It is with great pleasure that we announce today that George Takei, author, actor, advocate, and Internet super star will be the closing keynote address at this year's The Social Shake-Up on June 9 and 10 in Atlanta.
I'm old enough to have first encountered this versatile, charming, committed man in the basement of my dorm during his 1.0 period, when he hung out on the command deck as the very hot Lieutenant Sulu (he lit up my fevered teenage fantasies) in the original Star Trek Series. But while his acting career has continued, he has also, in the manner of all modern, post-Internet celebrities, created more than a series of screen credits.
His many accomplishments (one of the longest Wikipedia entries I've ever seen) include running for the LA City Council (he lost by only 1100 votes), serving on numerous boards and commissions, and responding frequently, patiently, and in real-time to slurs and attacks from the stupid people and organizations who attack gay people, Asian people, and Howard Stern cast members.
He has written four books, received numerous awards from the government of Japan, GLAAD, and had an asteroid named after him. He is the subject of the documentary To Be Takei, and has lent his name and celebrity to the cause of human rights, marriage rights, and, because of his childhood experience in a Japanese-American internment camp, he has been particularly astute about the dangers of over-zealous anti-terrorist laws.
His incredibly active (when does he sleep?) life, his wit and intelligence have been shared abundantly on social media. People who are a third of his age should be so fortunate to have as many Twitter followers and Facebook fans, and to understand so well the power of networks and technology. Early on, he saw the power of visuals to connect emotionally with his followers, and his natural humor translates easily into new media. His is a "personal brand" for the ages.
Please join us in welcoming George Takei to our line-up, and join us in Atlanta in June.
To celebrate George Takei making the trek to Atlanta, we are extending our early-bird pricing for another week.You now have until next Friday, February 20th, to secure your pass to The Social Shake-Up for 50% off. Buy your pass here.