SocialWest Lights up Calgary as a Hub for Digital Expertise

3^rd Annual Conference Attracted a Sold-Out Crowd and National Industry Leaders

CALGARY, June 18, 2018 /CNW/ - The 2018 SocialWest conference wrapped late Friday, after two full days of sessions focusing on trends in digital media and social media. The conference included close to 570 attendees representing 7 provinces, and more than 25 speakers from companies such as Google, Twitter, Hootsuite and Microsoft, as well as a keynote from Canadian marketing guru Terry O'Reilly, who spoke about the power of Counter-Intuitive Thinking.

By the conclusion of the event, the social buzz of the conference had a reach of close to 29 million as well as 4,083 mentions, showing the social prowess and influence of its digitally-minded attendees.

Conference supporter ATB put a special twist on the event by launching the #ATBListensLounge hashtag. Throughout the event, attendees could post any of their wishes to social media using the hashtag, and had their wishes come true. Surprises included the appearance of Canadian champion bullrider Scott Schiffner (after an attendee requested a visit from a cowboy), sweet treats, pizza deliveries, a laptop and even some puppy love from the Calgary Humane Society, who answered the call and brought a furry guest hoping to find his forever home.

"We love how ATB was able to engage with our socially-minded attendees to create some great surprise and delight moments throughout the conference," says Mike Morrison, Founder of SocialWest. "It goes to show the power of community, and that social media is all about listening and sharing as we build connections with each other."

SocialWest 2018 sold out in April and had a waiting list of more than 100 people, demonstrating Calgary is an emerging digital hub in western Canada. Sponsors included ATB, Vog App Developers, Bow Valley College, Calgary Public Library, Calgary Foundation, CISION, Northweather, Full Swing Productions, Four20 Premium Market, In Front Marketing, Truebüch Kombucha, The Promo Addict, Big Rock Brewery, Fiasco, Boom Goes the Drum, SOS Charging Solutions, Red Arrow, Shareworthy Content Lab, Proshow Audiovisual, Neil Zeller Photography, Sheraton Suites Calgary, Openhwy and car2go.

SocialWest 2019 will take place June 12-14, 2019, with tickets going on sale later this year. Details are available now at www.socialwest.ca and on social media, of course.

About SocialWest
SocialWest is the largest social media and digital marketing conference on the Prairies, providing a multi-day conference experience for those working in communications, marketing and social media. Attendees experience sessions, panels and workshops lead by the industry's foremost experts. Visit www.socialwest.ca.

SOURCE Social West