Here I am at the networking session for the 26th International HPV Conference with Elder Amelia Tekwatoni McGregor of the Bear Clan from the Kahnawake (pronounced Gah-Nah-Whah-Geh) Mohawk Territory, who during the opening ceremonies, welcomed delegates to her traditional territory.

The Keynote Presentation was delivered by Stephen Lewis. Just prior, I had the opportunity to catch up with him during the networking session (since I hadn't had a chance to speak with him since the closing ceremonies of AIDS 2006).


We discussed the current initiatives he is working on with Eve Ensler and her global campaign to bring much needed attention to the needs of Congolese women and girls.

Since this was a conference focused on HPV, we also spoke about the work I am doing with the National Aboriginal Health Organization in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada and the International Centre for Infectious Disease.

I explained that we had brought together an International Indigenous panel that would be presenting on July 5, 2010. How we are hoping to gather information on individuals who already doing work in HPV prevention among Indigenous populations. We both agreed that a coordinated international response is a good idea.

MC Hammer - Celebrity, Rapper and...Geek?

MC Hammer was interviewed at the #140conf by Ted Cohen, Managing Partner, TAG Strategic and audience members on his relationship to twitter and social media.

The conversation that emerged was an explaination of how he has effectively used social media to promote himself as a brand.


He also discusses his interest in new technologies, his relationship to YouTube and twitter and monitoring user behaviours.

View 15 minutes with @MCHammer

Make Room for the Chief Listening Officer

At the #140conf in NYC, Jeff Pulver introduces Jeffrey Hayzlett, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Kodak by referring to a conversation they had about the need for "Chief Listening Officers" in corporations and the need for transparency.


Jeffrey Hayzlett presented on "Emotional Technology" and relationships. Kodak is looking at changing the ways people relate. Some of the ways they are doing this is by exploring the importance of twitter, participation and listening.

View Real Men (and Women) Use Twitter

Inspiring Messages at the NYC #140conf

As a woman who has worked in journalism for the sole purpose of raising awareness of the challenges individuals who are marginalized face, I found Ann Curry's message to be honest and relevant.

During the question period, she also addresses a difficult topic, while highlighting the strength of the human spirit.

View her talk >>

Ann Curry(@AnnCurry) is the News Anchor on NBC's Today Show and host of Dateline NBC.

Jeff Pulver’s 140 Characters Conference! (#140conf)

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the 140 Characters Conference: New York City (#140conf) which took place April 20-21, 2010 at the 92nd Street Y.

This event was the largest worldwide gathering of people interested in the effects of the real-time Internet on both business and “we” the people.

At the NYC #140conf, while I was a participant (and not a speaker), I had a little more time to take a step back and really observe and engage in what was happening.

In my opinion, the energy at the 140 Characters Conferences is the most free flowing of any conference I have ever attended.

There are so many inspiring stories and exciting initiatives that after a challenging few months, I feel like my passion for all things communications has been renewed.

Thank you Jeff Pulver, speakers and volunteers for yet another great #140conf experience.