Technology and the Internet are changing politics — now more than ever. Over the last five years, Personal Democracy Forum (PdF) has become the seminal gathering place for the growing community of people who understand the effects underway, and want to make sure they stay on top of what’s coming next.

We're proud to announce that this year PdF will be bigger and better than before—we're expanding to two full days at a spectacular new venue overlooking Central Park, at Rose Hall, the home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Register now for two days of Personal Democracy Forum for the early-bird price of only $595. That's $100 off the regular price, and it includes access to all the sessions, breakfast, lunch, an open-bar cocktail reception and unlimited networking.

The 2008 election has shown that the Internet has become the central battlefield for campaigns, from the presidential race on down. So, on the first day of PdF 2008, we're going to focus on how technology is changing the electoral process. But we all know that no matter who is elected, big changes are also coming in how government uses technology to serve or connect with the public. That's why we're adding a whole second day to the PdF agenda, devoted to how technology is changing governance and civic action.

Who’s coming? Leaders from the world of technology, politics, journalism, blogging, and activism. Stay tuned for details. We're going to be blogging here about the conference as it takes shape, sharing our thoughts as we plan panels and introducing the many terrific speakers we're lining up.

Topics we'll be covering:

* The top political technology applications of 2008 * Open fundraising and how to create internet “money bombs” * Mastering the new videosphere of YouTube, MySpace and Yahoo Video * Engaging and mobilizing young voters online * Bloggers as pundits, pundits as bloggers * Converting online supporters into on-the-ground volunteers * Polling and its discontents* The inside scoop on what worked and what didn't from the Presidential campaigns * The coming of “Wiki Government” * Hyperpeople and hyperpolitics * Creating better debates with and without television * The cross-partisan politics of transparency * The changing role of the net-roots and the right-roots * Embracing voter-generated content * The internet's revolutionary power overseas * Creating national tech policies * Social technology and how the internet can save the planet * The rise of dynamic data-driven journalism

Check out this short highlight video from last year’s conference for a sample of what to expect.

Again, register now to take advantage of the early-bird pricing.

P.S. Check out that view, and imagine that same view in June!

Here's a peek at the emerging program for this year's fifth annual Personal Democracy Forum, which is coming up this June 23-24 in New York City. We're pretty excited about the line-up that's taking shape (and the fact that this is the first year we're expanding to two days). Plus we think that this year's event is going to be a seminal moment in defining the Internet's impact in opening up not only politics, but also governance (i.e., all the important stuff that happens after the election is over).

We're still hard at work finalizing the program for this year's fifth annual Personal Democracy Forum, which is taking place June 23-24 at Rose Hall in New York City, and I'm pleased to be able to share these updates with you on speakers and panels. Don't wait til the last minute to register, by the way--the early bird rate is going to expire after May 31 and prices are going up. Save $100 by registering now.

With just 19 days to go (gulp) til Personal Democracy Forum 2008 opens its doors, we're pleased to announce that Jonathan Zittrain, Professor of Internet Governance and Regulation at the Oxford Internet Institute, and the author of the important new book, The Future of the Internet: And How to Stop It, will be keynoting day two of the conference. Plus we have a great line-up of presenters for the Idea Market. More details after the jump...

Here's the schedule for Day One of Personal Democracy Forum 2008, which is focused on how technology and the internet are changing campaigns, elections and political media. To register or find out more, go here.

Here's the schedule for Day Two of Personal Democracy Forum, which is focused on how technology and the internet are changing governance and civic engagement. To register or find out more, go here.

We're pleased to be bringing back the "Idea Market" session to PdF this year, as last year it was one of the conference highlights. It's basically a "flea market" for ideas. Picture a large room with all kinds of interesting people hosting discussions based at tables scattered around the room, and attendees "voting with their feet" and sampling the topics, or hanging around one table for the full session to go deep on one subject.

What do Gina Cooper, Sean Parker, Jonathan Adelstein, Patrick Hynes and Christopher Libertelli all have in common? They're all joining the stellar array of presenters speaking at Personal Democracy Forum next week!

We're pleased to announce a first for the Internet Election of 2008: Starting tonight, a designated representative of both of the major presidential campaigns are going to participate in a free-wheeling debate on technology and government, moderated by Time magazine blogger Ana Marie Cox and channeled via Twitter.

The McCain campaign will be represented by Liz Mair, the online communications director of the Republican National Committee. The Obama campaign will be represented by Mike Nelson, a professor at Georgetown University who served in the Clinton White House under Vice President Gore on tech policy issues.

The debate is an initiative of Personal Democracy Forum and is being launched in tandem with next week's annual PdF conference, which is taking place Monday and Tuesday at Rose Hall in NYC.

I'll be going live to the web from time-to-time during the next two-and-a-half days as Twitter (my handle is @mlsif), and every time I'm actually streaming live, Qik--the fabulous live video streaming service we're using--will send a tweet letting you know.