SnOMG! is only one example of how the public sector can use social media. The first #140conf in the northwest will reveal others.

Whenever there’s inclement weather in Portland, the news crew frenzy is only eclipsed by the social media frenzy. #pdxtst springs into action. People are reporting a flake here and an icicle there. Reports come in from all over.

But something else interesting happens. Portland Mayor Sam Adams and other public officials start coordinating communications via social media. The public sector starts engaging folks online. And that’s pretty cool. But should it take a crisis for that to happen? That’s what the first #140conf in the northwest—#140confnw—is going to explore in May.

What the heck is a #140conf, you ask? It’s something to explain the state of now. As #140conf founder Jeff Pulver says, “It’s not bullshit. There’s something amazing happening right now on the Internet… the voices of the people matter.”

The #140conf events provide a platform for the worldwide twitter community to: listen, connect, share and engage with each other, while collectively exploring the effects of the emerging real-time internet on business.

The schedule for the events are unique and fast paced. It was Jeff Pulver’s intention to provide a platform for as many people as possible to share their thoughts and engage in conversation with the attending delegates. You will find individual talks set to: 10 minutes; “Featured talks” 15 minutes and the various panel discussions are set for 15 and 20 minutes.

The take aways from this event will provide the attending delegates knowledge, perspectives and insights to the next wave of effects twitter and the real-time internet will have on business.

Sounds interesting, right?

Well it gets better. We’re going to have one right here in our own backyard. In Vancouver, Washington.

Even more interesting? It’s going to focus on how the public sector uses social media to communicate with its constituents. In times of crisis or otherwise.

I’m very excited that we’ve managed to land one of these events. And I’m pitching in to help. So stay tuned for more information as things come together.

In the meantime, you can visit #140confnw for more information, like #140confnw on Facebook, and follow @140confnw on Twitter.

Published by Rick Turoczy

More than mildly obsessed with the Portland startup community. Founder and editor at Silicon Florist. Cofounder and general manager at PIE. Follow me on Twitter: @turoczy View all posts by Rick Turoczy