24 May 2016
Collaboration is key to being successful, this was one of the main messages to come out of the Possible Conference. It took place on 19 and 20 May 2016 at the Alex Theatre in Braamfontein. The conference is an initiative hosted by digital publishing company, 10 and 5, and Estee Lauder Companies.
The event was designed to help emerging writers and digital artists to expand their skills. A resonating theme from various speakers included personal branding.
Vuyiswa Mutshekwane and Nandi Dlepu of The Other Girls, speakers at the conference, organise events and promote it on social media. Their initiative is known as @WKNDSOCIAL on Twitter.
Vuyiswa Mutshekwane and Nandi Dlepu speak about the importance of collaborating. They are two of the four organisers for the initiative on Twitter, @WKNDSOCIAL.
See the advice they shared with audience:
One of the key things that made @THEWKNDSOCIAL grow is collaboration #PossibleConference
— Creative Nestlings (@creativenestlin) May 20, 2016
You have to constantly assess your business model to ensure you stay relevant. @THEWKNDSOCIAL #POSSIBLEConference pic.twitter.com/V4GDYlYUoX
— Digital Pantsula (@DigitalPantsula) May 20, 2016
“Evolve to react to the landscape but by being authentic in the best way possible” says @THEWKNDSOCIAL at #POSSIBLEConference by @10and5
— Michael Cost (@MickyCost) May 20, 2016
“Consistency is key. If you promise a product or an event, you have to be conistent to your audience ” –@VieArem #POSSIBLEConference
— Between 10 and 5 (@10and5) May 20, 2016
“Always have the bigger picture in mind” says @THEWKNDSOCIAL #POSSIBLEConference by @10and5 @EsteeLauderSA
— Michael Cost (@MickyCost) May 20, 2016
The beginning
Bruno Bertrand, head of digital marketing at Estee Lauder Companies explained the conference was the culmination of an 18-month creative process. It was, he continued, “A gathering born of a vision to create a space where young aspiring local content creators can share their ideas, learn from one another, and get guidance from recognised industry professionals”.
“Those two days have surpassed all of our expectations – we cannot thank everyone enough who attended, and actively participated in our debates and workshops.”
The sessions
Well-known South African musician Proverb (right) is the main speaker on the first day of the conference, 19 May 2016. On stage with him is managing director of 10 and 5, Uno De Waal (left).
According to managing director of 10 and 5, Uno De Waal, one of the exciting components of the conference was the practical masterclass session with professional photographers from Lampost.
“During these interactive sessions attendees learnt the basics of shooting profiles, lifestyle and products shots. “They then posted their own photos to the official #POSSIBLEConference hashtag with Estee Lauder prizes being awarded for the best images in three categories, #FashionOnFleek, #BestnewBestie, and #MostPeopleInASelfie,” he explained.
De Waal said there were over 40 million mentions on Twitter from 800 contributors during the conference. The official hashtag #POSSIBLEConference trended nationally for 36 hours, and was the most tweeted hashtag on the first day of the event.
