Darren Gorton tweeted this:
Transforming online faces into offline friends has a value that can’t be measured. #geekretreat
Driving into the Stanford Valley, with Cath, I was excited to be part of Geekretreat. Surrounded by mountains and some of the world’s cleverest people, all I could think was “Lucky Me!”
I could run off a list of things that got me thinking. I could run off a list of things that I learnt, including Dave Duarte’s presentation tips and yes, I’m gonna be keeping a green apple around when I present.
I could splurge forth on how, packing up on Sunday, my brain was filled with new ideas.
But, I shan’t. Not today. I’ve made a mental note to myself and a challenge. Geekretreat challenged me. And now, throughout the rest of the year, I want to live that challenge. Watch and see, I think 🙂
I am thankful for the time I got to spend with people. I loved musing about old days with Brett, getting a hug from Elan when I told him a story and totally having Dave smile for me when I told him my new love story. I got to hang with The Goose (who tells me I don’t snore – thank heavens!). I had so much honest conversation that I came away wishing it could go on for a little longer. I am so thankful for my life.
I loved presenting. I loved being given the space to speak with people I have for long, admired from afar. I loved being challenged and am thankful for what I got to learn.
The CathSquared presentation focused on Using Social Media for Social Good.
Catherine Lückhoff presented a case study on the Foschini Group CSI 16 Days of Activism campaign which was conceptualised and implemented by MANGO-OMC. Utilising online, offline and mobile mediums, the campaign created large scale awareness around violence against women and children, and more specifically for 16 NPOs that support victims of abuse. Critical aspects of the campaign included a strategic and integrated communications plan; acquiring the buy-in from key partners, media and online personalities; embracing the concept that charity starts at home; and being open to collaborating and exploring new concepts.
Linking in to the MANGO-OMC initiative, Catherine Jenkin gave a perspective on HIV-911’s experiences within the social  media sphere. Looking at the obstacles, the successes and the anchors on which they have pinned themselves.
We had a good time. A great time.
As the Goose, OtherCath and I meandered back to Cape Town, I reached my ultimate Zen.
I have never been more thankful in my life than I am today.
Oi, Cluckhoff, love you big big. Thank you for letting me invade your home, bunk with you and for supporting me. Always supporting me.
Oi, Goose. Chicka, three words: “ginger. nut. balls”.
Thank you. Photos soon 🙂
Cath, it was truly delight to see you and chat again.
It sounds so cool!
How do you even find out about these events?
Cath, what a post. It pretty much describes exactly what I had in mind at the time. As far as creating an environment to look objectively at life around us and yet still feel intimately involved in it, geekretreat went a long way. It was great meeting you there, I hope we do so again soon.
Dave, thank you for being so exuberantly stoked for me as I am. Thank you. X
Angel, i do through work. Gotta keep ahead of the race, they always say 🙂
Darren, wow, thank you. I agree. I read Jarred Cinman’s post this afternoon, and he’s so right. I felt a true sense of trust developed. I was so honoured to be there, so very happy to be able to “play” and learn with people I admire so much.
Here’s to the wonderful things that I know will happen because of geekretreat!
XX
Sounds like it was awesome!
Oi Midget – I cant believe I haven’t had a chance this week to read this post yet. Live is moving faster than a cat at a dog show.
So, have I told you how much I love you? I haven’t? Well, there it was. You have been added to my circle of specialness (yes Sheena, I can make up words too)
And the Ginger Nut Balls? I had them when I came back to Joburg. They were delicious.