ChicagoPressKit

Press Release: May 11, 2009 - PDF

One-Sheeter

What participants will gain

Networking opportunities
Low-cost solutions to make the most of limited income
Advice on how to start your own business
Freelancing tips
How to make the most out of a job search
Information about alternative career paths
Guidance and support
Resume and interviewing tips

What hiring managers, recruiters will gain

Opportunity to meet eager, qualified candidates
How to work with freelancers

Media coverage so far

New York Post
27 Apr 2009

New York Times "Job-Search Networks, in All Shapes and Sizes"
WSJ "Ditching the Job Fair for a Venting Opportunity"
CNN "...its like a free day camp for the unemployed...you never know whom you might meet."
Wired "What do I do next? - the most enterprising among them are revisiting the goals they once abandoned..."
CNET Audio slide show from various LaidOffCamp SF sessions
NPR Radio clip of an overview of LaidOffCamp SF sessions and participant testimonials.
Business Week "...an organization to connect other people who were out of work... informal sessions and networking for the unemployed and self-employed."
Huffington Post "...might also allow the unemployed to make their voices heard more clearly and help turn them into a more powerful political force"
CBS Video of LaidOffCamp SF as "a job fair aimed at the internet generation"
SF Chronicle "...brimming with entrepreneurs who wanted to help people hurt by the economy"
Springwise "...professionals coming together ... to network, brainstorm and find inspiration for the next phase of their careers."

Top 3 things to do to get involved before the event

1. Join a committee

2. Suggest ideas for sessions

3. Spread the word (see below)

4.bonus casinos

Community

Facebook

Contact information

http://twitter.com/laidoffcampchi

chi-info@laidoffcamp.com

http://laidoffcampchicago.eventbrite.com/

Media Partners

Banner Ad's soon to be running on our Media Partner sites: Newcity

Email that individual participants can forward along to others

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Dear [NAME],

Do you know a friend or someone who has recently been "displaced," is "between projects," or perhaps "newly liberated"? Are they looking to take charge by finding a new passion, reinventing their career, or considering a non-traditional career path? If so, do them a favor and tell them about LaidOffCamp Chicago, a free event in Chicago on June 10 held at Loyola University's Downtown campus.

What is LaidOffCamp Chicago? LaidOffCamp Chicago is an ad-hoc gathering gathering of unemployed and non-traditionally employed people (including entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups) who want to share ideas and learn from each other. It features a unique, open, and participatory forum designed to connect, educate, and empower community members who are facing significant challenges in the current economic climate. LaidOffCamp Chicago is directed towards entry to mid-level professionals in industries such as Financial Services, Professional and Business Services, Information Technology, Retail Trade, Non-Profits, Creative Arts, Education and Health Services. LaidOffCamp will give attendees maximum value for their time with workshops, panels, and discussions focused on issues relevant to them.

Proposed sessions include:

- Building Your Personal Brand

- Transitioning to a New Industry

- Legal & Accounting Demands of Launching a New Business

- Finding Affordable Health Insurance

- How to Better Utilize Social Networking

- Demands of Being an Entrepreneur in this Economic Climate

- How to Become a Freelanceer

- Winning Interview Techniques & Resume Writing Tips

The first national LaidOffCamp was on March 3, 2009 in San Francisco with more than 400 attendees. The success of LaidOffCamp San Francisco has sparked LaidOffCamp organizations and events to launch globally in over 25 cities with proactive individuals taking the initiative to make the most of their situations in the current economic downturn.

LaidOffCamp Chicago will be held on June 10th between 1-5pm at Loyola University's Downtown campus. It will be followed by LaidOffLounge held at McCormick's and Schmicks. More information can be found here: http://laidoffcamp.pbworks.com/Chicago and you can register at http://laidoffcampchicago.eventbrite.com

We want to collaborate with you and your community, so spread the word! Please contact us at chi-planning@laidoffcamp.com if you're interested in supporting this effort or have ideas on how to make LaidOffCamp Chicago a success.

Thank you so much, and we hope to see you at the event!

[NAME]

LaidOffCamp Chicago Organizers

http://laidoffcamp.pbworks.com/Chicago

chi-planning@laidoffcamp.com

http://twitter.com/@laidoffcampchi

http://laidoffcampchicago.eventbrite.com

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