Politics Online Conference Kicks Off Today

The much-anticipated Politics Online Conference 2006, presented the Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet, opens this morning at George Washington University.

Stayed tuned for reports throughout the day on the various sessions I’ll be attending. Among the highlights on opening day:

How the New Media is Changing Politics

Doug Bailey, Founder Hotline and Bailey-Deardorff. Former CEO, Freedom's Answer
Gerald Rafshoon, Gerald Rafshoon Productions
Jacki Schechner, Internet Reporter, CNN's The Situation Room
Chuck Todd, Editor in Chief, The Hotline

Blogs—It’s the Network, Stupid

Blogs are shaping political agendas. Examining both recent cases and developing theory, our panel asks: is “the blogosphere” a fad or are swarms of networked individuals outflanking top-down organizations like parties, campaigns and newspapers? A thoughtful and fascinating discussion.

John Aravosis, President/ Founder of Wired Strategies, Blogger at AmericaBlog.com
Henry Copeland, Founder, Blogads
Peter Daou, Publisher, Salon's Daou Report
Mike Krempasky, Edelman, Blogger at RedState.com

Over the Horizon

It's not here yet and you might not see it until 2008, but here is what to look for in media convergence, more comprehensive integration of technology in campaigns and the rise of social networks.

Danny Glover, National Journal's Technology Daily, Blogger at Beltway Blogroll
Valdis Krebs, Management Consultant & Developer, InFlow
Nicco Mele, Echoditto
Eli Pariser, Executive Director, MoveOn.org
Micah Sifry, InformationWeek

The so-called “token liberal” of CPAC’s Bloggers’ Corner, Chris Nolan of Spot-On, will moderate a panel, “How Technology Is Changing the Media Landscape.”

The fun continues tomorrow with ex-Wonkette Ana Marie Cox kicking off the day and panel discussions to follow.

Interestingly, there isn’t a blog row at this conference. It’s my first time attending, so I hope it’s as good as everyone says it is. Stay tuned.