Web 2.0 in Government, Canberra, 27 November 2008

The November Canberra WIPA/WSG meeting is on the topic of Web 2.0 and the Australian Government:

When: Thursday, 27 November 2008 Time: 2.30 pm - 4.50 pm
Where: NLA Theatre, lower ground floor, National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes, ACT 2600
Cost: Free
RSVP: Essential for catering

First presentation: Matthew Hodgson, SMS Management & Technology Topic 1: Government 2.0 - trends and adoption strategies

With AGIMO soon to release Web 2.0 guidelines for the Federal Government what impact will this have on the way agencies are likely to conduct their online operations? What role will government play in a Web 2.0 environment?

Matthew will look at examples from around Australia and the rest of the world in how governments are starting interact with citizens in online environments. He will draw from his recent experience with a government department in planning and scoping a web 2.0-style project to show how easy it is to move into a government 2.0 world.

Matthew Hodgson is the Regional lead for Web and Information Management at SMS Management & Technology in Canberra. He has 15 years experience in eGovernment, information architecture, information management and knowledge management, working with the government and commercial sector to deliver innovative solutions to difficult web problems. Matthew has published papers in the areas of social psychology, has lectured at the University of Canberra on social computing, and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most engaging speakers on information architecture, social change, communication and knowledge sharing in Australia.

Matthew blogs at Matt's Musings and is a contributing author at The AppGap

Second presentation: Stephen Zafir, Stamford Interactive
Topic 2: Web 2.0 in Government - Buzzwords and Opportunities

Whilst Web 2.0 offers new possibilities in the ways that government can engage with its users, much of the thinking around this is enshrined in terms of existing brands and models.

Stephen will take a look at some of the basic components of this change and how these can be applied to the requirements and opportunities of the government space online.

Since thinking of using cards to reorganise Melbourne Airport's website in 1996, Stephen has worked at the forefront of interaction design in the UK Germany and the USA. With a focus on innovation and humanising digital experiences, major global players such as British Telecom, Yahoo and Siemens have entrusted Stephen with design leadership on a range of key products and future design initiatives.