Nostalgia: Exploring the Past to Win the Future

Social media and other innovations are changing the way we promote causes and products. Oftentimes these modern concepts are paired with modern designs and written with a view to the future—which can be awkward and off-putting to the general public. The end result is that those who are trying to promote change embrace the trappings of the future, and those who oppose it embrace the past.

Nostalgia is one of the most powerful human emotions there is. It is a utopian glimpse of the future wrapped up in the clothes of the past. Those seeking change cannot concede this territory. Using the 2008 Obama for President Campaign and the first term in the Obama White House as case studies, Arun Chaudhary discusses how one can embrace and promote change while also using the nostalgia genre effectively.

New Media: Myths & Realities

New media is the new snake oil, a cure-all presented to folks regardless of the specific needs of their projects. It can often lead to working hard, not working smart. When harnessed effectively, social media can make a huge difference, but more often than not it is imposed as a one-size-fits-all solution.

In this illuminating talk, Arun Chaudhary—the first White House videographer—offers insights as to how the new media landscape will change over the next five years, while expounding on the myths and realities of what it is truly capable of.

Political Media in the Internet Age

2008 presented a crucial opportunity for change—an opportunity that, as Barack Obama’s official videographer, Arun Chaudhary was lucky enough to witness. In this keynote, Chaudhary explains to audiences how he tailored his strategy for Obama to fit his very specific message, while fitting it into the very specific medium of video. He discusses the nuances of content and timing (what and when to post), the dangers and rewards of user-generated content, and understanding the new media institutions (Google, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook), all in the context of presenting the very unique case study of the 2008 Obama for President Campaign. Lastly, Chaudhary offers a look at what to expect in 2012.

Documenting History in Real Time: Being the First White House Videographer

In a fascinating firsthand account, Arun Chaudhary shares what it was like to be the very first White House videographer. He gives a brief history of presidential filming—including how high stakes it can be—plus a personal account of what it was like to work with the President and how their relationship evolved over the years. By offering a case study of "West Wing Week," Chaudhary hits on the key aspects of his role: deciding what to shoot and what not to shoot, bringing transparency to the Administration while also keeping history in mind, navigating the challenges of shooting and editing on the road, and developing a relationship with the press. Most importantly, Chaudhary draws parallels to business at large, offering lessons and clear takeaways to other organizations.