I think many people–even those who are thought-leaders, influencers, mavericks, cultural creatives or some combination of the above–underestimate the nature and impact of the changes that have taken place over the past 5 years, in digital technology and in how we interact with that technology and with each other.
Over the past several months I have been developing a concept for a new conference that comes out of my own experience with–and observations about–those changes. The underlying thoughts were influenced by two books: Convergence Culture and Wikinomics. I knew the conference would focus on various convergence concepts, but as I talked to more people about it and read more material, I realized that the term “convergence” alone does not capture the full scope of what is happening and where we are heading.
Because it’s not just the convergence of things that weren’t combined before. Another component is now part of the mix–harder to define and capture than the rest: human interaction and participation. Consumers are interacting with and adding to new converged solutions–that is what is really making things different and interesting now.
So it’s not just convergence…
it’s interactive convergence: invergence.
I’ve also thought a lot about what could be called the 4 C’s of invergence: Culture + Content + Commerce + Community.
The creative business conference I am producing–called Inverge 2007 and scheduled for September 6 + 7 at the Gerding Theater in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon–will focus on this confluence.
How would you define invergence?
[…] 2007 is an immersive 2 to 4-day experience…[it] focuses on emerging interactive convergence [invergence] dynamics manifesting as various global business trends including: media platform integration, […]
[…] starting on Sept. 6th in Portland, OR USA that focuses on emerging interactive convergence [invergence] dynamics manifesting as various global business trends including: media platform integration, […]
Steven, I just checked the schedule and set up of the Inverge conference. It does look attractive!
[…] conference happening on September 6-7 in the Pearl District of Portland, OR that focuses on the invergence of media platforms, of online + offline, content + advertising, and corporate content + […]
[…] is coming to town on September 6-7 in the Pearl District of Portland, OR that focuses on the invergence of media platforms, of online + offline, content + advertising, and corporate content + […]
[…] Gehlen. Inspired by the ideas of Convergence Culture and Wikinomics, “Inverge”, “invergence” is a newly coined term that took its roots from the concept of convergence of digital […]
This is an interesting view of convergence, one which is supported by research i have been conducting. room for one more?