Chevrolet Canada has been hooking up PodCamp Toronto as a Gold Sponsor for some time now, and they’re back for #PCTO13! Their Media Relations Manager Laura Nava took a moment to reflect on why Chevy is supporting us, and what it means to them. Check it out!

Why is Chevrolet sponsoring PodCamp?
Chevrolet is pleased to be partnering with PodCamp again in 2013. We’re looking forward to great company, conversation and networking. PodCamp offers us an opportunity to listen and connect with a new and diverse group of people who may not be familiar with Chevrolet. For our team, being active in the social space is a key business strategy to build and foster new relationships.

What “hot topics” of conversation are you looking forward to at this year’s PodCamp?
The opportunity and means to share and participate in the conversation continues to evolve with the ease of integration and technological advancements. Social media is not just a tool to engage, but also a resource of information for mainstream consumers. I would anticipate the use of recently emerging platforms and how they have changed the way we socialize to be a hot topic of discussion during PodCamp 2013.

What can attendees expect from PodCamp Toronto they probably won’t see or hear at other events this year?
Every year Chevrolet has been involved with PodCamp we have been amazed at the dedication of the group of volunteers who make the unconference great. They create compelling sessions with relevant topics that are presented in unique and interesting forums that are both informative and entertaining. PodCamp also gives people the opportunity to connect in real life. PodCamp offers the vehicle to introduce yourself to new people, to join in on conversations, and to add a new level of value to your online relationships.

Rogers, a supporter of PodCamp Toronto for several years now, has returned to PCTO13 as a Gold Sponsor! We hooked up with Elise Ondet (@RogersElise) to chat with her about Rogers’ sponsorship and why they’re supporting us this year:

Why is Rogers sponsoring PodCamp?

Rogers has always been a huge fan of PodCamp Toronto. #PCTO has a true community feeling, and that’s what social media is all about. We love being able to catch up with old friends and finally meet in real life the people we’re interacting with online on a daily basis. We love the variety of sessions and the variety of the conversations in the “sessions-between-the-sessions”!

What “hot topics” of conversation are you looking forward to at this year’s PodCamp?

Social media is constantly bursting with new platforms and new tools. Pinterest, how do you use it? Has anyone dabbed into Vine for brands yet? Is podcasting making a come-back? What about Google+? Instagram –what are the new opportunities now that it’s available on the web too?
Most importantly, who does the best #HarlemShake? The firefighters or the army? Now, this a crucial debate.

What can attendees expect from PodCamp Toronto they probably won’t see or hear at other events this year?

It’s the sense of community that you get at PodCamp that makes it really different. Everyone is on an equal footing, presenters in the morning will be listening in in the afternoon, and whether you’re starting in social media or you’re a “social media guru” PodCamp gives you an opportunity to get out of it what you’re looking for. You’re a session fan? Go to as many as you want and with the variety of topics, you won’t be disappointed. You like to network? Hang out in the hallway and finally meet in real life that witty guy who’s making you laugh every day on Twitter. We’re one community, all social media addicts!

Is Rogers participating in any sessions? Are you doing anything specific this year?

We sure are! We’re participating in a panel: “How not to suck at social customer service”. Come check it out!

We’ll hold our #RogersChargingStation because what is a social media event with dead smartphones? We want to keep the conversation alive and for that, you can come and get some juice for your device at our table.

And surprises for you: we have amazing prizes to win and we’ve organized a SMavenger hunt, aka a social media scavenger hunt, to enter. Details will be at the #RogersChargingStation table, or you’ll easily spot one of us in our red shirts: come and ask us questions 🙂