By: Sandi Mulconry / Group M Communications

Facebook. Twitter. YouTube. Love it or hate it, social media is here to stay. How did it become so ubiquitous? And how is it likely to evolve?

Robert Thompson, a nationally known and widely quoted pop-culture expert, will discuss “Social Media—Beyond the Hype” in the inaugural event of the Skaneateles Speaker Series. The program will be held June 15 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Skaneateles Country Club, 3344 West Lake Road, Skaneateles. Thompson’s talk will begin at 6 p.m.

Thompson is a Trustee Professor and founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. He is quoted regularly in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and USA Today, and has appeared on such programs as “60 Minutes,” “Today,” “Good Morning America,” “Dateline” and “20/20.”

The event is presented by the Professional Services Committee of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Time Warner Cable Business Class. Additional support has come from ADworks, Group M Communications, Vincent McCabe Inc. and WRVO-FM.

“Skaneateles is not only a great place to visit and live, it’s a great place to do business,” says Jean Vincent, co-chair of the Professional Services Committee and president of Vincent McCabe Inc. “Our speaker series will support the Chamber’s manufacturing and professional service members, while drawing businesspeople from throughout Central New York. Each speaker will present usable knowledge on an important and timely business topic that will entertain as well as inform.”

The evening will include lots of opportunities for networking, a free drink coupon for wine or beer, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and door prizes. Tickets are $15 for members of the Skaneateles Area Chamber of Commerce; $20 for non-members.

Reservations are requested by June 7 and may be made by calling (315) 685-0552 or by e-mail to info@skaneateles.com.