Chris Hardie

Chris speaks about the Internet and politics. Richmond, 2004.

I am available to speak to your group or organization about a variety of topics. This page talks about those opportunities, and how to submit a speaking request. If you're a journalist seeking expert comment for a story, see the notes at bottom.

Interests and Topics

I have extensive experience in creating informative, engaging, and practical sessions for organizations of all types on a wide variety of topics, including:

• Facilitating an understanding of most any aspect of the Internet and related technologies, including its history, evolution, ethics, culture, and practical applications for a wide range of industries, not-for-profit needs, and personal growth.
   
• The world of small, values-driven business. While the particulars of my experience in starting and growing a small business may not apply to every organization, I have a lot of insights to share about the application of the entrepreneurial spirit to many different kinds of ventures, commercial or not-for-profit.
   
• Effective communication, particularly in the areas of framing, facilitating dialogue and group learning. Through my leadership in organizing several highly successful regional conferences, my experience serving on several non-profit boards of directors, and my own work in the world of small business and client relations, I can share my knowledge related to helping a group of people communicate more effectively.
    
• Issues around how Peak Oil, climate change and the meltdown of the U.S. dollar open up new opportunities for strong, self-reliant local communities to build their own sustainable future. Through my time studying peak oil and climate change trends, and my experience in organizing events and conferences to bring the practical implications to light for communities in Indiana, I can help your group see the big picture and what to do about it.

Those are a sampling of the topic areas where I have a strong background and personal interest. There are a variety of other topic areas where I have insights to share or where I can participate effectively as a panelist or group member. Here's a sampling of past talk titles:

• The History of the Internet
• Blogging Basics
• Database Connectivity on the Web
• Using RT / Request Tracker for effective request tracking
• Framing
• Combating Spam
• Making Effective Use of an Intranet
• Internet Resources for Freelancers
• The Internet as a Political Tool
• Marketing on the Internet
• The Internet and E-Commerce
• Adventures in Entrepreneurship / A History of Summersault
• Open Source Software
• TCP/IP Networking
• Using the Internet for effective community organizing and advocacy
• Building a Self-Reliant Richmond, Indiana

I'm always happy to try to weave any of these themes together as appropriate for your group's interests; often such interrelation happens anyway!

Quotes from Past Participants

Here's what some people have said about my past presentations:

• "Thank you for giving a superbly well-delivered and thought provoking presentation!"
• "It never fails that I learn something useful from you."
• "Thanks so much, again, for coming to talk to our group. You always do such a great job! As a speaker you are human and accessible. No one feels afraid they might ask a stupid question."
• "...incredibly instructive and interesting. Chris is well-prepared and I was doubly impressed that he fielded an out-of-context question with not only pertinent references, but a prepared slide! No matter what the question was from the group, he was prepared with references and updated trends, options, possibilities on several levels of complexity. I have only begun to investigate some of the links, but all have been helpful."
• "Thanks a billion for coming to our forum.. you continue to be terrific."
• "I am impressed and enthusiastic about your work and interest in community building."
• "Chris made it comfortable and was 'real' with us - he has lots of experience to share."

Chris speaks about using the Internet for advocacy work. Chicago, 2007.

Requirements

I don't have any strict requirements about my services. I'll try to donate my time for free when I can because I'm interested in interacting with people who are involved in these issues. I accept honoraria, but I don't expect them. If your group is interested in customized consulting services related to these topics, or if you want my session to be based on the specifics of an internal goal or concern, we can discuss appropriate compensation.

I generally expect for your organization to pay for any expenses involved. Unless there's a special circumstance, I need at least two months in advance to prepare, more if there is non-trivial travel involved.

Format

Unless you request otherwise, the format of my time with your group will be fairly informal, with a combination of presentations, group exercises, and question and answers. I will likely spend as much time encouraging discussion, comments, questions, and critique as I do speaking about any given topic. Participants of past sessions have noted that my manner and approach to these sessions is very conducive to accommodating a wide variety of audiences, and to making sure they are fully engaged.

Submitting Your Request

Please send your request to me via e-mail to chris@summersault.com. Please send as much information as you can, including:

• what topics you'd like me to speak on
• the format you think would work best
• the size and background of your group
• whether I'll be joined by other presenters/panelists
• the date or dates and times you have in mind
• your contact information including a phone number
• any other details, logistical concerns, etc. that might be relevant

Members of Media in Need of Experts

I am also available to assist journalists seeking expert comments and insights on issues and news related to the above topics. Please contact me and let me know how I can help.