Jambo Networks deployed to the Wireless Cities Community Context Conference last week in Minneapolis, MN. I went up there to make sure the deployment went smoothly and to be on a panel discussion on Social Networks. I had never really had a desire to go to Minnesota before, but I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised. The University of Minnesota strattles the Mississippi River and is near the heart of the city. It was a bit chilly coming from Texas, so I recommend bringing a coat.
The conference mainly focused on WiFi, since Minneapolis is considering deploying WiFi throughout the city. I think there is a real opportunity for Minneapolis to jump to the forefront of the municial wifi movement by leveraging the power of local social software to connect neighbors or visitors in person. This can increase civic participation and promote networking among local groups or neighbors. There is a lot of untapped creative potential in city and it just requires making the right connections to unleash it.
During the conference, I was psyched to overhear another Jambo moment! Two attendees were using Jambo and discovered a name they recognized and wondered if it was the same friend they use to know at college many years ago. It was, so they reconnected over lunch!