SAScon, the UK’s largest search, analytics and social media conference, has announced US based blogger and self-proclaimed tech evangelist Robert Scoble as a keynote speaker at this year’s event. Robert Scoble, recently named by The Financial Times as one of the five most influential Twitter users and the creator of the world-renowned blog ‘Scobleizer.com’, will visit Manchester in June to talk at this year’s conference. Robert’s talk called ‘The Age of Context’ will take an in-depth look at the changing way in which consumers buy, interact and engage with businesses. He will also explore why trust is the new currency, how to create pinpoint marketing and why wearables should matter to a business. The two day conference, which will be held at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School (MMU) on 16th and 17th June, will feature a brilliant line up of keynotes including Jim Banks, global head of Biddable Media and Marty Weintraub, founder of aimClear, as well as panel speakers, unmissable solo presentations, networking opportunities and a post-event social. Speaking about the event, Robert said: “It is always really fascinating to come to the UK and see what’s going on in the industry. My job is to travel around the world looking for what’s happening on the bleeding edge of technology, and as a country at the very forefront of innovation, it really is an honour to talk at such a prestigious UK industry event.

“Over the past few years I have interviewed thousands of authorities in technology and published the findings in the book I co-wrote named ‘The Age of Context’, so at this year’s SAScon I will provide some personal insights of what I learned during this process and will give my predictions for what brands should be focusing on in the next few years.”

Richard Gregory, managing director of Latitude and a founder of SAScon, said: “Last year’s SAScon was a tough act to follow, but with the announcement of tech visionary Robert Scoble as a keynote speaker we are confident this event will be bigger and better than ever. Over the coming weeks we will also be announcing our other panel of speakers, so stay tuned.

“SAScon old-timers needn’t worry either as the legendary SAScon social will be back in full-swing too. We are already seeing tickets for this year’s event fly out the door, and we are expecting a massive turnout to honour everything that is digital.”

SAScon, which is organised by the digital community in the North West, is delivered in association with partners MMU and the Centre for Enterprise. Early bird tickets are priced at £195 + VAT for a one-day ticket or £295 + VAT for a two-day ticket (if booked before April 1). Standard rate tickets are £250 + VAT for a one-day ticket or £350 + VAT for a two-day ticket (if booked after April 1). For more information, please visit http://www.sascon.co.uk/