Speaker: Christi McNeill, Emerging Media Strategy Specialist at Southwest Airlines
Sponsor: Botanic Research Institute of Texas

A blogger once wrote that Southwest Airlines rode the blogosphere "like a wild horse." Ask anyone on the Southwest communication team, and they'll agree that it's been a wild ride. For more than four years, Southwest Airlines has navigated uncharted... [read more]

Speaker: Christi McNeill, Emerging Media Strategy Specialist at Southwest Airlines
Sponsor: Botanic Research Institute of Texas

A blogger once wrote that Southwest Airlines rode the blogosphere "like a wild horse." Ask anyone on the Southwest communication team, and they'll agree that it's been a wild ride. For more than four years, Southwest Airlines has navigated uncharted territory in social media—first with its award-winning corporate blog, Nuts About Southwest, later with tools such as Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. Most recently, they launched an employee blog and an Employee mobile app.

Southwest has experienced both highs and lows, but they keep saddling up for more. From virtual riots to an industry crisis, Southwest has learned how to use social media to support its needs. Through case studies from the last four years, Southwest will show you how they have made and maintained a vital online community. They'll share every lesson learned.

Christi McNeill serves as an online spokesperson for Southwest Airlines, the nation’s largest airline in terms of domestic Customers boarded. Christi specializes in Emerging and Social Media strategy. In addition to her online media relations duties, Christi works as the “voice” behind the Southwest Airlines Twitter account (@Southwestair) and Facebook account (www.facebook.com/southwest). Christi also serves as a moderator and blogger on Nuts About Southwest (www.blogsouthwest.com). She understands the reach of the media and has been the author of several successful story placements creating positive buzz for Southwest Airlines. In 2009, Christi was honored with a PR People Award for “Tweeter of the Year.” A Fort Worth native, Christi graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.

FEES - Member - $20.00
Non-Member - $35.00
Student - $15.00