If you’re a young professional (read: anyone under the age of forty) working in a job you love or dreaming of working in a job you love, mark your calendar for Thursday, March 3 to attend the 2011 Young Professionals Summit at the Qwest Center in downtown Omaha.

The daylong event will feature a slew of breakout presentations – me being one of them. At 1:30 p.m., following what is guaranteed to be a motivating and energizing keynote presentation by mayor-of-the-moment Cory Booker (@corybooker) of Newark, New Jersey, I will present “Sharing the Story, Spreading the Love: How Smart Social Media Marketing Nets Followers, Fans and Friends.”

My presentation will discuss in greater detail how I used social media to maximize buzz about Nerdy Thirty, but will also focus on the social media questions and needs of those in the audience. I will likely have a few PowerPoint slides, but the presentation will be very conversational, very engaging, and (I hope) even a little funny.

While I’m extremely excited to present at the Young Professionals Summit in March, I’m even more excited to network with other young professionals – many of whom I chat with via Facebook and Twitter, but never have had the opportunity to meet in person.

This event is the perfect kick-in-the-pants that many of us need, especially during the cold winter months in Nebraska. You’re guaranteed to find motivation, energy, and ideas for your current job, your next job, your dream job, or that side project you’ve sat on for years.

Registration for the luncheon only is $75. Registration for the entire Summit (which includes lunch) is $125. Please note: Registration deadline is Thursday, February 24.

There are two other events happening as part of the Young Professionals Summit. You’ll find me behind the bar at the February 17 event, but I make no promises about the quality of your drink should you order from me.

Documentary Viewing Party
Wednesday, February 2
7 – 9 p.m.
Marcus Theaters at Midtown Crossing
3201 Farnam St.

View the documentary “Street Fight” by Marshall Curry Productions, featuring Summit keynote speaker Cory Booker. The film chronicles the 2002 bare-knuckles race for mayor of Newark, New Jersey. Stick around for an after-the-show panel discussion and cocktails at Glo Lounge.

Cost: $5 in advance, $7 at the door • Register online by Tuesday, February 1

Purely Social: Summit Pre-Party
Thursday, February 17
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Nomad Lounge
1013 Jones St.

The evening includes a slam poetry competition for charity featuring Matt Mason and other local poets; celebrity bartenders including Summit presenters, local media figures and Omaha leaders; and appetizer and drink specials.

Cost: Free • Register online by Tuesday, February 15