An unprecedented new social media phenomenon is sweeping the globe. Whether you're one of 180 million Facebook users, follow Barack Obama or Kevin Rudd on Twitter or spend more time online than reading a newspaper, there's no denying social networking is changing the world. In fact, if MySpace were a country it would be the fifth largest country in the world!

We are excited about the power of social media and the new marketing options it presents, not to mention its potential to reach large and targeted audiences at the touch of button and truly joining the conversation with consumers about your brands and products.

This month Carpe Diem has entered into the blogosphere, adding a new interactive dimension to our website, which will keep you even more up to date with hot off the press news snippets.

In other exciting news, we are proud to announce the opening of a new Stockholm office in Sweden in June 2009. This presents even more exciting opportunities for our current and prospective clients and means we’ll have our fingers on the pulse here and in Europe.

Read on to find all the latest news and insights into what’s happening in the marketing and events industry.

Team Carpe Diem

Eurotalk will feature updates about our clients, European brands that have caught our eye, current and emerging trends, new products, events, culture, fashion, design and lifestyle from Europe and European brands in Australia.

We will also keep a close eye on the latest marketing, public relations and new media trends from all over Europe, as well as featured guest bloggers and links to our favorite European sites, video content, news articles and other interesting blogs.

Check out Eurotalk at http://www.mycarpediem.com.au/eurotalk

Do you have any existing news or coverage you wish us to cover in EuroTalk? Please drop us a line to info@mycarpediem.com.au.

Did you know that you will spend 5.7 years of your working life in meetings? Or that office worker who spend 12 hours or more sitting are at higher risk of fatal blood clots than passengers on long-haul flights?

Did you also know that you will spend 600 hours of your working life gazing at your colleagues?

Kinnarps has compiled a video series of interesting facts and figures about the Australian work environment and sheds some revealing light on your time in the office.

Go to www.did-you-know.com.au to find out what else goes on in the office.
 

Leading Swedish bicycle manufacturer, Skeppshult will auction four limited edition PINK V BIKES, produced exclusively for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, to raise money for breast cancer research.

Up for grabs are four limited edition bikes, personally signed by:

• Fifi Box, Network Seven’s Sunrise weather presenter, 2Day FM presenter
• Deborah Hutton, iconic television presenter, magazine editor and designer
• Lizzy Lovette, television and radio personality
• Adam Spencer, ABC 702 presenter

The online auction will be held on eBay (www.ebay.com.au) for one week, commencing Tuesday 26 May and concluding Tuesday 2 June 2009, with all profits being donated to the Foundation.

The V Bike is the latest model from Skeppshult. It is a stylish, designer, fun and zippy bicycle, featuring unique attachment points that can hold a lockable pod, front and rear racks and basket which can be added or removed. Perfect for that short commute to work, running various errands or just riding for fun!
Get bidding and help raise money for this fantastic cause.

Click here to join our online Facebook group.
 

Ultra hip Sydney fashion boutique, Style Junky has unveiled its new Autumn/Winter 09 collections - an eclectic mix of exclusive Scandinavian and European designer labels.

The new collection features pants, jackets, knits and dresses in feminine fabrics with striking prints and warm colours. This sophisticated range is aimed at style-conscious women who crave individuality.

The handpicked range comprises of chic and unique pieces with luxurious fabric compositions such as sculpted knits, soft leather, lambskin, chiffons and pure silks in a wonderful spectrum of hues including forest green, ash grey, black caviar, mustard yellow and deep purple.

Style Junky’s fashion range caters to modern women and offers an ever-changing combination of exclusive one-off pieces and seasonal must-haves which transcend different fashion eras.

Pop in and check out the new Autumn/Winter 2009 collection in store now at 76 Williams Street, Paddington.
 

A new publication ‘Jørn Utzon’s Sydney Opera House’ - a personal account of the life and achievements of Jørn Utzon, the architect of the Opera House - will be released on Monday 18 May 2009.The book is a collaboration between German photographer and author Katarina Stuebe and Jan Utzon, the arcitecht son of Jørn Utzon. ‘Jørn Utzon has mesmerised not only one nation but the whole world with his incredible spirit and his forward thinking design of the Sydney Opera House,’ Katrina Stuebe says.

Kinnarps is a proud funding partner of the international book launch, which will take place at the Sydney Opera House. The event will be opened by Susanne Shine, the Danish Ambassador in Australia and attended by media, government representatives, industry professionals and special guests.

Following the official book launch, Katrina Stuebe and Jan Utzon, will host and participate in a series of book signing events throughout May 2009 such as the Sydney Writers’ Festival, Royal Institute of Architects and a public forum at Custom’s House.

For more information, visit:
www.kinnarps.com.au
www.utzonoperahouse.com
www.revealbooks.com

Australians planning to travel to Scandinavia can now benefit from a new and FREE travel guide, which provides a smorgasbord of unique experiences, tips for easy and affordable travel, as well as ‘not to be missed’ year round experiences.

The Essential Guide to Scandinavia is a pocket travel book produced by The Scandinavian Tourist Board (STB), in collaboration with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), in response to an increasing interest for travel to Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

The essential guide highlights year-round activities that cater to all interests from gourmet travellers and outdoor enthusiasts to cultural seekers and history buffs.

Free copies of the Essential Guide to Scandinavia are available through Carpe Diem, Australian representatives of STB by calling (02) 9212 1332 or by sending an email to: info@visitscandinavia.com.au
 

Did you know Australia is ranked #6 in usage of Twitter in the world?

The STB team has been busy twittering. Get the updates now. Follow us on @vscandinavia

Carpe Diem are pleased to announce the addition of Nathan Burman to our team as an Account Manager.

Nathan is Australian born with more than seven years experience in the public relations, corporate communications and marketing industry. An expert on the Australian media landscape with a bulging contact book, Nathan's specialities are his excellent writing skills and ability to create and implement strategies that reach and influence the right consumers for your brand.

Throughout his career Nathan has worked for some of Australia's biggest brands across a number of industries including FMCG, consumer health, consumer technology, insurance, travel and tourism, alcohol, pharmaceuticals and home-wares. Nathan has won a number of industry awards, including the Public Relations Institute of Australia 2008 National Golden Target Award for consumer marketing.

Holding a Bachelor of Business from Newcastle University, Nathan joined Carpe Diem PR & Events from Pulse Communications.