Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads & More: Is Decentralized the Wave of the Future?

Kick off the new year by strengthening your social media strategy with actionable insights!

EVENT SUMMARY

Are you looking at a Bluesky or trying to catch a Mastodon? Is your Hive alive or Threads-bare? Is the Fediverse a new specialty pizza from Glass Nickel? Decentralized platforms like these are supposedly changing the game in social media, especially as policies in Meta and X polarize both users and advertisers.

In this session, join SMBMad board member Gray Miller for an in-depth exploration of these decentralized platforms (and what exactly they mean when they say "decentralized"). You'll learn how they differ from traditional platforms and from each other, as well as some possibilities where each platform's unique structure and features can be leveraged for marketing success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Get familiar with the pros and cons of decentralized platforms. Do increased data privacy and community governance outweigh the lack of paid advertising opportunities?
• Walk through several case studies for companies and individuals who are making these emerging social media platforms work using brand awareness, community building and engagement for their personal or professional brand.
• Get guidance on how to decide when to join a new social media platform, and tips for determining if an audience is the right fit for your brand early on.

SPEAKER BIO

Gray Miller has been an avid participant and strategist of social media since it was called “Usenet.” When working as a freelance multimedia professional he created content and planned campaign strategies for clients such as author Barbara Sher, the University of Wisconsin, and many online businesses. Since 2000 he has moved to working with nonprofits, most recently Community Shares WI. He still advises and teaches about social media trends & policies on occasion, as well as serving on the board for SMBMad.

TIME:

• 7:30 – 8:00AM – check-in, coffee, and networking
• 8:00 – 9:15AM – presentation followed by Q&A

If you aren’t able to join us in person, our sponsor, Live Well Video will be LIVE STREAMING this event on our Social Media Breakfast Madison Facebook page and on LinkedIn beginning at 8:00am.

LOCATION: In-person and virtual options available!

• In Person at Dream Bank- 821 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703
• Virtual – LIVE on the Social Media Breakfast Facebook Page and on LinkedIn

SPONSORS:

• DreamBank
• Community Shares of Wisconsin
• Serendipity Labs
• Melissa Carlson Creative
• VEDUB Media | Bryant Vander Weerd
• Live Well Video
• Suttle-Straus
• Talent CPA

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT:

Maydm provides girls and youth of color in grades 6 -12 with the skills, experiences, and connections to pursue careers in and change the face of STEM.

In 2025, Maydm is celebrating their 10-year anniversary and their goal is to increase awareness about the services Maydm provides. They provide STEM education, opportunities, and internship programs for girls and youth of color in grades 6 - 12. Maydm wants to increase their exposure so more students know and can become more involved in these programs.

Additionally, they want to increase their partnerships with individuals, companies, and organizations. There are a variety of ways to support Maydm students through funding, internship hosting, partner programming, and more.

Maydm summer programs are opening to the general public on Feburary 20 for registration. Those who are interested in registering for the summer programs can visit maydm.org/current-catalog.

Connect with them at:

• Website: www.maydm.org
• Facebook: @maydmtech
• Instagram: @maydmtech
• LinkedIn: @maydm

Host or Publisher Social Media Breakfast Madison