con·nect: verb kə-nekt to become joined, as in ideas that connect easily to form a theory. To join two places, making it possible for people and things to move between them.

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I couldn’t be more excited about IBM’s premier social business conference, IBM Connect 2013, coming up January 27-31 in Orlando, FL. The event will have a strong focus on the adoption of social. We’ll share a multitude of exciting customer success stories that underpin the ROI from social and why you must consider social business a strategic imperative in 2013.

In case you are wondering if this event is the same as Lotusphere, the answer is Yes and No. The new event name reflects an expanded focus on the broader social business story. We will have sessions of interest to your whole team: C-level, IT and LOB. For IT attendees, the Lotusphere event you have known and loved for the past 20 years will be back in the form of the Lotusphere Technical Program, with a rich array of sessions like JumpStarts, Master Classes and more. For C-level and LOB attendees, we have two tracks to choose from. In the ‘Creating a Smarter Workforce’ track, you’ll learn how to motivate and empower employees to improve productivity and foster better collaboration. In the ‘Creating Exceptional Customer Experiences’ track, you’ll learn how to delight customers any time, any where to build loyalty, advocacy and revenue.

If you are looking forward to IBM Connect 2013 as much as I am, you’ll want to take advantage of our discount registration pricing of $2,095 USD before it expires on December 10. If you are a Lotusphere alumni, we are offering an additional $100 discount when you use code ICFHJN.
But you don’t have to wait until January to connect with us. Follow IBM on twitter.com/IBMConnect and Like us on Facebook.com/IBMSocialBiz for the latest news on IBM Connect 2013 speakers and more.

One last thing, if you are interested in sponsoring IBM Connect 2013, we are offering redesigned sponsorship packages that provide new options and more networking opportunities. To top it all off, we are offering sponsors more session content within the conference agenda. As a sponsor, you will have several opportunities to network, create new relationships and build a pipeline of leads. Whether on the exhibit floor, in executive meetings or during social events, conference attendees want to talk to you – the expert! They’re looking for solutions and services that only our rich community of IBM Business Partners can provide.

Join us as a Sponsor at IBM Connect 2013. It’s the perfect place to kick start your year.

See you in Florida!