MADISON, Wis., June 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonic Foundry, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFO) the recognized market leader for rich media webcasting and knowledge management, today announced the company's Event Services group partnered with ASTD to create a blended event for its International Conference & Exposition.
The ASTD 2009 International Conference & Exposition was held this week in Washington, D.C., with key online presentations webcasted via Mediasite. Virtual conference attendees were able to view select sessions live from their homes and offices and on-demand for a full 30 days after the event. Virtual attendees also have access to extended networking opportunities through an exclusive LinkedIn group, online chats and conference calls. In-person attendees also have access to the webcasts.
"With the help of Sonic Foundry's Event Services group, we are able to provide an engaging learning and networking experience for our virtual conference attendees," said Anthony Allen, director of digital media for ASTD. "We look forward to continued collaboration with Event Services."
Held each spring, the ASTD International Conference & Exposition is the premier event for workplace learning and performance professionals. Attendees come from more than 75 countries, and the conference features more than 300 educational sessions from industry-leading experts and a world-class EXPO filled with the latest products and services available from top suppliers.
"The economic downturn should not impede educational opportunities for the corporate enterprise, but should instead fuel executives to participate in learning that will prepare themselves and their companies for the next wave of growth," said Rimas Buinevicius, chairman and CEO of Sonic Foundry. "Webcasting events like ASTD's International Conference & Exposition ensures professionals will have the chance to learn from the best, no matter where they are. Sonic Foundry is proud to partner with the conference that will help companies move forward."
Sonic Foundry's Event Services group is a leading provider of webcasting for blended conferences and high-profile training events. The group and its strategic partners supply technical webcasting services and expertise to organizations who seek to complement their conference or event with viewing over the web. Since its launch in January 2007, the Event Services group has provided live and on-demand webcasting for clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations and university associations to sporting events and charitable organizations.
To view a sample of sessions from the ASTD 2009 International Conference & Exposition, visit www.sonicfoundry.com/astd2009.
About ASTD
ASTD (American Society for Training & Development) is the world's largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals. ASTD's members come from more than 100 countries and connect locally in more than 130 U.S. chapters and with more than 30 international partners. Members work in thousands of organizations of all sizes, in government, as independent consultants, and suppliers. ASTD started in 1943. In recent years, ASTD has widened the profession's focus to link learning and performance to individual and organizational results, and is a sought-after voice on critical public policy issues. For more information, visit www.astd.org.
About Sonic Foundry(R), Inc.
Sonic Foundry (NASDAQ: SOFO) is the global leader for rich media webcasting and knowledge management, providing enterprise communication solutions for more than 1,500 customers in education, business and government. Powered by Mediasite, the patented webcasting platform which automates the capture, management, delivery and search of lectures, online training and briefings, Sonic Foundry empowers people to transform the way they communicate. Through the Mediasite platform and its Events Services group, the company helps customers connect a dynamic, evolving world of shared knowledge and envisions a future where learners and workers around the globe use webcasting to bridge time and distance, accelerate research and improve performance.
Product and service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of Sonic Foundry, Inc. or their respective owners.
Certain statements contained in this news release regarding matters that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Because such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, uncertainties pertaining to continued market acceptance for Sonic Foundry's products, its ability to succeed in capturing significant revenues from media services and/or systems, the effect of new competitors in its market, integration of acquired business and other risk factors identified from time to time in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
