Top 10 Reasons to Attend the 140 Conference in Los Angeles

There’s no one more passionate about bringing together social media enthusiasts to share their stories with the rest of the world than my friend Jeff Pulver. His generosity is contagious. I can tell you, that I have made lifetime friends from just attending the 140 Conferences in Los Angeles and New York, where I met some of my Twitter followers in real life.

To date, the 140 Conference has been held in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington, DC, San Francisco, London, Tel Aviv, and Barcelona.

On October 4 – 5, 2010, the 140 Conference will be back in Los Angeles for its second time. With over 100 amazing guests encompassing two days at the Music Box in Hollywood, it’s very difficult to narrow my list down to the Top 10, but I thought I’d give it a social media try.

1. Jeff Pulver – @Jeff Pulver – Because he knows how to make it happen.

2. $140/day – Jeff has significantly reduced the ticket price to this event from last year’s rates, making it affordable to attend. The added bonus: If you’re a college student, you can attend for free. Click here for tickets>>>

3. Eric “Candyman” Nash – @onelovecandyman – When Lori Moreno and I had dinner with Jeff, following the 140 Meetup, he shared his story about meeting the street performer named Candyman. He was so touched by meeting him, that he did a video of Candyman and invited him to not only speak at the 140 Conference, but to perform on the evening of October 3, 2010 at 6pm.  For tickets, visit Street Performers United. Candyman will also be speaking on day 1 at 12:40pm on “Living Social Media: From the Perspective of a Street Performer.”

4. Chamillionaire – @chamillionaire – What would a social media gathering be like without one of our favorites, Chamillionaire? This Grammy Award winning musician is one of the most generous and social media friendly rappers in the universe. We’ll be “Catching up With Chamillionaire” on day 2 at 12:25pm.

5. Cathy Brooks – @cathybrooks – Strategic Communications Coach.  She’s so inspirational, you’ll have two chances to see her on the stage. Day 1 at 5:30pm in “A Conversation with Actress Traci Dindwiddie” –  @GrooveGoddess and again on day 2 at 10:30am in “Who Are You and Why Should Anyone Care?”

6. Jason Pollock –  @jason_pollock Filmmaker, Writer, and Activist, and Kevin Pollak @kevinpollak – Actor, Comedian. No, they’re not related, but I wouldn’t miss either of them. Jason’s on Day 1 at on “Real-Time Web and Indie Filmmaking” and Kevin is speaking on day 2 at 3:20pm,  “15 Minutes with Kevin Pollak”

7. Michelle Branch – @michellebranch – Musician, Day 1, 11:15am – “One on One with Michelle Branch.” She’s most recognized for her collaboration with Santana, but she  is a star on her own.

8. Owen JJ Stone – @Ohdoctah – President of Inquiring Mindz Media (IQMZ) – Day 1, 12:20pm, “The Most Important Thing About Real Time Is..” When Ohdoctah talks, we like to listen.

9. Rick Bakas – @RickBakas – Wine, Food, Branding, Dir. of Social Media at @StSupery winery, certified sommelier, author of Quick Bites, Day 2, 10:05am – “Real time Branding.”

10. Tim Kring – @TimKring – Screenwriter and Television Producer from Heroes, Crossing Jordan, and Strange World will be on the stage with “Conspiracy for Good” Day 2, 11:25am

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I’ll be speaking on day two of the conference about dating, love and romance in the real time web. After all, love never goes out of style and the combination of online, mobile and social dating are one of the largest industries online. I hope to see you on October 5, 2010 at 2:30pm at the Music Box in Hollywood.

For a complete schedule, visit 140Conference.com and follow the event on Twitter at the  hashtag of #140conf.