Twitter, Twitter, Twitter!! It seems that everyone is jumping on the Twitter bandwagon and micro-blogging their thumbs off 140 characters at time.

It has seen staggering growth rates in 2009 and was even singled out the by the U.S. State Department as a critical communications channel during the recent election protests in Iran.

There is no doubt that Twitter is a powerful tool when used strategically. So, how can you as a public affairs or communications professionals use the platform to spread and amplify your message? What strategies are proven to work – and what's a waste of time?

This 3-hour workshop will give you an in-depth look at how to use Twitter as a strategic communications platform. You will leave the session armed with tools, tips and real world case studies on how to best use Twitter – and with examples of ways not to use it.

Specifically, we will cover:

• Finding Your Voice in 140 Characters or Less
• Who to Follow – and Who Not to Follow
• Using Hash Tags
• Strategies to Increase Re-Tweet Rates
• Media Relations Over Twitter
• Tips to Grow Your Base of Followers
• Ways to Apply Grassroots Pressure Public Officials Using Twitter
• Leveraging Twitter’s Search Tool for Real-Time Issue Awareness

Your Trainer: Mike Panetta
http://www.twitter.com/mikepanetta

Mike Panetta was most recently Vice President of Emerging Media and Public Affairs at Grassroots Enterprise. He has over 15 years experience in online advocacy and public affairs. His social media campaign work has been featured in Roll Call, Washington Post, PR Week, and TechCrunch.com and has been honored with awards from the American Association of Political Consultants, the Public Affairs Council, and the George Washington University's School of Political Management.

Mike also serves as the U.S. "Shadow" Representative for the District of Columbia, where he is a leading voice in efforts to secure Congressional representation and statehood for the citizens of Washington, DC. 

The training facility offers free wi-fi, and attendees are encourage to bring laptops, however they are not required for this training.  Fee includes snacks and beverages during training.