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Top 3 Reasons YOU should attend the Personal Democracy Forum on May 18 [UPDATE]

Posted by David on May 7th, 2007

I first went to PDF in 2006 - speaking on a panel about the work I was doing for Congressman Jack Kingston. That was actually my first tech + politics conference. (I had to wear a paper hat that said “NewB” the entire time. I felt like such a nerd.)

The people I met at the Conference are still my friends, colleagues, contacts, and “frenemies” today.

BUT, I guess I must have said something right because I’ve been invited back to PDF (NYC here I come!) to moderate a panel on the importance of web video and messaging to the political dynamic.

There are lots of reasons why you should attend the Personal Democracy Forum, easily one of the best, non-partisan tech + politics conferences in the country, but here are my top three.

1. The Conference Speakers Add Value To My Life

You can see the partial list of speakers here, but I’m most looking forward to Seth Godin, Joe Trippi, Thomas Friedman, Larry Lessig, Chris Hughes of Facebook, Arianna Huffington, Craig Newmark, Robert Scoble, Matt Stoller, Mike Turk, Matt Lewis, Hillary’s modern eGuy Peter Daou, Henry Copeland, all of the techPresident contributors, etc.

2. The Right Needs To Have A Vocal Presence In The Tech + Politics Sphere

A quick look at the list of speakers shows that there are very few Republicans/conservatives speaking at the Conference. This is not the fault of PDF’s organizers, but rather, a general disconnect that the Right has with the tech community. To help encourage YOU to attend, Robert Bluey of the Heritage Foundation and I have organized a happy hour for conservative-types in New York on May 18. We’re currently sponsoring the bill for the event and are actively seeking at least one more corporate or personal sponsor. Email me if you’re interested and watch this space for more details about the event.

3. The Music Scene In New York Is Top-Notch

Music is the one element of my life that transcends politics. Since some of us are going to be in New York for a pre-PDF event sponsored by Google, a crew of us will be attending the Deerhoof concert at the Fillmore. Check them out - and if they sound good to you - feel free to buy your tickets and join us.

So those are my top three reasons for attending the Personal Democracy Forum this year. What are yours?

UPDATE 9:44 AM: Reuben’s comment below reminded me to make sure that YOU know about your chance to go to PDF for FREE. However, the DEADLINE is today so get your app in ASAP.

Google Personal Democracy Forum Scholarships: Free Registration for Politicos and Non-Profit Professionals

Are you a campaign staffer blazing a new trail in online politics? A non-profit professional trying new technologies with great results? An activist with ideas about the next big thing to change elections?

Then we want you to participate in the Personal Democracy Forum, where the nation’s leading technologists, campaign organizers, politicos, bloggers, activists and journalists come together in New York City for a high-level conversation about the new tools, sites and practices that are transforming politics and democracy.

PdF and Google are offering registration scholarships that cover the full forum cost for forty qualified political professionals to attend this year’s conference on May 18th and unconference on May 19th.

The PdF conference is an in-depth immersion in all the ways the internet is altering the contours of politics, and is especially recommended for staffers working in the communications, policy, fundraising, field and constituent relations arenas. Successful applicants will receive free admissions to the conference based on professional experience, passion for politics, and an interest in the use of technology.

The application form takes less than five minutes to complete. The submission deadline is May 7th.

No excuses.

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