Genius+Power+Magic

Convergence Partner Profile: Daisy Whitney

Convergence Partner Profile: Daisy Whitney Cross Promotion Partnership with The New Media Minute A Note from Daisy Chicago has long been one of the key media capitals in the United States especially because of its cluster of media agencies serving advertisers in the midwest. Many of the most important retailers and consumer packaged goods companies are located in the midwest and Chicago effectively serves as the epicenter for their work and their connectedness to each other. Also, I have seen a number of creative minds in Web video rise up from that area and bring terrific ideas to the national scene, folks like Thatcher Kamin and Billy Parisi come to mind. John Patterson invited me to produce a video for the Chicago New Media Summit last year and that got me even more interested in the work happening in Chicago. Also, as we started cross-promoting each other's work, I asked John if he would want to become a distribution partner for the New Media Minute and carry my weekly Web report on the Chicago Convergence site. He said yes and it's been a wonderful partnership -- I've interacted with many new viewers via Chicago Convergence and have also met sources for articles and stories. I think Chicago will only grow as a new media locus especially with its bid for the 2016 Olympics games, which itself is likely to be a huge new media event, given the online video efforts in the 2008 games. My strategic plan for the New Media Minute is to continue to use it as a vehicle to report on trends, news and analysis in the new media business all with an eye towards why this matters. I aim to give the context behind trends, to explain why to keep an eye on new developments and what they may signify about where money is coming from down the road. The show has already grown tremendously in viewership this year through new distribution partnerships with Chicago Convergence, Beet.TV and the Huffington Post, as well as my production partnership with NATPE -- the National Association of Television Program Executives --- which brought my new advertiser The Platform into the fold along with charter sponsor Digitalsmiths. My goal is for TV, production, new media, VC executives as well as producers, creators, agents and others to turn to the New Media Minute for the context and meaning behind the new media business.  About Daisy Whitney Daisy Whitney specializes in covering Internet video, social networking, YouTube, iTunes and other forms of online and new media distribution of content. As a multimedia reporter she is one of the first journalists to launch her own online newscast that covers the business of Internet video. Her work is regularly read and watched by executives across the television, cable, advertising and Internet businesses. [more]

Bringing it home

Bringing it home
A personal note from the convergence founder

In January I moved to Los Angeles to open up the West coast office for Pixel Brothers and join my longtime friend Kirkland Tibbels in support of his venture 'Hollywood Farms', a comedy film and entertainment production company.

Kirkland and I share a residence in Hollywood 6 blocks from Graumans Chinese theater where throngs have been memorializing Michael Jacksons star on the walk of fame, and where Hollywood Farms and Pixel Brothers share an LA office.

Tibbels and I have been in cahoots for years (we met in Austin in the late 80s) and our friendship and partnership has connected Pixel and myself with some great opportunities.  Recently, Hollywood Farms inde-feature ADRENALINE made Varietys headlines when one of LA's largest agencies, Gersh, chose this feature to launch its bold move, both physically and as a packaging and financing entity.

The feature, penned by Hollywood Farms writer Justin Ware, has now been funded and will very likely come home to Chicago for filming this fall.  Tibbels and Ware met at Chicago's Second City in the mid 90s and have developed a slate of comedy offerings getting enormous attention.  Ware's superhero comedy AMAZING GIRL was optioned by Ian Bryce, Executive Producer for HANCOCK, TRANSFORMERS, SPIDERMAN and is now out for A-list casting.  If it couldn't get any better, Bryce will also be attached to AMSTERDAM, another Hollywood Farms/Ware property, that will be the first feature with Pixel Brothers credits.

For Pixel, I represent not only this interest, but about thirty television programs in various states of development and with our producer relationships and long history with NBC Universal, we are getting immediate consideration.

Times are exciting. With windy city blood, plus Illinois incentives, it just makes sense to film in Chicago so keep your fingers crossed.  It has always been my intent to 'bring it home' - and as published previously, The Chicago Convergence 'known as a global hub' mission requires attention from outside the Midwest.

So what is happening with The Convergence with me in LA?

The Convergence was founded by myself, Bruce Montgomery and Malachi Leopold.  I will always be the founder and will continue to nurture Chicago in every way I can - and - I had no expectation of the kind of success we are actually having. I step down as President of the non-profit organization and manager of the organization and its activities.  Bruce Montgomery will act as the central figure in the organization and management of this fall's event and TCC's future. He, the board, leadership team and dozens of volunteers are working diligently to create a great event.  It just makes sense to have him manage it on the ground in Chicago and TCC deserves a powerful leader.

Bruce has long stood for Chicago's interests.  He is CEO at Wi-Fi Technologies, LLC and is Executive Producer & Host at Technology Access Television, Chicago's longest running technology television show.  He can routinely be found at most digital, technology and social media events and the Mayors council of Technology Advisors. He offices at the Illinois Technology Association, the new address for TCC at 200 S. Wacker Drive, 15th Floor, Chicago IL 60606.

