Bonnier R&D sponsors Sweden Social Web Camp

Photo: Emanuel Hallklint

Tomas Wennström, the Internet entrepreneur behind the podcast and blog whatsnext.com, along with the sites vackertvader.se and hittarecept.se, came up with the idea for the Camp.

"I thought it would be fun if people interested in social media could meet and discuss in relaxed surroundings in a summer atmosphere - campfires, barbeques and beers on the jetty. There was a lot more interest in the idea than I'd imagined when I first wrote about it on my blog last spring. The same day, 75 people expressed their interest in the project. Things just picked up from there. We found a great campground with an Internet connection as well as several sponsors who joined us in one way or another," explains Tomas.

"The camp ended up being held on the island of Tjärö, off the coast of Blekinge. It was an amazing success," says Tomas, adding that he believes this type of event will become more common in the future.

"When people are invited to put together the program and contribute themselves, they become more engaged. On Friday night, we posted a blank schedule on the side of the main tent with no idea of what to expect. But it was soon filled with activities, discussion forums and lectures. Within two or three hours there were 50 to 60 talks to choose from on Saturday alone."

Bonnier's R&D department was there as a sponsor of Sweden Social Web Camp.

"It was great that Bonnier accepted our invitation and wanted to participate. They're facing big changes in the media industry, so it seems right for them to be involved and listening to what's happening at a 'grassroots' level. They also became a symbol of quality, encouraging other sponsors to show their interest," explains Thomas.

One of the meeting places during Saturday's sessions was named Bonnier Stugan, the Bonnier Cabin.

"Most of the discussions on journalism were held there automatically. Morris Packer from Bonnier led, for example, a discussion about Web TV with Johan Grafström, a journalist from Sweden's national TV channel SVT," says Thomas. (Watch it here, filmed by Björn Falkevik.)

The Camp will be held again next year. It's sure to fill up quickly, so keep your eyes and Twitter-ears open if you want to join in!

Read more about the Camp at their wiki-site, where you'll also find a list of participants, information about the Camp's discussions and blog links, or check out more pictures from the event on Flickr.

Photos by: Flickr-users Kixet and EmanuelH, (CC-licensed)