Year 2007 was the year of the social networks. Facebook alone has over 30 million users. Every day users are inundated with requests for connections, invitations from third-party applications and, increasingly, advertising. The frenetic activity in the space suggests profound opportunities to make money, driving substantial investment and valuations. But just where that money will come from and how social networking sites, third applications, carriers, VCs and others can take advantage of it remains a bit of a mystery.
This year London Business School technology summit, "Monetizing social networking" seeks to cut through the media hype around the sector, bringing together a mix of business, technology and academic luminaries to discuss how social networking will evolve from media buzz to booming business. Specifically, it will look at themes around monetizing social networking, how the sector will pan out, what role mobile carriers can play in the space, emerging applications for social networks and the impact social networking will have on online retail. More than social networking, the event is about how the sector will have significant impacts in other areas as well ranging from mobile to applications.
The Summit will unite technologists, venture capitalists, public policy makers and other influencers for a one day conference featuring keynote speakers, panel debates and a networking lunch and cocktail reception. Delegates will have the opportunity to listen, learn and exchange ideas through carefully managed networking sessions.