Bruce has always been passionate about the community; building and driving initiatives that create real long-term value and nurture entrepreneurial fertility.  He strives to find ways to connect people towards the greater good.  His commitment to the celebration of diverse interests and people drives his passion for collaboration; the heart of the Convergence.  Please support his leadership in building a better Chicago.

For questions, or to participate in the 2009 September event, please contact Bruce Montgomery through our 2600 member network by messaging him here.

If you wish to contact me, you can do so through my personal email at john@pixbros.com

John Patterson
Convergence Founder

Ning Blog

The Chicago Convergence
Posted by Mackenzie on July 10, 2009 – 9:00 am

The Chicago Convergence - Pioneering Chicago as the global hub of change and innovation The Chicago Convergence aims to “pioneer Chicago as the global hub of change and innovation.” On the social network, members are encouraged to collaborate about new ventures in technology. They post interesting technology speeches or talks in the Videos section. To reinforce this use, they’ve used the Tab Manager to rename the Videos tab to “Talks.”

The Events section keeps Chicagoans up to date on upcoming conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities, like the Chicago Convergence 2009 conference happening in September. Members have also organized into Groups based on specific area of interest, like journalism, music, activism, and marketing.

Step Nine, give it away

This post is step nine of ten steps where leadership and real productivity are your goal.

9.    Give away an important aspect of your project to someone passionate about it.  This is like planting a seed in a very fertile garden.  Watch the unexpected happen.

I know plenty of people whose ideas die because they can't allow their idea to morph with the inclusion of others.  With entrepreneurs it is common to sneer at financiers who might want to change your idea a little.

I'd rather have 5% of a huge thing than 100% of nothing.  In fact 5% of a huge thing leaves the other 95% free to collaborate on other projects.  I promise you will not run out of brilliant ideas; in fact, the more open you are to collaboration, the more likely you are to run into hundreds of them.

Where leadership is concerned, if you want your project to expand drastically, give away an important aspect of your project to someone who'd love to put 100% of their time into it.  If you are really smart, give away all of it, and keep the portion that benefits you; founder / principal / figurehead / stockholder, etc.

Oh...almost forgot.  You're going to have to become a great manager and stop laboring.  I know, "I'd love to stop laboring" is what you say...but easier said than done.  The labor mentality is difficult to break.  It is deeply rooted in age-old work ethics that keep a solid lid on what could happen with your project or company. 

Simply said, you and I are prone to think of work/labor = value Vs. content/information/relationships = value. 

There is nothing as valuable as an innovative idea built by a team with great connections.

Give it away, give it away, give it away now.

John Patterson
Convergence Founder

The 2009 Chicago Convergence Dates & Locations

Two Locations September 20-23 Hard Rock Hotel 230 N Michigan Ave Sept 20-21 Live Music The Convergence Talks Exhibits Mashup Labs Networking events Social Event Spertus Institute 610 S Michigan Ave Sept 21-23 The Convergence Talks Exhibits Innovation Labs Networking events Social Event Our Mission To forge our collective destiny.  To showcase Chicago nationally and internationally as the global hub of digital media, design, entertainment and innovation.   What is The Chicago Convergence? It is an annual conference, festival and exhibit powered by diverse industries and powerful individuals via a vast collaboration and social media network. The Conference is four days of remarkable presenters and performers.  It begins with the 'Sound Convergence' at The Hard Rock Hotel; live music festival, exhibits and presentations building the future of the music industry.  Then continues at The Spertus Institute for three days of VIP presentations, innovation labs, networking events, exhibits and socials; forging our collective excellence and broadcasting it to the world. The Social Media Network is a place that collects the brightest minds and lets them loose to make things happen.  This collective shapes the very future with hundreds of video talks from previous conferences, user generated content and member resources, events and initiatives. Questions We know there are many questions about the event; how much is it?, can I attend both or either?, how do I participate?, etc.  Stay tuned for more information.  We will alert you with all the details as they unfold over the next two weeks.

Spertus Institute likely choice for TCC09

Team Durst, contracted to produce this years expanded event, is working diligently to secure the location for The 2009 Chicago Convergence (TCC09), with many options still in the running.  The 2009 Chicago Convergence is currently penciled to take place at the Museum of Contemporary Art on September 21-23, 2009, but with an expanded showcase, it is seeking either alternative or additional locations.  We expect to finalize the choice this week.

One likely candidate is The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, located at 610 S. Michigan Avenue, which officially opened to the public Friday, November 30, 2007.  Krueck & Sexton Architects, an internationally renowned firm based in Chicago, was chosen in 2003 to design the new Spertus facility.

A specially designed 400-seat theater (insert) would be used for the Convergence Talks, while the remaining trade show, innovation labs and networking events would be held throughout the several floors of dramatic spaces and classrooms with spectacular views of Grant Park, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago skyline.

Now that the Sound Convergence 09 (Live Music and Music Industry mashup) fuse is lit, the biggest consideration is our Social event (attendance expected at 2-3000 +) and live music.  We are considering music venues throughout the city or a single location.  Our preference is that a ticket holder is able to see and experience as much as they can in a single  location or locations in close proximity.  A final possibility may be to use a tent structure to reach our goal.

