next09

The topic for the next conference 2009 is set. Share Economy will be the theme of next09. This term is shaped by the economy theorist Martin Weitzman. His basic idea: The more we share our success with others, the more we profit ourselves. This applies to humans as well as brands.

How do we create a value by sharing?
The vision of intelligent share models has become reality a long time ago. In the internet nothing is being owned by someone in particular. We share our knowledge, property and enthusiasm publicly and for free: on Wikipedia, YouTube, peer-to-peer networks, in blogs and forums. Every day millions of internet users prove that human beings create brilliant values for all of us, if they are motivated enough.

How could brands engage people and drive companies' profit?
Companies often find it difficult to free themselves from the familiar idea of central distribution. "Copy kills music" is the failed trial of defense against the free will of their own customers. There is one thing that is for sure though: If you stay away from the wired world, you lose your sustainability.

What does motivate us to share?
Sharing also means that the character of the property changes. In the society of knowledge meaning shifts towards immaterial values. Friends, access to information and the possibility to participate are more important than status symbols.

At next09 you are going to get to know them: strategies, companies and products that turn sharing into winning. Some of our focal topics are:

1. Creating a Relationship Brand
2. The New Marketing Power: Free!
3. Freemium or The New Business Models of Free
4. User-Driven Companies: The Consumer as Co-Designer
5. Co-Created Products and Services
6. How Corporations leverage the Wisdom of Crowds
7. Open Source and Open Space as Corporate Culture
8. Network Effects: Participation as Business Model
9. Creative Commons or The Future of Intellectual Property
10. Cloud Computing: The Network is the Computer (again)

To share your ideas for speakers, topics or start-up suggestions with us and at next09 you can participate in our Call for Participation.

December is a month with several important dates. Amongst one of them is LeWeb'08 which will be taking place on December 9 & 10 at Le 104 in Paris.

Correspondingly, LOVE! is the fitting theme of this years' international web conference in France. The focus now lies on gathering amazing personalities around start-ups, brands, bloggers, media, investors, entrepreneurs and other key people shaping the web industry. Check out the programme for further details.

We would like to share (of course it's a hint) a 20% discount on LeWeb tickets with our next09 blog readers. Using the promotional code next09 you can get tickets for the reduced price.

Networking is a significant component of the next conference and an excellent reason to join our Xing group. Its open to anybody who is interested to get in touch with other next09 participants and members. Forums with topics such as sponsoring, networking or conference information invite you to discuss and share information with others. To see who is already registered for May 5 & 6, check out the participant list.

Join in and discover next09 on Xing!

Shaping the interactive future is a main part of next09. And we want you to be part of next09! So interact with us and let us know your suggestions for speakers and themes. Tell us why you think you should present in May!

You have a business idea that everybody should know of?
Last year the Elevator Pitch was a big success: Apply for a slot and present your idea in 180 seconds! Young entrepreneurs also have the chance to talk in their own start-up track. Your suggestions and applications are welcome.

Why presenting at the next conference?
At next09 the movers and shakers of the internet meet each other: entrepreneurs, managers, marketers, consultants, designer, founder, blogger and investors. You will reach an unique audience of decision makers, executive managers, opinion leaders, early adopters, visionaries and trendsetters.

The conditions
There are none! Except that we only accept suggestions and applications in English via the prepared forms. Until November 30th everybody can propose ideas, after that date only suggestions by registered next09 participants will be considered. Registration for participants is already open. Deadline for any proposals is January 16th, 2009.

Learn how to propose your ideas.