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Stephen Collins - Edge of the Web 2008

Stephen Collins is an experienced business communicator, web, community and social networking strategist and user experience designer whose presentations enthuse, excite and arm his audiences with substance, food for thought and actionable next steps. He has a relaxed speaking style that is real, humorous and passionate. Stephen prepares customised material for every event he speaks at.

He is a popular speaker and trainer for Australian and international events, who engages audiences as he brings them on a journey with his passionate and unique presentation style.

Far from just a talking head, Stephen has real-world experience helping his clients with everything he presents. He leads a technology-empowered social media and networking consultancy and has built a strong personal brand through the use of social media.

Topics

Stephen is able to present on several topics including:

  • user experience design and placing your community of members and users at the center of your business strategy
  • social media and collaboration benefits for business
  • changes to 21st Century society as a consequence of hyperconnectedness
  • helping your organisation understand social media, especially communicating benefits to management
  • connecting to the loosely-connected, widely dispersed network of expertise in your organisation
  • connecting to your stakeholder, client and customer communities in a more human way through the use of social media
  • building and implementing workable social media policies and programs for your business for internal and across-the-wall use
  • application of user experience, community strategy and social networking to business and government

Many variants on these themes exist, but these are good starters. You can email Stephen for more information.

Sample presentations

You can always access Stephen’s recent presentations on Slideshare.net. Here are a few recent examples to give you a sense of his style.

Culture change for Government 2.0
Rethink. Reimagine.

The material at the calendar and past events page will give you full picture of Stephen’s past material.

What people are saying

“Stephen is an excellent speaker and really knows his topic. He presents it in an easy to digest manner with lots of real world examples, including many real Australian case studies. I would highly recommend anyone goes along to one of Stephen’s speaking events, or even have Stephen speak to the decision makers within your organisation.”
- Jodie Miners, Consultant

“Stephen is a rare combination of brilliant communicator, creative genius, and top-drawer community builder. Stephen’s presentations on social media and collaboration are some of the very best I’ve seen in the 2.0 space. He has a solid grasp of the business benefits of collaboration and social networking and occupies a well-deserved thought leadership position in the community.”
- Susan Scrupski, nGenera

“Stephen spoke recently at the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurs (AGSE) Alumni Association November event, informing us all on ways of using Web 2.0 and Social Networking effectively. This was explained within a range of business sectors, specifically looking at the value to entrepreneurial and innovative company cultures, start up companies and a range of generations - with real $ outcomes. Steve also was demonstrating the fact, we beamed him in via Skype from Canberra and presented him in virtual persona. Even when our technical experts were unexpectedly absent, two baby boomers at the Melbourne end were still able to get the show on the road with minimal delay. His manner, commitment, thoroughness and intellect were absolutely wonderful. I can only offer my highest recommendation.”
- Karen Dempster, Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship

“The Australian Web Industry Association invited Stephen to speak at the inaugural Edge of the Web conference in Perth, Western Australia, on the topic of “Enterprise 2.0”. His presentation - a broad exploration of a conceptually challenging but very relevant topic - was well-attended and well-received.”
- Kay Smoljak, Edge of the Web

“Stephen is an engaging speaker who is an expert in his field. His in depth knowledge makes his presentations informative, educational and practical. Stephen’s presentation style is fun, different and provides the audience with a memorable presentation. I look forward to working with Stephen again.”
- Josh Anstey, Elcom

“Stephen’s gig at the Web 2.0 Media Day PubCamp in Melbourne last June was the best. Passionate, knowledgeable, entertaining… Authentic!”
- Paul Roberts, Australian Communications and Media Authority

“Outstanding! Thought provoking.”
- Attendee, BTELL 6th Australian Enterprise Architecture Conference

Who’s heard?

Stephen has spoken at a large number of events on the subjects of connected knowledge workers, social media and social networking, Enterprise 2.0 and Web 2.0 and strategic information architecture. His past appearances have included:

Image credit - Ruth Ellison

Opportunities

Prior to booking, please email Stephen to discuss your event, or to inquire about availability and fees. The average 60 minute presentation takes anywhere between 35-90 hours to prepare, depending upon your needs. Occasionally, I will speak for free at your event, so if you want to me speak, it’s worth contacting me to ask.

For commercial events, you should book Stephen through his representatives at Claxton Speakers International. Education, non-profit, social service and charity sector event organisers should contact Stephen directly.

Planners and conference organisers can go here for logistical requirements such as Stephen’s bio and AV requirements.