Monday night, May 3, I attended a marvelous social media conference put together by Jeff Pulver and Eric Greenspan. It was held on Sunset Blvd. at The Comedy Store and I would estimate over 300 people attended.

Julie Spira, the dating expert @JulieSpira and myself (Photo by Linda Sherman)

Several speakers told of the "new world order" we'd be experiencing in the future through social media. I found Simon Mainwaring especially enlightening and a great speaker. He made me feel both old and renewed at what the future might hold. My kids will be the beneficiary while I'm still trying to figure out how to program the VCR (I know, I know - old technology - at least I didn't say 8-Track!).

Our fearless leader and host, Eric Greenspan - what is he doing? Tweeting? Checking Voicemail? Texting? I'm shocked! (photo by Marsha Collier)

Angela Shelton gave a moving talk about many abuses in the world that relate to children and, privately, enlightened me about things that I'd been maybe a bit naive about as a dad blogger/writer.

More new friends!  Vilte Sulcaite Holstad and Mikey Gallagher (Photo by Linda Sherman)

Dr. Krupali, an oncologist, brought most of us to tears when she told the "Make A Wish" type stories and needs of some of her dying cancer patients. I was so moved by one story that I started what became a mass rush to the stage, when I went up to the stage, spontaneously, and said "Here's the first $20 towards buying her plane ticket." It was great to see the whole room follow suit.

Dr. Krupali...and here's her update about that patient: "spoke with the patient and her hubby today and they burst into tears...just overwhelmed...simply overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers."

Jessica Gottlieb (@jessicagottlieb), Jeff Rago (@jeffrago), and Marsha Collier (photo by Marsha Collier)

Then there was the Yahoo Gang - Greg Cohn and Anna Robertson reminding us of how big this all has become and how much change is in the works ALL the time with ALL the major players!

Robert Watson @TopBrokerOC with Linda Sherman @LindaSherman

For me, I also had the pleasure of meeting the marketing/social media consultant for The Roxy, who happened to see my son perform there with Chris Cornell last Monday, May 3 (see blog further down below and be sure to watch the incredible video of that duet).

(Photo by Logan Spangler)

But, mostly for me, it was fun to feel young and "with it" though I was clearly in the top 10% of old farts there.

A special thank you to my wonderful social media advisor, friend, and mentor with all this stuff, Linda Sherman, who finagled it so I could attend this event and do my best to totally embarrass her.

It's definitely a new world order...and it may not even be centered in D.C.!