I’m pleased and more than a little relieved to pass on the news that the Moose will once again be loose next year, as the Northern Voice Personal Blogging and Social Media Conference will be back for its fifth year next February 20-21. Like some of the other organizers of years past, I have scaled back my involvement with the planning for this go-round, but happily there has been an infusion of new energy and inspiration, evidenced by the snazzy new design of the conference website.
I’ve always been proud of the contribution that educators have made to this event, both in terms of formal participation and the sheer mad party mojo, so I do hope you will not only attend but give some thought to a creative session proposal.
My good feelings about Northern Voice are tempered by news of the arrest of Hossein Derakhshan (aka Hoder). He was on a panel I moderated at the first Northern Voice in 2005. There isn’t much known for certain about the circumstances of his imprisonment, but suffice it to say that I am hoping for his safety and immediate release.
I am wondering what the list of attendees will look like this year … I am making my 2009 travel plans and have to really work to negotiate the time away with the budget and the family. I am guessing you think it is a worthy trip to make?
Don’t take my word for it… ask some of our many mutual friends who have attended what they think. It certainly would be great to have you out in Van Rock City. I of course understand the challenges of negotiating time away – no shortage of events, but the same can’t be said of time and money.