Adam Sampson may have been arguing that the rise of social media is in some ways a threat to campaigning charities, but little did he know that Twitter was upstaging him as he spoke.

The former Shelter chief executive (pictured) was taking part in a thought-provoking panel session at the NCVO’s Campaigns Conference, and pointed out that social networking tools allow individuals to campaign without the help of charities.

Meanwhile, the event organisers had set up the big screen above the stage to display the comments of those, delegates or otherwise, commenting on the dedicated hashtag #newpol (these arrangements having been explained by an openly mystified Stuart Etherington earlier in the day).

As a result the debate was fully democratised, though the panel themselves could not see what was unfolding behind them – as one Tweeter, @Tim_Bisley, put it: “reminds me of school days and passing notes about the teachers”.

Following a comment from the floor highlight the all-white, middle-aged, male demographic of the panel (like that’s never happened at a sector event before), another Tweeter, @willperrin, opted to highlight their sartorial diversity: “panel almost has full spectrum of neck wear - tight tie, loose tie, no tie - only bow tie missing”. Though @2edinburgh pointed out that there was no cravat present.

As if the dual conversations weren't hard enough for delegates to follow, up stepped sector satirist Robin Bogg to bring a touch of absurdity to proceedings, despite not seemingly being present at the event.

His first missive read “ooooh, look, I'M ON THE BIG SCREEN”, followed by “I like the plasterwork in the room”.

But the tweet which finally promoted the panel to turn around and read the messages behind them, and which elicited a look of shock and confusion from journalist Ed Howker, read: “Ed Howker - your flies are down. I'm ‘terrified’.”

Politicians take a pasting

The Twitterfall antics continued into the afternoon with a panel session with Conservative MP Oliver Letwin, Danny Alexander, chair of the Liberal Democrat Manifesto Group and Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Chuka Umunna (all pictured).

Alexander came under attack for his drones about "fairness" in his speech for the sector.

@benfolley declared: "fairness is the most meaningless and overused word in politics".

While @solobasssteve astutely observed "'Change!' 'Fairness!' 'Hope!' 'Equality!' has any party ever stood on a platform of unfairness, inequality and hoplessness?"

Letwin was lambasted for his lacklustre support for a Tobin Tax, which would see currency conversions taxed and the proceeds given to charity or overseas development.

"Question on behalf of @ActionAiduk at #newpol Letwin said no, his mates in the city breathing collective sigh of relief," tweeted @jojuber.

Surprisingly, Umunna was left relatively unscathed by the rampant Tweeters. Perhaps his frequent glances at the screen and comments on its distracting nature diverted the digital observers sub-consciously.

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Social media upstages traditional debate at NCVO conference

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Directory: National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) | Shelter
Who's Who: Adam Sampson | Sir Stuart Etherington | Robin Bogg