STATE OF SOCIAL SMASHES EXPECTATIONS AT OPTUS STADIUM

Australia’s social media and digital marketing community gathered at Optus Stadium on Wednesday the 26th of June for the inaugural State of Social conference – Perth’s first digital marketing and social media conference. 

The conference boasted leaders in the Australian marketing industry, with three keynote speakers and 12 industry expert panellists, who inspired the 275 delegates with discussions about the opportunities and challenges the industry is currently facing.

The State of Social conference also provided a networking platform for professionals, educators, thought leaders and students to exchange insights related to current and future trends in social media and digital marketing.

The State of Social conference marked the fifth birthday of #SMPerth, which since its inception in 2013, has created a strong network of over 3,000 social media and marketing professionals and enthusiasts.

“Over the years we have grown from our monthly get togethers, to a blog that produces local content that answers the questions we all have, to seven different master classes and now this. It’s an event beyond my dreams,” remarked #SMPerth founder and Coffey & Tea managing director Meg Coffey.

The event also made an impact on social media, with #SMPerthSOS reaching the top of what’s #trending on Twitter in Australia.

Leading the list of keynote speakers was Tribe chief revenue officer Nick Randall, Thinkerbell co-founder Adam Ferrier, and HubSpot APAC marketing director James Gilbert, who held discussions on Influence, Behaviour and Innovation.

There was also a touch of drama added to the event, with Optus Stadium evacuated towards the end of James Gilbert’s keynote address, due to a suspected electrical fire.

However, stadium staff handled the event seamlessly as guests were swiftly and calmly evacuated from the building. The conference barely skipped a beat, as the final panel discussion on Innovation took place at The Camfield, across from the stadium.

Following the panel discussion, Optus Stadium was given the all-clear by fire crews and #SMPerth Drinks continued on schedule at Optus Stadium, with around 140 attendees.