So SMWF has officially kicked off, and boy do we have a jam-packed first day set for you! With so many sessions to feast your eyes on, it’s difficult to whittle it down to just a select few that are unmissable. Today we’ve got the keynote track taking place along with the Social TV and Social Shopping workshops. Here are a few sessions that we think you shouldn’t miss…

Social Media track – 09.10-10.10 – Keynote Address: Cultivating Visibility & Google+ for Business: How Google’s Social Network Changes Everything
Chris Brogan, President, Human Business Works
First thing in the morning, we will see Chris Brogan’s Keynote speech on Google+ for business. The social network is gaining tread in the social media world, and now is the time to get it by the horns and go full throttle with your strategy. Chris will be looking at how to boost your business prospects through social networking and how to fit Google+ into your strategy, in order to engage consumer attention and build your profile.

Some articles we thought might be of interest:
• Why Google+ is good for business (Infographic)
• Excellent Google+ Business Page launch strategy

Straight after the keynote address, hop over to the Social Shopping track, where a panel of eCommerce specialists will be on hand to talk about social engagement in ecommerce.

Social Shopping – 10.10-10.50 – Panel – The role of social engagement in eCommerce
Charles Yap, Director, Global Brand Communications, InterContinental Hotels Group
Dave Scheine, Director of European Operations, Yelp
Regan Andrew, Head of ECommerce, Cineworld Cinemas
Reggie Bradford, CEO, Vitrue

With reports suggesting that 40% of people have seeked out a brand on Facebook, Twitter or blog, social engagement is becoming increasingly important for retailers. Senior representatives from InterContinental Hotels Group, Yelp, Cineworld Cinemas and Vitrue will be forming a panel to explore the role of the social shopper and the importance of community and recommendation in eCommerce strategies. They will be covering issues including the role of customer shopping lists, recommendation engines and how to convert social visitors into customers. A worthwhile panel discussion if you’re looking to expand your brand into the world of eCommerce and social media.

Articles that might be worth reading:
• Using customer insight to build social loyalty through community and fan engagement – interview with LEGO ahead of #SMWF
• Social CRM spend set to surpass $1Billion in 2012

Over in the Social TV track, there will be lots of discussion on the key trends of the industry, creating online interaction and how you can connect advertisers with consumers. What better way to find out the best ways to link social networks and TV than to look at two of most popular UK programmes going?

Social TV track – 11.30-12.10 – Case Study: The X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent: Understanding the links between social networks and TV
Claire Tavernier, Senior Executive Vice President, FMX and Worldwide Drama, Fremantle Media

Audience participation for TV programmes is key to ensure a successful show. People are starting to rely on social media to change the way they watch and interact with programmes, and companies should embrace this and get in on the bandwagon. Claire will be discussing how TV is better when it’s social and how to engage with audiences and reach new ones through the use of social media.

• The Five Rules of Social TV… and it’s all thanks to Coke’s Socialbowl
• British TV viewers more influenced by social media

To see the full day agenda, please click here. Don’t hesitate to contact the SMWF team – we’ll be around all day, tweet us at @SocialMedia_WF and we’ll help as soon as we can.