8 Podcamp Tips and Suggestions
In about 2 weeks I’ll be attending Podcamp Toronto for the second time. At this point I have become a veteran to Podcamps and other networking events so I decided to put together a list of Tips and suggestions to make the event work for you.
#1 – There is no such thing as a clique
Approach Podcamp or any other networking event with an open mind. If you have gone with friends, thats great but remember you can talk with your friends any time! In order to change anything in life you must break out of your comfort zone. Once you approach a few people you’ll realize that most of us are there for a common reason and discussion comes easy.
#2 – Read and Listen
Podcamp Toronto as well as most podcamps have a wiki page. This is a page that can be edited by anyone with the password.(Usually Public) I suggest that you read over the sessions and decide which ones you would like to attend. Then Read over the list of attendees and check out some of their work. Make a list of “Must Meet” people and be sure to meet them! Finally, Listen to some podcasts. Many of the attendees will have a podcast. There is no better way to break the ice than to talk to a media creator about their media.
#3 Come with an Agenda to Learn
Are the session leaders covering what you would like to learn? Are you having difficulties in a certain areas that you are not seeing covered? I’ll be harsh here and say, “If you leave without the information you need – It’s your fault!” I don’t mean this to sound rude, but if you have a topic you need covered there are a few ways you can do this. (a) Talk to people in the halls and get recommendations on who might have knowledge in that area (b) Ask an event organizer if they can help you find a person, group or session that will meet your needs. (c) Go to the Wiki Page and post that you are looking for some information. Set up a time to talk about it and I guarantee people will come to listen and teach.
#4 Make & Share
During the event be sure to take pictures, capture some video, record some audio; whatever form of media you prefer. When the event is over or even during the event, share the content with others. Spread the knowledge and network with those that you have met. Sharing online forms a conduit for further communications. I can’t tell you how many people take photos, video and audio that never get uploaded or shared. If there was a room for Podcamp material that never made it to the net it would be the size of a couple of football fields.
#5 Be Prepared
When someone asks you for a business card, be sure to have something. The more creative the better 
Never eat lunch alone!
#6 Be a Resource
Everyone brings talent, experiences, and ideas to an event. Be a resource and share your passion with others. To be human, and to share is to be successful in any online or offline networking.
#7 Connect Ahead
Don’t be afraid to ping anyone that you ant to meet ahead of the event. Send an email or a message on twitter. One thing that I have learned is that online discussions carry right over to offline discussions. I have met people offline that I connected with for years online and there was never that awkward moment. It’s just like stepping into an existing conversation.
#8 Volunteer
This one speaks for itself. It takes a lot of manpower to run a large event. Volunteers are always needed. There is no better way to break the ice and meet new people than by volunteering.
Speaking Sessions I am involved with:
The Social Media Funnel – I will be discussing my approach to social media, communications, and community building with visual props and sharing my passion! (Sunday : Room 229 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Artists & Creatives – Discussion led by Keith Burtis, Julianna Yau, and Steve Saylor. Exploring the ties between Social media, The Arts & Creativity. (Saturday: Room359A 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.)
Taking Control of Success – John Meadows, Scarborough Dude, Keith Burtis and Katherine Matthews (Sunday: Room 201 11:45am-12:15PM)
If you are attending Podcamp Toronto please make sure we connect! Leave me a comment here and I will make 100% sure we meet. Here is a list of the great organizers of Podcamp Toronto:
Connie Crosby
Dave Fleet
Eden Spodek
Jay Moonah
Rob Lee
Sean McGaughey
Tommy Vallier
Picture by Wayne McPhail
Keith Burtis is a social media and digital marketing professional. If you or your company are looking to REV THE ENGINE on your digital efforts contact Keith today! Specialties include: Blog design/Integration, Custom Facebook Pages, Social, Digital and Interactive Content strategies.
Comments
I like number 6. Too many people go to these unconferences in the mindset of a traditional conference. They go in thinking they’re there to simply receive information. EVERYONE has something to offer in some area. The more you make that known, the easier it will be to meet new people and create new, exciting, interesting opportunities. You may end up with some great friends too! That’s why I like the name tags. You can put your name AND what you can do for others on it.
That book “Never Eat Alone” so far has some good points. Go in with the attitude of “Here’s what I can do for you.” In the long run, you’ll get help from others in your pursuits too. THAT’S the point of a podcamp, IMHO.
Dude, so glad I could be of service. Thanks for the great comment!
Chris, Your humble opinion is ALWAYS a good one. There is a reason we have become good friends over the course of the last two years. I think we share a similar philosophy.
Hi Keith: Great post! There is a lot of wisdom here. I’m looking forward to seeing you again at Podcamp Toronto.
Cheers,
Connie
Your Tip #7, Connect Ahead of Time, can not be under-appreciated (I’d even move it up to the #1 spot). It will make the difference between feeling like an outsider to the event, and thus not talking to many folks, versus feeling like you are coming to meet old friends. I know that half the battle is finding these new friends, thus the purpose for the event in the first place. One site that I’ve found which is AWESOME for making the connections before, during, and after is CrowdVine. I highly recommend that someone sets up a free CrowdVine page for the PodCamp asap, and publicize it on all registration sites and materials.
This is the first year I am attending PodCamp Toronto, so for a newbie like me, these are all great suggestions.
Thanks and hope to meet you at PodCamp!
Awesome list that I will for sure be following for Podcamp! The more I hear about this event the more I can’t wait for it to be here!
Great tips, Keith, thank you. And good timing, too, as it’s not too late for us to get to work on your important pre-podcamp suggestions. See you then!
Keith,
The CrowdVine comment from Morriss popped up in my google alerts. We’d love to contribute and can do even more than Morriss mentions. Drop me an email.
On a personal note, I love what the podcamp community is doing. I was on the old Odeo team and always root for this community.
–tony
Hey Keith,
I thought I left a comment here the other day -oops!
You definitely knew how to connect with people at your first PodCamp last year and I mean that in a good way. I can’t believe it’s only been a year. So glad you and Michelle will be making it back to Toronto again this year.
Cheers,
Eden
Excellent point Keith! I’ve been to several podcamps, but still I find your reminders here helpful and will probably have a better experience becaue of this.