are pretty sure to be appearing at the sessions:

» Jason Calacanis, founder of Mahalo and co-founder of TechCrunch 50 and Weblogs
» Chamillionaire,  Grammy Award-winning and chart topping musician and entrepreneur
» Quincy Jones III (QD3) Music and film producer/entrepreneur.
» Dave McClure,  Seed stage investor for the Founders Fund
» Chris Brogan, President of New Marketing Labs
» Brian Solis, Author of Now is Gone and Putting the Public Back in Public Relations, Publisher of PR 2.0 and bub.blicio.us, Founder of Future Works PR, and strategic advisor to Fortune 500 businesses and startups
» David O. Sacks, Former COO of PayPal, founder and CEO of Geni.com & Yammer, movie producer Thank You For Smoking.
» Todd Goldman, Artist, entrepreneur, co-creator of BLAHGirls (with Ashton Kutcher) & founder of David and Goliath apparel.

The list is tentative at best right now but rest assured that you’re going to have a lot of prominent industry professionals in attendance all eager to help move ideas about and create something truly remarkable. The partnership opportunities (and potential funding) is there. Why wouldn’t you show up?

It’s the startup showoff!

This year the organizers for Twiistup have thrown down the gauntlet to startups who want to show their wares to those in attendance. Companies were invited earlier this year to submit their products & ideas to the selection committee and only just recently has the results been announced – although partially at best.  In the sixth year, Twiistup will allow companies who plan on launching in the Fall of 2009 to demonstrate or present their concept, website, product – almost like their very own press event. People will be able to ask questions of the startups and will also be privvy to seeing some of the latest technology to emerge out of these respective industries.

But here’s the catch on how you know these companies presenting will be top-notch: startups interested had to have submitted their proposals to a panel of judges well respected in their industry. If the proposal holds muster, then they move onto the next round. Who knows? Maybe one of these companies will have the next Twitter, Facebook or Google that we’ll all be abuzz about for the next few years. The topping on the cake? These spots are free so you know the companies will put together all their effort to really impress you.

The details.

If you want to attend Twiistup at the end of the month, it’s in Los Angeles at the Universal Hilton. The cost for attending all the events relating to Twiistup will run you $297.00 but if you’re just interested in the evening mixer, you will only have to shell out $79. I’m sure that this entire event is not one to be missed and you can get your ticket by clicking here.

Media and press passes are also available in limited quantity. To get one, you will need to send an email to twiistup@lewispr.com.

I’m looking to attend this event and I’ll be more than happy to report back any findings and any buss about new companies that look promising. If you happen to be there at the same time, look for me and let’s connect. Get ready for Twiistup!

Photo Credits: Mike Macadaan

Steve: While not as cool a title as “Social Network Swami” that our own Shashi Bellamkonda has here at Network Solutions, your new job as “Social Media Coordinator” is new for Griffin Technology. What exactly do you do in role?

Dave: I’m Griffin’s online community guy. I think most people who own iPods are familiar with Griffin, they are the good people who bring us cool accessories like the iTrip and an array of awesome iPod and iPhone cases (not to mention other goodies). Griffin hired me on to help boost awareness of the brand and it’s products, interact and build community and develop promotions with equally cool partners.

Steve: Since you have been working in technology for a while and have been on the cutting edge with many social media channels (e.g. podcasts, blogging, social networks), has this helped you with your job at Griffin Technology?

Dave: It actually helped me get a job at Griffin. Shortly after I moved to Nashville, I founded the first barcamp with a friend. We were able to meet with Griffin and convince them to help sponsor the event. My relationship with the company has been a strong one ever since.

When I decided to hold a podcamp in Nashville, Griffin was quick to jump up and sponsor that event too. They have been a major player in making cool tech events happen in Nashville.

Timing worked really well for me, I had just wrapped up some client work when I got a call about the position.

Steve: Griffin Technology has made a great name for itself as the top accessory company when it comes to Apple-based products. What made Griffin Technology decide to finally dive into the social media pool?

Dave: The company already recognizes the importance of community, through their support of the local events I’ve been involved in. I have an advantage, because I live and breath social media every day, so I’m a natural fit to help keep Griffin in the number one position for iPod essentials.

They are a smart group of people who look beyond the horizon, that’s how they invent so many amazing products. They don’t just watch for new product potentials, they also watch for new marketing and promotional potentials. Did I mention they’re very smart?

Steve: I assume that one of the first things you will be launching for Griffin is a blog. Will there be multiple blogs with different focuses (i.e. CEO, Products, Customer Support) or just a primary one?

Dave: That remains to be seen. I highly recommend anyone interested in what I’m working on to follow our new Twitter profile: http://www.twitter.com/griffintech.

Steve: How do you see something like social media helping an established business like Griffin Technology that already have a great brand and growing without it?

Dave: It’s always been essential to have a strong brand, but social media allows us to take that brand several feet further (many feet, actually). A brand is a relationship between a company and its customers, so why not be personal? I think extending things by building new relationships with the people who buy our products, will be an important way to further the strength of Griffin.

Steve: You have helped many companies define their social media strategy. What are the top five things a growing or established business should be aware of before or as they leverage social media as part of their marketing/branding strategy?

Dave: 1. Be honest and transparent. 2. Keep your eyes on your brand. 3. Be creative. 4. Be personal. 5. Have fun.

Steve: Since you can’t mention anything about the cool iPhone/iPod designs Griffin gets in preparation for a new release maybe you could tell us what your future plans are for social media at Griffin and where you would like to see things in 12-18 months?

Dave: I’ve just started week two, so I’m still getting my feet wet. I’d like to be up to my knees soon, and completely submerged and swimming by 12 months. Backstroke, breath stroke, surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, I hope to have everyone at Griffin doing this by 18 months. Michael Phelps better watch his back!

Steve: As we close this interview, what do you think the social media landscape will look like in 12-18 months?

Dave: I’d love to have an idea what things will look like next month. We live in a very, very innovative world. In some cases social media can change over night.

The future is mobility, social media people need to keep on top of advances in technology, so we can all stay connected everywhere we are all of the time. You can be sure that Griffin will have a sweet case for it too