“There is a lot of social media thought leadership and good work happening in LA that we like to tap into annually.”  John Gerstner ABC, President, Communitelligence Inc., which is organizing the April 7 Social Media Advanced Skills Huddle (“SMASH” conference) and co-hosting the IABC-LA meeting immediately afterward.

Can’t attend the all-day SMASH conference?  Join us for the IABC meeting directly afterward to hear a brief recap from SMASH speakers Sally Falkow and Michael Terpin.  It’s April 7 from 5-7 p.m. at USC and everyone is welcome.  Here’s more from John:

Q:  Your company, Communitelligence, has been producing social media conferences in LA for quite a few years. Why Los Angeles?

A:  We actually produced one of the first social media conferences in the country there in 2007. It was called PR Online Convergence. Beyond simply liking the city for its flair and weather, there is a lot of social media thought leadership and good work happening in LA that we like to tap into annually. And this year we have some great partners to help, including Social Radius, USC and IABC Los Angeles.

Q:  What’s unique about next week’s S.M.A.S.H. (Social Media Advanced Skills Huddle) at USC April 7?

A:  It should be a fun and valuable day of learning. We have lined up some of the smartest and most interesting experts on social media, and the huddle agenda has built-in huddle time to group-brainstorm practical answers to a set of how-to questions.

And if you can’t attend the day, there will be a recap during the reception that IABC-LA is hosting from 5-7 PM, plus if the technology Gods allow, there will be a webcast hookup with the MediaSense conference taking place in New Zealand at the same time.