If you’re looking for a conference or other event where you can learn more about social media for business, there are quite a few coming up during the next few months. I’m involved with some as a presenter.

Here’s one that, with its very different structure, offers you something the others don’t – total, hands-on immersion into the subject matter that will provide you with actionable insights to give you the confidence to implement the practical knowledge (and skills) you’ll have acquired.

Social Media Today Hands-On Training with Eric Schwartzman comes to London on September 8 and 9, 2011. During those two days in September, you’ll be immersed in a structured programme that will help you get digitally fluent and social media savvy through practical experience.

I’ll be participating in this event to help presenter Eric Schwartzman deliver a focused programme that includes some insights into what’s happening in the UK from a social business perspective.

I recorded a 16-minute conversation with Eric in which he explains why Social Media Today Hands-On Training is different and why you should take part if getting immersive with social media is what you’re looking to do rather than simply listen to a presentation.

• Download or listen to the podcast: In conversation with Eric Schwartzman (MP3, 14.6Mb, 16:01)

To give you a sense of what you’ll be learning about during the two days of this event, here are some of the topics Eric will be helping you get hands-on with:

• Build a social media monitoring dashboard to spot engagement opportunities
• Set up and manage a Facebook page
• Master Twitter for business communications
• Get more Facebook friends, Twitter followers and LinkedIn connections
• Search engine optimize text, images, audio and video content for the web
• Advanced content marketing, community management and social automation

Spaces are limited to 30 people and the event takes place at a London venue designed for computer-based training. Just bring your laptop, connect to the high-speed broadband network and you’re set for the experience.

The cost is $825 – that’s about £507, surely a bargain for what you’ll be able to achieve after these two days. And if you book your place by August 10, you can deduct $150 to get an early-bird price of $675. That’s about £415 – definitely great value for acting quick.

Find out more on the event website where you can reserve your place.

If you’re not in London, note that Social Media Today Hands-On Training with Eric Schwartzman programmes are being held in cities across the world during September, in continental Europe, South-East Asia and North America.