27 Apr 10
FutureMidwest Attendee Goal Surpassed

The FutureMidwest team has been hard at work crunching the digits to determine the final attendee number. Back in November 2009, we set the goal of 400 people in total at FutureMidwest. We are VERY pleased to report that almost 600 people attended the inaugural FutureMidwest event!

We cannot thank you all enough for your support. The FMW buzz has continued more than a week after the conference ended. We want to personally thank everyone who took the time to write a blog post, record a video, send a tweet or verbally share their FMW experience with others. Don’t let the momentum die simply because FMW 2011 is a year away. Continue to use the #FMW10 hashtag, and continue spreading the word about your experience.

Together, we’ve created something amazing. The only option we have is to move forward and build on this year’s success. Please continue to follow @FutureMidwest and the hashtag on Twitter so you stay up-to-date on all the future FMW news!

News & Updates — No comments

21 Apr 10
Living Future Midwest Everyday

The 2010 conference may be over, but the Future Midwest Movement is just beginning. I’m hearing a lot buzz about Future Midwest 2011, and I’m eager to start planning as well. But let’s remember we can live Future Midwest right now. Everyday.

People came to the conference for different reasons, but I believe everyone left feeling the same way – inspired. I know I did. There are so many talented, passionate people who care about the future of our region and the community. It’s great to see them come together.

We all can make the spirit of the conference contagious. We’re all ambassadors for our region. We can all play a little part to help shape Michigan’s brand by spreading the word about our work ethic, talent, innovation and the state’s natural beauty. This all plays a role in changing perceptions and attracting people back to our state.

Being a great ambassador is simple. A few ideas:

1. Forward this link of the conference video to five people you know and tell them to do the same.

2. When traveling, be proud to say you’re from the region and remember to tell people about the high concentration of talent and innovation that IS happening here.

3. When talking to people who haven’t been to Michigan, tell them how beautiful the state is. There is no need to mention how bad the economy is or how cold the winter is. They already get that.

For example, I tell this story to people I meet all the time that never been to Michigan:

“Let’s just say it’s summer. You’re blindfolded then dropped off on a beach; you can already smell fresh clean air and hear the crashing of waves. You feel hot sun on your face and feel squeaky beach sand between your toes. The blindfold is removed. Now look out in front of you, before your eyes you see beautiful turquoise water stretching as far as you can see. No, you’re not in the Caribbean. You’re in the Midwest. You’re in Michigan.”

I tell them that there is no place in the world I’d rather be in the summer than the place I just described.

The point is that everyone has some special reason why they love this state and want to stay here. Think about your reason and share it. The eyes of the world are upon us. Let’s give those watching something to aspire to.

— Scott Trudeau
Principal, Daggerfin
(original post here)

Interviews — No comments

21 Apr 10
FutureMidwest 2010 Survey

Thanks to everyone who attended FutureMidwest! The 2010 event is over and done, and now we want your feedback.

Please consider taking this short survey so we know how to improve for next year. Please be as honest and thorough as possible. You won’t hurt our feelings. :)

Click here to take survey

News & Updates — No comments

15 Apr 10
Want the Best Route to Get to FutureMidwest? We’ve Got You Covered
Construction traffic

Cones indicate lane closures

Though there isn’t a ton of construction traffic as you head into Royal Oak, we wanted to make sure you had a smooth ride in.

Main FutureMidwest Destination:
318 West 4th Street
Royal Oak, MI 48067-2502

Here’s a link to this and other FMW destinations located on Google Maps.

From East of Royal Oak:
Head’s up on 696 lane closures coming between M53 & I75

From West of Royal Oak:
Lucky you! No construction found on MDOT!

From South of Royal Oak:
A single lane closure on I75 at 9 mile; avoid that by being patient (doesn’t seem to be killing traffic speeds too much at the moment) or head North up Woodward and take 11 mile East.

From North of Royal Oak:
Cruise on in, the water’s fine (according to MDOT)…

Inside Royal Oak:
It’s no secret Main Street will be packed. You’re heading to 4th Street between South Lafayette  and South Washington, so consider those two (North/South-bound) roads as alternatives.

Parking:
You’ll definitely want to park in the structures to avoid parking tickets & excessive trips to the meters. There are three municipal structures within 2 blocks. Throw a dart and you’ll hit one. Great news: This will cost $3 for the entire day!

News & Updates — No comments

15 Apr 10
FutureMidwest Highlight: Verizon

FutureMidwest Co-Founder, Adrian Pittman, talks to Verizon Regional PR Director, Michelle Gilbert about the impact (and opportunity) of social media on PR and corporate communication and their involvement in the 2010 FutureMidwest program.

Part 1

Part 2

Interviews — No comments
Propelled by Daggerfin
Latest Posts
FutureMidwest Attendee Goal Surpassed

The FutureMidwest team has been hard at work crunching the digits to determine the final attendee number. Back in November 2009, we set the goal of 400 people in total at FutureMidwest. We are VERY pleased to report that almost 600 people attended the inaugural FutureMidwest event!
We cannot thank you all enough for your support. [...]

Living Future Midwest Everyday

The 2010 conference may be over, but the Future Midwest Movement is just beginning. I’m hearing a lot buzz about Future Midwest 2011, and I’m eager to start planning as well. But let’s remember we can live Future Midwest right now. Everyday.
People came to the conference for different reasons, but I believe everyone left feeling [...]

FutureMidwest 2010 Survey

Thanks to everyone who attended FutureMidwest! The 2010 event is over and done, and now we want your feedback.
Please consider taking this short survey so we know how to improve for next year. Please be as honest and thorough as possible. You won’t hurt our feelings.
Click here to take survey


FutureMidwest on Twitter