A Gennova network connection, Andy Snider, just plugged me into a new network that he created simply by inviting a carefully selected set of people to an “Advanced Thinkers Summit.” He thought to use the event to craft a model of large systems organizational change based on the perspectives and models of the 20 or so attendees. We worked on the model, but we mostly worked on the notion of ourselves as a network, a learning network, and tried to focus on how to get to know each other, quickly, to swarm into topics and dialogues. “Aha”s all over the place.

A common reflection among the attendees: industry conferences are no longer a viable milieu to meet and network with peers and to expand one’s personal network…

During these same days this week, iCohere held its annual web conference Collaborative Communities Online 2003/. I was only able to catch a bit of it live, but made a good connection during a chat moderated by Jon Lebkowsky who created and demonstrated Wikis live late on Tuesday night. I look forward to catching up with Jon and learning more about him and his work.

I worry about persistence a lot. Persistent software to enable emergent networks to create sustainable shared (virtual) spaces. Persistent and committed leadership and coordination to ensure face-to-face connection and dialogue at adequate intervals.