The Spertus institute is an award winning piece of architecture that captures the imagination.  For an event like TCC09, which is built to cultivate collaboration, authenticity and our collective digital prominence, the Spertus Institute represents the perfect environment to embrace and further these goals.

FAQ about Spertus

John Patterson
Convergence Founder

All images from Spertus Institute website, http://www.spertus.edu/

being convergency

The 10 ways of ‘being convergency’

1.    Share divine ideas and technologies
2.    Produce viable ventures and invent new commerce
3.    Be an Influence and influential
4.    Declare bold collective futures
5.    Open to opportunity from anyone or anywhere
6.    Obtain personal success through community empowerment 
7.    Make no little plans
8.    Risk authenticity
9.    Foster Collisions and mashups
10.    Issue in a new era of human cooperation

John Patterson
Convergence Founder

Want it done right? Do it yourself

This is a popular saying, but if you show me a person who lives and dies by this statement, I'll show you a person who doesn't get much done, and is likely to be single (weird isn't it?).

Consider yourself a resource vs a doer.  What resource are you and to whom? 

I am a make large-scale things happen fast guy.  If you want me to produce a herculean result yesterday, I start salavating.  If you want me to make a graph of the statistical analysis of the three previous years stazzzzzzzz.  Huh, sorry.

I never get things done by myself.  I am a resource for vision.  Other are a resource for selling, relationships or statistics.  If you are going to produce something grand you will need to have all of these people involved and tapped in on what rocks their world.

Some master once said to me "you can't do it, but your community can". 

I began to relate to others as resources and networks and networks of networks almost 20 years ago.  I am personally at work on creating media and entertainment that alters history (btw, this is one of two personal missions - you have to ask about the other) you think I can do this by myself?

I find that todays social media is really tapping into what is just simply true about people.

I can not and frankly don't want to do this by myself.  I want to watch other people glowing in the success of their accomplishments.  If I am going to brand and promote a city, might as well make sure everyone around me gets to do what they do best.

John Patterson
Convergence Founder

Image http://www.flickr.com/photos/8596221@N07/2923434507/

Announced: 2009 Presenters, Topics and Events

Stay tuned for innovation labs, network events and music biz partners

The 2009 Topics have been selected and can be seen here: Schedule *

The Chicago Convergence will host remarkable pioneers in digital media and strategy, marketing and advertising, entertainment and content development, mobile capacities and devices, blogging and journalism and the continued revolution of the music industry. 

Social media's impact, range and ROI are discussed throughout, as well as the powerful development and exposure of individuals, organizations and brands.

Newly confirmed 2009 presenters include Russ Unger, Director of Experience Planning for Draftfcb, the largest advertising/marketing agency in Chicago and the Midwest. Leah Jones, Twitter guru previously with Edelman now owner of Nativ Inc, and Bill Adee, Editor of Digital Media for the Chicago Tribune.

Chris Bernard of Microsoft is leading up our Innovation Lab Teams.  Keep following for more information about our music industry partnerships, network events and social gala.

For more information, contact chicagoconvergence@gmail.com
For international questions, please contact euconvergence@gmail.com

John Patterson
Convergence Founder

Announced: 2009 Convergence Schedule Revealed

Announced: 2009 Convergence Schedule Revealed TED meets SXSW type of event being formulated The 2009 Topics have been selected and can be seen here: Schedule The topics are place-holders for subject domains and will change to represent the specific talk (within that domain) as the presenters are confirmed and reveal their talk subjects. The Chicago Convergence will host remarkable pioneers in digital media and strategy, marketing and advertising, entertainment and content development, mobile capacities and devices, blogging and journalism and the continued revolution of the music industry.  Social media's impact, range and ROI are discussed throughout, as well as the powerful development and exposure of individuals, organizations and brands. Invited to attend are previous presenters David Armano of Dachis Corporation, an enterprise social technology company based out of Austin being formed with Jeff Dachis, Peter Kim, and Kate Niederhoffer working on 'social business design', Leah Jones, Twitter guru previously with Edelman now owner of Nativ Inc, Mark Mitten, Chief Brand Officer from Chicago 2016, Jane Hirt, Managing Editor of the Chicago Tribune, and Tom Yorton's Second City Communications. The Chicago Convergence is currently in talks with Chicago's Merchandise Mart (right) to expand the venue to include a digital trade show, live music and music industry presentations as part of a 'Sound Convergence' and additional space for break-out venues and innovation labs. In addition to the expanded format, the 'Global Hub' focus is made more real by the inclusion of international talks from presenters attending from cities like Frankfurt, Warsaw and Mubai, for example. An expanded format would grow the size and duration of the event, but the real benefit is the expanded opportunities for these industries to meet, connect and converge.  As more clarity is brought to the events' format and location, the details will be announced. Until further notice, the location is still scheduled for the Museum of Contemporary Art. For more information, contact chicagoconvergence@gmail.com For international questions, please contact euconvergence@gmail.com John Patterson Chicago Convergence Founder