Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms have transformed people’s relationships with culture, the media, and one another. These technologies have demonstrated that they have the power to sway popular opinion, raise awareness, and inspire movements. They can spark, build, and foster community…or be manipulated to create negativity and discord.
Join the National Institute of Social Sciences for a first-of-its-kind forum exploring social media’s pervasive influence on our society, politics, and culture. Dario Spina, chief marketing officer at Viacom Velocity, will lead a high-level discussion with experts from academia, journalism, social technology, and industry.
The forum will begin at noon on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at Viacom’s White Box event space, at its New York headquarters at 1515 Broadway. Tickets, including a box lunch, begin at $50 ($25 for students with ID).
Panelist Biographies
Lisa Baird is chief marketing officer at New York Public Radio (NYPR) where she leads the marketing and audience development, data, membership, sponsorship and communications teams. Prior to joining NYPR, Ms. Baird was chief marketing officer at the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).
Heidi Boisvert is the founder, CEO, and creative director of the futurePerfect lab, a boutique creative agency that works with not-for-profit, cultural, and educational institutions to develop imaginative, playful applications of integrated media and emerging technology.
Michael Fanuele is the president of Assembly Media.. Previously, he was the chief creative officer at General Mills. His first book – Stop Making Sense: The Art of Inspiring Anybody – was published in July and is already on its second printing. He’s also written for the Harvard Business Review.
Jeanine Liburd is the chief social impact and communications officer for BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. She joined BET in 2007 as senior vice president of corporate communications after working with several Viacom divisions, including Viacom Corporate Communications and MTV Networks.
Anne Nelson is a journalist and consultant specializing in the area of international media development. She has worked extensively as an analyst, evaluator, and practitioner in the field. Her most recent book is Shadow Network: Media, Money and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right.
After a five-year detour to Yahoo Finance, David Pogue has returned to The New York Times, where he was the weekly tech columnist from 2000 to 2013. Mr. Pogue now writes the “Crowdwise” feature for the “Smarter Living” section.
Julie Scelfo is a writer and journalist based in New York. She was a Fall 2018 TED Resident in New York, and is a former staff writer/current contributor to The New York Times, where she wrote stories about society and human behavior.
Dario Spina is the chief marketing officer of Viacom Velocity, an award-winning marketing team that develops and customizes insights-driven, branded entertainment and fan experiences for advertising partners. Mr. Spina leads U.S.-led partner marketing and creative efforts within Viacom’s Global Entertainment Group.
About the National Institute of Social Sciences
Established in 1912, the National Institute of Social Sciences (www.socialsciencesinstitute.org) is a voluntary association of public-spirited citizens who explore issues of urgent and lasting concern. One of the nation’s oldest honorary societies, the National Institute sponsors speeches, discussions, and events that encourage balanced, non-partisan debate and discussion; celebrates distinguished Americans and world leaders who have contributed at the highest level to the welfare and improvement of society; and provides financial support to emerging scholars who are conducting research in the social sciences.
NB. This post has been updated to reflect the additions of Lisa Baird, Michael Fanuele, and Jeanine Liburd to the forum.