The day the Canadian Web community has been waiting for is here – the fourth annual mesh Conference kicks off today, with meshU, a full day of hands-on workshops. Taking place April 6, 7 & 8 at the MaRS Centre in Toronto, mesh is the place to be for exciting discussions about the ever-changing online world.

Considering that 49 per cent of consumers and 62 per cent of PR practitioners use social media at least once a day, according to the CNW Group/Leger Marketing “Social Media Reality Check,” the discussions and workshops taking place at mesh are increasingly relevant. And even if you’re not attending mesh (the conference has now sold out,) there are lots of way to find out who’s there, and what’s being said:

• The mesh09 Media Hub – new this year, this is THE place to get mesh 09 photos, videos and more.
• Twitter: Follow us at @meshconference and or watch the Media Hub as it tracks #mesh09. We’ll be tweeting throughout the conference, so check back often.
• meshTV: Here’s where you’ll find interviews with mesh keynote speakers and panelists, brought to you by on-the-scene “reporter” Mark McKay and his film crew, as well as other behind-the-scenes footage. All video content will be posted on the mesh09 Media Hub, and will also be available on YouTube.
• Photos: Check the Media Hub to see mesh in still life. And if you’re an attendee, please remember to add your own photos!
• mesh blog: For more in-depth updates from the mesh team, take a look at the mesh blog for regular posts on panel discussion workshops, and all the news that’s fit to blog.

Social: The best part of mesh is connecting with other people, and sometimes that’s easiest in a more social setting. Here’s an overview of mesh’s social events:

meshUp, April 6, 2009
The beer o’clock at the Drake Hotel brought to you by meshU and StartupNorth
Time: 6 p.m. to close. Everyone is welcome. Space is limited. There is no charge for this event.
Where: The Lounge & Dining Room at the Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St. West (Click for map). Thanks to our hospitality sponsor and host the Drake Hotel.

The Social, April 7, 2009
Hosted by: Hyndman | Law
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: The Atrium, MaRS (private function for mesh09 participants)

mesh after-party at The Mod Club (Thanks to sponsor Social Media Group!)
Time: 8 PM - close
Where: The Mod Club (Map), 722 College St.(College & Crawford)
mesh09 participants: admission included in registration price (present your name badge at door to access event free of charge); otherwise tickets will be $15 at the door. The net proceeds from the door go towards supporting War Child, the charity voted for by the mesh community via email and Twitter. Transportation to The Mod Club will be provided by Expedia.ca.

mesh09 wrap party, April 8, 2009 (Sponsored by Edelman Digital)
Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Proof Lounge, 220 Bloor St. W (west of Avenue Rd.)
Transportation will be provided by Expedia.ca.

If you’re interested in the CNW Group/Leger Marketing Social Media Reality Check Survey results, sign up for a Webinar at Newswire.ca/SocialMediaRealityCheck that will take place on April 29th for a full analysis of the survey.

For further information, or to book an interview, please contact:
Megan Hooper or Riannon John
Edelman
416.979.1120 Ext. 297/242
Megan.Hooper@edelman.com / Riannon.John@edelman.com