The ruralnet|2005 conference weblog is now up and running at http://ruralnet.typepad.com/conferenceblog/ . Members of the ruralnet|uk team are posting a live account of the build-up to this year’s conference, being held on the 12-13 October at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Bramhope near Leeds, Yorkshire. During the conference, the blog will enable those who are unable to be there to benefit.
Now in its fifth year, the ruralnet|uk conference is established as a major rural development event, with many delegates attending regularly each year. Principal sponsor, Yorkshire Forward has contributed significantly to the planning of the event as well as providing financial support.
Information about speakers, workshops and event logistics has already been posted to the blog, providing delegates with the latest news on this key event in the rural regeneration calendar. Prior to the conference, the blog will give a behind-the-scenes look at ruralnet|uk’s preparations. Posts will then continue during the conference with photos, presentations and interviews so blog viewers will have a unique snapshot of the event.
As well as providing information for those attending the conference, the blog aims to bring a flavour of the event to people unable to make it to Leeds. Participation is welcome and readers can post questions for relevant sessions in the comments section of each log entry. Members of the ruralnet|uk team will then be able to ask questions via the blog and post answers back online.
The blog is also as part of ruralnet|uk’s ICT Collaboration project (see http://ruralnet.typepad.com/news/2005/10/lloyds_tsb_foun.html). To be launched at the conference, the project will observe and analyse how organisations collaborate, using ruralnet|uk's existing online services and other similar approaches, and new developments such as blogging, RSS, and expanding content as access speeds increase.
Says ruralnet|uk CEO Simon Berry,
“A blog is a great way to showcase an event like ruralnet|2005. Not only does it give delegates the latest information about the conference, it also enables those who can’t attend a chance to participate as well. We are excited to be using such an innovative ICT tool to reflect just how dynamic the event itself is.”
Contact: Simon Berry
Notes to editors
1. ruralnet|uk is a rural development charity and social enterprise. For more information see www.ruralnetuk.org/index.htm. A pioneer in building online communities, ruralnet|uk shares its online services with over 20 different networks, both urban and rural, under the banner of Networks Online. Details of the Networks Online concept can be seen at www.networksonline.org.uk/extranets.htm
2. ruralnet|2005 has attracted over 230 delegates and 24 exhibitors to date. Delegates come from all countries of the UK and include the key rural regeneration decision and policy makers, representatives of the public, private, voluntary and community sectors. Free places have been provided to 50 grass roots community groups to ensure their participation.
3. The principle sponsor of ruralnet|2005 is Yorkshire Forward.
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