That’s because ADISN is a next-generation ad network that uses relationship data from the social web for ad targeting.   They aggregate all the stuff that more traditional ad networks ignore:  web conversations, profiles, blogs, and behavior.  And they use this data to mine the relationships between seemingly unrelated topics.  The payoff?  Ads that are targeted to the right audiences, in the right places, at the right times.

Please come visit ADISN at Twiistup4, where we’re delighted to welcome them as a sponsor.   If you drop by early, you might score one of their limited-edition t-shirts or a CD full of heart-tugging breakup songs.  Listen to what they have to say, then go write your own Dear John letter to your current ad network.

AOL has always been an Internet innovator, starting with its humble origins as a revolutionary networking service called Quantum Computer Services.    With headquarters in New York, it has now become a leading global advertising-supported web company, with an average of 110 million domestic visitors monthly to its network of web properties.

We’re delighted to welcome AOL as a Twiistup4 sponsor.  Please come see them by the pool, or stop by their developer network website to learn how AOL can enhance your web services offerings and help you make money.  But hurry — if you stop by the booth and ask about their social networking apps, you just might score one of their limited-quantity AOL Developer “social” t-shirts.  You’re sure to be the belle of the ball if you do.

Growthink is a leading strategic consulting, advisory and investment banking firm to growth companies.  They’re headquartered right here in beautiful LA, with offices in SF, SD and NY.  They’ve been in business since 1999, and have helped more than 1500 companies with strategic planning, growth and capital raises.  (That’s quite a track record.)  Not all of the businesses they service are tiny:  their roster includes Deutsche Bank, Hooters, and McKesson Corporation.   But don’t fret:  they still take care of the little guys.

As a matter of fact, to show how much they care, they’re offering a free business plan consultation or business plan review to Twiistup4 attendees.  (They’re also providing services to all the Showoffs and a full strategic review to the Twiistup4 winner.)  They have specialty practices in digital entertainment, technology, green and biotech, in addition to general services.  Please stop by and see them at the event to make arrangements.  And tell them “thanks” for supporting our community, and for the great party by the pool.  We’re delighted to have them as one of our sponsors.

Why is this important?  Because DMX empowers small and medium-sized web publishers:  they offer a free, hosted ad server with built-in monetization that allows publishers to connect to ad networks who compete for their inventory.  That’s right, they let people like you and me compete with the big boys for ad dollars. Furthemore, DMX automatically sells your inventory to the highest-bidding advertiser every time.  Let’s hear it for free markets!

DMX offers ads from 13 DMX networks, as well as networks in the Right Media Exchange; monetizes more than 19,000 sites; and serves more than 10 billion (yes, BILLION) impressions a month.  They offer complete creative control, multiple reporting options, active forums and super-proactive support.  They’re also backed by a little company called Yahoo.

Despite their big-boy backer, DMX is a small company based in Eugene, OR, where everyone who works there seems to have a great time.  We’re delighted to welcome them as a sponsor for Twiistup4, and, if you’re a web publisher, highly encourage you to try out their services.   You may find yourself running your own, independent publishing empire as a result.

With Magnify360, it’s all about the user.  The company offers a software-as-service (Saas) platform that allows websites to adapt in real-time to the behaviors of individual visitors.  Booyeon Lee, technology reporter at the Los Angeles Business Journal, said “It’s like rearranging the layout of a store for every customer who walks through the door.”  That’s pretty powerful stuff.

There are a lot of fancy terms on Magnify360’s site, like “multivariate testing,” “real-time behavioral targeting,” and “predictive modeling.”  Given that we’re as wonky as the analysts around here, I think you’ll all agree that those words add up to “fantastic user experience.”  Which, of course, also leads to more transactions and more satisfied customers.

Currrent clients include Service Magic (IAC Corp), HSBC, and Intuit.  Magnify360 also announced just yesterday a groundbreaking social networking site with Citrix Systems and Microsoft.  You can find the press release here.

Fabulous, yes?  Well, you can also be a part of it, if you’re so inclined, because they’re aggressively recruiting at all levels.  So, please give Magnify360 a little Twiisted love for making the online experience better for all of us.

FreshBooks’ online toolset is very impressive.   With it, you can automate invoicing, allow clients to access their invoices and account histories online, and even collect online payments using services such as PayPal and Verisign.   You can also create professional-looking online estimates, track time and expenses, and maintain client contact information and history.  Bonus points for the ability to brand your pages and your materials with your own logo:  as we all know, looking professional is key to maintaining credibility!  FreshBooks is also populated with some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.  After all, they’re a good Canadian company, and I personally have never met a Canadian I didn’t like, eh?

We’re delighted to welcome FreshBooks as a sponsor for Twiistup 4, and hope you’ll pay a visit to the site.  They’re also offering a special promo for Twiistup attendees who’d like to sign up for one of their subscription packages.  Simply used the all-too-appropriate promo code SUNBURN when you sign up, and you’ll get $20 off.

LA’s finest and New Orlean’s own DJ Quickie Mart will be spinning kewl tunes and keeping the vibe going at Twiistup 2 this Wednesday. Quickie’s been a major force in building the NOLA hip hop scene from the ground up, and bridging the gap within other forms of New Orleans music. He holds down the most popular weekly in New Orleans at the Hookah Cafe. Quickie has toured with Galactic, played at Jazzfest, Bonnaroo Music Festival, and SXSW. He has shared stages with RJD2, Dakah Hip-Hop Orchestra, Dj Quest, Faust & Shortee, and DJ Klever. Lots of killer swag, prizes, cocktails, and kewl tunes. What more could you ask for? Get your tickets now.

In case you don’t know about Lucky Oliver, it’s a high-style, reasonably priced stock photo house. If you need more incentive, they have images starting at a dollar. While I don’t think they need heavy discounting to sell the value, keep it up as it adds to an already killer experience. My mental model is that they have sweet deals set up with photographers that are shooting highly original shots. Check out luckyoliver.com for proof (pardon the pun). Oh yeah, they have a killer user experience as well with mucho personality – big-big props for that.

Aside from all that’s cool about Lucky, they had an equally original 1 year birthday party at Ace Auto Dismantling, 2255 McKinnon St. in San Francisco. While I have a guess as to what happens at Ace during the day, the space is naturally staged for events that are different. Imagine a graveyard for large scale party props and industrial art exhibits and that’s Ace. Of course they added their own touch with the Santana Taco truck and a mariachi band. The keg of PBR was a nice touch for a junk yard as well. In the middle of the arty rubble you found hob-knobbing ‘Olivers,’ photographers shooting left and right and smoke from the fired up trash barrels. Lucky’s dress code..’All you need to bring is yourself, your desire to celebrate and a sober way back home. Oh, and leave your Jimmy Choos and your lovely linen dresses in your closet–it’s a junk yard, folks.’ – Upcoming.org

Big thanks to Hunter and crew for an interesting event and a great site to improve the selection of online stock photography. The next time someone suggests that you add a picture to your site of someone using a laptop while sipping coffee next to a window, check out and search for mohawk. Mohawks are way better.