Stage set for Social Media Week in Mumbai

Digital media enthusiasts in the city can treat themselves to a week-long celebration as the Social Media Week (SMW13) kicks off on Monday.

The event, a brainchild of New York strategy firm Crowdcentric, is being organised by Bangalore-based marketing services firm RSquare Consulting.

“Given India's presence in the mobile and tech space, Mumbai felt like a natural fit for SMW13,” said Toby Daniels, founder and executive director, Social Media Week, and CEO, Crowdcentric.

The event will feature a host of workshops, seminars and exhibitions focused on social media, Mumbai, photography and art, and even parties, till September 27 – all open to public.

The venues include Mantralaya, the National Centre for Performing Arts, the GroupM office at Goregaon East, Bluefrog and the Barking Deer in Lower Parel.

“As a format, Social Media Week is unconventional in terms of venues chosen, partnerships and its audience. It is not just about brand development or social media tools; it is about how individuals, artists, a brand use social media, or how an agency uses tools to understand consumer behaviour,” said Rohit Varma, founder of R Square Consulting.

“Our vision is for Social Media Week becoming one of the regular annual festivals of Mumbai,” said Hemant Soreng, co-founder and managing partner of RSquare.

Tushar Vyas, managing partner, Group M South Asia, which has been associated with SMW, said, “We would like to help highlight the role of social media in marketing communication.”