One key point that I couldn't squeeze into fifty words was that "local" doesn't always mean "lives here" - there are lots of "local" communities that convene once (or a few times) a year at a conference, for example. I'm hoping that we'll have a chance to explore how online tools can supplement offline existence, helping to create and reinforce social connections. For speakers, I'm expecting the panel to include Elizabeth Goodman of Confectious, Tony Stubblebine of CrowdVine, and David Makar of 544 Productions. Elizabeth's done some fascinating work on connecting people and places through technology. Tony's building social networks to intensify conferences, and David has been applying web technology to local business and politics in his own neighborhood. I've been blogging about the town I live in for almost four years now, learning how increasing information flow can help change a place, I hope for the better.