...and the Podcamp AZ madness begins!

Well it's that time of year again- and enough of a reason to make a blog post! Podcamp Arizona 3.0 has been launched and is ready for you to register!

So, what is a Podcamp? Well, it's considered an "unconference" that encompasses every form of social media around- from Podcasting/vidcasting to all the endless forms of relevant media. The sessions are designed to show you how to use relevant media most effectively for whatever you might want to use it for (and no, I'm not talking in just a "how can I make a million bucks" way. Not everyone wants to do that. Believe it or not.). What makes it an "un"-conference? Anyone can speak, and everyone is involved in the presentations. Also, if you're in a session and it's not for you, everyone is encouraged to use the "rule of two feet" and get up and go check out another session! No worries of hurting the feelings of a presenter! This rule works very well because there are many great sessions happening at the same time, and there's just no way to see all of them!

Oh yeah, did I mention that it's FREE?

This informatively fun weekend is set for November 14th & 15th, and it kicks off the evening of Friday the 13th (isn't that awesome?) with all of the Phoenix "fn's" (friday nights) hanging out on Mill Avenue and walking up and down the street in a drunken stupor!

All right, not ALL of us will be in a drunken stupor, but those who will be- you know who you are. Then Saturday morning the fun begins bright and early at the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe. Or is it Phoenix? It's right there on the border of both cities, I can never remember unless I look up the address.

I've been one of the many, many people who have helped to shape this event into the success it is. I do not say this to brag. However, having the unique behind-the-scenes look over the past three years, I can say I have never been more impressed with how a (un)conference has matured. Not just in size (we had nearly 800 people in attendance last year, and I'm not even counting those who watched online!), but in the quality of the presentations and the plethora of information available. It continues to grow and change each year- and it has to, because what's relevant keeps changing as well. Sure, you get the same intro presentations, but I can say that every year I've gone away learning something new.

Who is Podcamp for? Just about everyone. Do you blog? Go to PodcampAZ. Podcast? Go. Video? GO. Are you a journalist? Writer? Real Estate Agent? Gamer? Musician? Student? Professional of just about ANY type? Stay-at-home Mom? How about a stay-at-home-Mom-who-rants-about-politics (hehehe)? All of you will get something out of PodcampAZ.

To get a better look, here are my photos from last year's Podcamp. If you have an hour or so you can browse through the Flickr group too.

All right, here's the deets:

When: November 14 & 15

Where: University of Advancing Technology, Tempe (yeah I looked it up), AZ (btw it does not matter if you don't live in AZ- we had attendees from 35 states last year! Yes, this could be a business trip if you work it right.)

REGISTER: http://reg.podcampaz.org/

ALL the info you need: http://podcampaz.org/

Sponsorship Info: http://podcampaz.org/sponsor-podcamp-az/

Mark those calendars now, and plan on being at PodcampAZ this November!

5 Reasons Why Your Podcast Sucks (and on iTunes!)

I'm finally getting around to posting some of the audio/video links to some of the Podcamp AZ goodness!

Podcast AZ was streaming all day both days, and many guests stopped by to partake in the fun. You can watch some clips from the weekend riiiiight..... here. Dan and CJ of the Love Long and Prosper Podcast were amazing taking on the task of running the podcast all weekend.

Unfortunately audio was scarce (and if you have audio from the weekend please post it in the comments!), but a couple of great sessions were headed by Evo Terra. He also had a cool slide show to go along with his sessions. Click and enjoy!

*5 Reasons Why Your Podcast Sucks
*5 Reasons Why Your Podcast Sucks on iTunes

PS, clicky on the photo to get more photos from the weekend courtesy of the talented Sheila Dee!

This weekend- Podcamp AZ 2.0

Well here it is- this weekend the 2nd annual Podcamp AZ comes to the valley, and I'm so excited! We've worked so hard this year to put together a first rate unconference, and I think- no, I know- we will pull it off!

This was truly a community effort. I don't think at any podcamp meeting there were less than 15 people. I may hate the summer weather and the politics of AZ, but one thing I love and what keeps me living here is the sense of community and support in the Valley of the Sun.

One of the sessions I'm most looking forward to is Evo Terra's "Five Reasons Your Podcast Sucks". Many others have moved on to video, or streaming audio for their shows, but I remain strictly an audio podcaster for my show. Those are the sessions that are going to interest me the most! :-) However there are many MANY sessions planned on a plethora of topics- something for everyone!

You can register all the way up through the weekend if you'd like to attend- it's absolutely free! Though, if you want one of the cool shirts, a donation would be appreciated!

Still need convincing? The great AZ weather (in November, not the summer!) and all the great sessions isn't enough? Well how about some photos from last year?

See you this weekend!

