The Barack Obama campaign’s National Blog Editor, Laurin Manning, has agreed to participate in Blog Indiana’s panel, “How Social Media Impacts Elections”.

The panel, which includes bloggers and online editors from across Indiana, will discuss how blogging and advances in social media have altered the political landscape in fundamental ways, from how candidates raise funds to how campaigns spread their message.

Laurin Manning specializes in political communications and holds an undergraduate degree in English from Wofford College.  She formerly served as an aide to now-retired Senator Ernest F. Hollings and clerked for Commissioner Michael Copps at the Federal Communications Commission.  Prior to her current position, Laurin has worked for the presidential campaign of Barack Obama in South Carolina, Alabama, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

Renee Wilmeth of Feed Me / Drink Me has a great session for those of us (we know who we are) that have a tough time with proper blog etiquette.

Her session, Blog Etiquette and Ethics, with help you “Learn how to ethically promote discussion and even debate while maintaining a grip on your blog using tools that best match your goals such as comments policies, ethics policies, re-directs, hosting skills, and more.”

About Renee

Renee has always been passionate about authors and content. She has 15 years of publishing experience including technical and trade reference development and acquisitions positions with Simon and Schuster, Webster’s New World, and Macmillan General Reference.

Wilmeth most recently was senior acquisitions editor for Alpha Books, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA) and the publisher of the popular Complete Idiot’s Guide line of how-to books. In addition to book publishing, Renee has managed the publication of a magazine, newspaper, and academic journal.

Renee’s undergraduate work is in Journalism and Public Relations. She is very active in her community as a volunteer and active member of several Indianapolis arts organizations, including the Indianapolis Arts Council and the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art. Renee is also an avid sailor.