If you want to reach your audience, size doesn’t matter, it’s the depth of engagement – whether IRL or online. That’s what makes niche communities the underrated gems of the social media world.On Tuesday, Oct. 22, SMCLA presents a panel discussion with the experts who've been activating targeted audiences in the TV, foodie, beer-lover, and fashion communities. Join us and learn how niche communities can help people come together in a way that was never possible before social media and how companies, communities and organizations can all work together to get the most out of their shared interests. Find your audience, find your friends, or find your soapbox in a niche community. After this interactive conversation, you’ll be ready to make it big by going small!PANEL: “Niche Communities: Make It Big By Going Small”DATE: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.LOCATION: NextSpace, 9415 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CAA note about parking: There are two parking structures nearby: first 2 hours are free, $1 an hour beyond that. Metered parking is also available in the area. There also may be valet service in front.RSVP: https://smclaniche.eventbrite.comMembers FREE!Meet Our SpeakersModerator for this discussion is Babette Pepaj (@bakespace), founder of Bakespace.BakeSpace.com is a grassroots online community where foodies can share recipes, build new friendships, learn from other home chefs and express their passion for all things food-related. Pepaj also has launched Cookbook Cafe, a do-it-yourself digital publishing platform that enables anyone to create, market and sell a cookbook to the world for profit or fundraising.

Tim Mather (@timm3h) is the co-founder and designer of Untappd, a network that enables beer drinkers to socially share and explore the world of beer with your friends and the world.

The idea behind Untappd was born out of a melding of technology and a love for all things beer. Having majored in graphic design at Brooks Institute and having worked with many high profile clients, Mather set about creating the front-end of what became Untappd.

Stephanie Frasco (@stephaniefrasco) is the VP of Social Media at Convert With Content.com.

Over the past seven years, she has worked closely with clients from all over the world to help each of them get more results from online social networks. Through experience, Frasco has mastered some of the most powerful social media websites. Today, Frasco provides exclusive social media consulting services to a coterie of global clients.

Ebonique Wool (@1stcf) is the Marketing Director for 1st Class Fashion, a fashion-focused social media company promoting photo-sharing of daily street style.

She manages media communication efforts, public outreach campaigns, and strategy to engage brands and along with contributing to editorial content. Wool joined 1st Class Fashion from Chicago, where she worked for ASGK Public Strategies. She also does volunteer work as an outreach coordinator in for Click The Cause, a nonprofit organization enabling startup businesses supported through crowd-funding.

Claire Gendel (@Clairetastic) is the Public Relations Manager for Get Glue.