Know What I Did Last Podcamp AZ?

I had a really great time- that's what! That time of year is upon us again here in the not-quite-as-hot-now Southwest. Last year was the inaugural Podcamp AZ, and it was such a success it just had to be brought back!

What's Your Source? This year's unconference is taking a look at what is relevant in media today. Whether we are talking podcasting or radio, video or even print, all of these media outlets are a source that is continually changing and advancing. If you want to be on top of it, then you should be at Podcamp AZ November 1st and 2nd. Sessions and interaction focus on the creation of all relevant media sources, and how to use those sources to work for you for whatever you want! It doesn't matter if you are a newbie coming in who has never turned on a computer (and if you are I will want to shake your hand!), or a more 'experienced' person with relevant media sources. There are always new things to learn and talk about- and Arizona is one of the best places to do it.

The speakers lined up this year are also something to look forward to. More referred to as "hosts of an ongoing conversation", they bring their knowledge of a topic to you, yet are just as willing (and wanting) to learn as well. Some of the awesome speakers lined up this year are Evo Terra, Doug Welch, Kathy Jacobs, Francine Hardaway, Brian Shaler, and Chris Pirillo! You can learn more about these speakers and see who else is scheduled by clicking right HERE.

You really can't beat Arizona in November- the price is right and the community is awesome and inclusive. Head over to the website and register NOW and come be involved in the second annual Podcamp AZ!

http://podcampaz.org

If you'd like to help spread the word about Podcamp AZ, here's a little promo you can play on your podcast or radio show:

http://media.libsyn.com/media/audioaddict/PodcampAZ08PromoMix.mp3

... or you can always spread the word in the relevant media outlet of your choice. GO! Register! See you November 1st!

Podcamp Season!

Podcamp season is in full swing now, and thanks to Podcasting News here is a list of all the up-and -coming camps. Find one near you- and go! I've said in the past I prefer the "camp" atmosphere over the expo/conference one. I like being in an environment where I feel a part of something, and involved. Where my own experience in podcasting and relevant media matters, vs. just going and having people tell me how it is, or should be.

If there isn't a podcamp near you- well then, maybe you can be the one to bring a podcamp to your area? ;-)

• PodCamp Chicago Somewhere in Chicago - June 6, 7, and 8th 2008
• Podcamp Austin - Austin, Texas - June 20, 21, 2008
• PodCamp Seattle - June 21, 2008 - Seattle
• PodCamp Ohio - Columbus, Ohio - June 28, 2008
• PodCamp Boston 3 - Boston, Massachusetts, July 19-20, 2008
• PodCamp Michigan - TBD In Michigan, September 2008
• Podcamp Philly - TBA, September 2008 - More Information Soon!
• PodCamp Pittsburgh 3 - The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - October 18-19, 2008
• PodCamp AZ 2.0 - UAT PHX - November 1-2, 2008
• PodCamp Colorado - The Art Institute of Colorado - Denver, CO, November 7, 8 & 9 2008
• PodCampEDU2 The American University, Washington DC November 15 2008
• PodCampSA (South Africa) - 22 November 2008 - Johannesburg, South Africa
• Podcamp and PodCon Brasil in Curitiba, PR, Brazil, December 05 and 06, 2008.
• PodCamp SF - January 18, 2009 @ MacWorld SF
• PodCampWesternMass, Date TBD

You can get current information on upcoming PodCamps as the PodCamp wiki.

This one time.. at PodcampAZ

Podcamp AZ? Wow. Wow. WOW. Is it next year yet? Because I can't wait for next year's Podcamp AZ!

Seriously friends, I now know what it's like to be in on the sessions that I can't afford to go to at the New Media Expo, and it was great! Discussing podcasting and new media all day long, meeting up with old friends again. Seeing ALL the new faces right here in my state who either are podcasting, or are interested- that blew me away!

(All links below are to the session-leader's websites.)

First session for me was how to be a social puddle-jumper. Which, if you look at the side there, I'm well on my way. I was also given reason to take another look at Facebook, which I've pretty much hated since I first joined it. I still prefer Myspace, but might go browsing around Facebook a bit more and check out more of the applications.

Next was a great session about determining the length of your podcast- which turned into a great discussion. I love that with podcasting you have the freedom to have a show be 10 minutes or an hour and a half. Even the same show!

Lunch was a good time, at least with the company and the performances. The food was so-so. They could have charged $5 instead of $8.50 I think. The music was really good though, but they didn't have the audience I think they could have, because it was flipping HOT. It just shouldn't still be so hot in November, even for Arizona.

The next session was on cross-promoting your podcast, which I definitely learned a lot in. Alot of targeting your audience and seeing if anyone else (like radio) would even be interested in airing your show. It made me wonder how many audio dramas would actually have people interested in giving them air time. You just don't see that anymore.

