As members of our Mashable community prepare to connect offline on June 30, we recognize that these Meetups will take many forms, depending on what works best for each community. Whether it's a small group of networkers or a panel discussion of digital influencers, there's no wrong way to celebrate Social Media Day.
Here's a look at how a few Mashable fans are celebrating Social Media Day 2011.
Phoenix, Arizona
Desiree Ford of Phoenix, Arizona, is putting together a big blowout event to honor Social Media Day at District American Kitchen and Wine Bar. She expects 500 attendees and has prepared swag bags from sponsors for attendees.
The idea is to keep it loose and have a fun, informal networking event. "No guest speaker — this is a party!" Ford said. However, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Ford’s company Pink Media, which she founded after being inspired by the first Social Media Day last year. She's also trying to get the state of Arizona to officially proclaim June 30 as Social Media Day, much like the cities of Vancouver and Victoria did last year.
Paris, France
In Paris, organizer James Medd is planning a big event at La Bellevilloise, a venue often used for concerts, art shows and other public events. This Meetup will have four to five speakers, including Patrice Lamothe, CEO of social curation community Pearltrees. He's also tapped Parisian pop band 21yo (pictured above) to perform live...
