It's time for Social Media Breakfast Austin! Connect with fellow social media practitioners and enthusiasts at Mandola's Italian Market on Friday, March 4, 2011.

Event details: Social Media In Politics:
Rachel Farris interviews State Senator Kirk Watson

Social media is playing an even larger role in politics at the local and national levels. Known for his use of social media, State Senator Kirk Watson tweets and updates Facebook from the legislature, leaving no doubt as to his opinion and policy making. Progressive blogger Rachel Farris writes about politics, the legislature and social media. Join us as Rachel interviews Senator Watson for his take on social media and its increasing role in legislators' communications with constituents.

Panelist

Senator Kirk Watson is Texas State Senator for District 14. He is a partner with the law firm Brown McCarroll LLP. The Senator is a lawyer, mediator, public affairs consultant and former Austin mayor. In addition, he is former chair of both the Texas Advisory Board of Environmental Defense and the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce.

Senator Watson was recognized by Texas Monthly magazine as one of the state's "10 Best Legislators."  He also has earned numerous endorsements, awards and recognition for his work, including "Austinite of the Year" by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce; Austin Family Magazine's "Favorite Local Hero;" and the "Best of Austin – Best Citizen" Readers' Choice Award from the Austin Chronicle. 

Senator Watson serves on the Senate committees overseeing Business and Commerce, Economic Development, and Higher Education, and he is Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security.  He is the immediate past chair of CAMPO, the primary transportation planning agency for Central Texas and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. You can find Senator Watson on Twitter @KirkPWatson and Facebook, and follow his blog, Watson Wire.

Interviewer

Native Austinite and Democratic activist Rachel Farris (@MeanRachel) writes MeanRachel.com, a progressive blog that follows politics, the legislature and how they both are affected by social media. She covered the 2008 Democratic National Convention with The Texas Observer team and has spoken about social media and communications at the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs, Texas State University's "Mass Communication Week," and St. Edward's University. She also writes for The Huffington Post and has served as the National Communications Director for the Young Democrats of America Women's Caucus. She is also known for her work at the Austin-based PetRelocation.com, where she directs online communications strategies to create brand awareness and foster relationships with pet owners online.

Agenda for Austin's SMB 19

• 7:30 - 8:00 Breakfast, coffee & mingling
• 8:00 - 8:10 Welcome & announcements 
• 8:10 - 9:00 Interview & Q & A
• 9:00 - 9:30 More mingling and wrap-up

This event is free.

There is no cost to attend Social Media Breakfast Austin, but attendees pay for their own coffee and/or pastry at Mandola's.  

About the Austin Social Media Breakfast

The Austin Social Media Breakfast series is organized by Maura Thomas, Deb Robison, and Social Media Breakfast founder Bryan Person; it brings together social media veterans and newcomers alike for a morning of meeting, eating, sharing and learning. All are welcome!

Making Online Media?

Please use the #SMBAustin hashtag on Twitter and SMBAustin tag on Flickr.

Questions?

Please contact Bryan Person: Bryan - AT - SocialMediaBreakfast - DOT - com