Final session was on the community and New Media. I was mostly there to support the session leader, but it's true- community support is the biggest driver of your show and where it goes.

Really good and informative day!

The facility itself, that was impressive all on its own- the perfect place for an event such as this. I do hope that next year they might consider an extra day, or even just an half day. My only regret was that I couldn't attend half the sessions I wanted to because of 5 or 6 being in a group. One of the rules of podcamp are you can leave and wander, but I didn't want to miss anything in the sessions I was in! If they added an extra afternoon or day, they could have less sessions in a track, and we can attend more!

Check out how neat the event was!
Photos tagged "podcampaz"

I highly suggest if you have any interest at all in podcasting, vid-casting, or any social media in general, that you check for a podcamp near you! It's beyond inspiring!

Podcamp AZ Has Arrived!

I'm very excited for today is the first annual Podcamp in Arizona! There are 127 people signed up for the event- I find this very impressive for the first one! I can't wait to meet up with the ones I know, and meet even more social media geeks too! Here are the session for the day:

Opening General Session - 9am
(Chris Brogan to stream welcome message)

Series I - 10:15am - 11: 15am

Podcasting for Profit - Fred Casteneda
'Streaming Live Video - Taking your community to the next level: 'Nicole & Marc Spagnuolo
Audio Podcasting Basics - Kathy Jacobs
ROI of Social Media - Steven Groves
Show in a Box - Cheryl Colan
Social Networking: Being a social puddle jumper - Clintus_McGintus

Series II - 11:30am - 12: 30pm

'From Commentors to Contributors - Building Rabid Fans'- Evo Terra
Developing ideas and content for a weekly show - Douglas Welch
Podcasting & Education - Panel discussion; Alan A. Lew (facilitator), Susan F. Heywood and Laura Carscaddon
The Idea that is Web 2.0 - Victor Johnson
Determining the right length for your podcast - Aaron Bates, Cj Feierabend
Destination Media - Justine Ezarik & Jason Waldrip

Lunch/Outdoor Show - 12:30pm - 2pm

Series III - 2:15pm - 3:15pm

'Building a Podcast from the Ground Up - Steps to take when starting from scratch': Nicole & Marc Spagnuolo
'Improve Your Online Video' - Israel Hyman
Marketing in 3D Worlds - Connecting the Metaverse and Real Life - Lon Safko & Steven Groves
Beyond Podcasting - How to leverage Cross-Media - Michael R. Mennenga
Why it is Necessary to Build and Maintain an Online Brand and How to do It. - Susan F. Heywood
Ask A Kent - Kent Nichols

Series IV - 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Real Estate and Social Media - Steven Groves
Why Community Matters in the New Media World: Jack Mangan
Video Blogging: Sharing moments with the world - Clintus_McGintus
Podfading - Ken Crockett
PPT/Blog/Screencasting - Kathy Jacobs

4:45 pm - 5:30 pm
Closing Session in Theater

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As with the Podcast Expo, you can follow along with my day on Twitter. You will also find a live stream all day long at UStream. Think I might just post a recap rather than live blogging this time however.. after the failed experiment from Ontario, CA! :-D

Looks to be an excellent day! Yeesh, I'd better get some sleep!

Podcamp- it's not just for the state you live in

I was thinking that I should post this invite here, and extend it out further than the local pimping I've been doing. SO many podcasters and new media types head out to other states for PodCamp. Why not Arizona? It's beautiful in November- a perfect weekend to come out and meet some fellow podcasters!

Click the invitation for more info, and a list of speakers, or go right to the Wiki to sign up!

Podcamp City Online Wrap-up

Thursday I told you all about Podcamp City Online, and Saturday was the day. 12 hours of campy goodness!

Beginning at .... 6:30 in the morning. Yikes. But I did it. I got my ass up, wandered downstairs, started some major coffee brewing, and logged on. Unfortunately the program wouldn't work on the main computer in the studio, so I logged on through the lap top. I say unfortunately because I could only text chat vs. participating with my microphone. Such is life, so I got comfy on the sofa, coffee in hand, and began listening.

My overall view of Podcamp City, is that it definitely has potential. It was really, really good, and full of information. Of course, there was general podcasting information presented: What is a podcast, how do you do it, what equipment do you need, etc. etc. I actually found that one of the most interesting sessions, because most of those who attended were podcasters. Everyone interacted and presented information on what equipment they used and why. I think out of everything, that is where I personally got the most useful information for my own show. (I'm a big fan of interacting and gathering information from peers).

I loved Sean McMinn's session on podcasting and education, simply because it was neat to hear how podcasting is working with educating those who are learning English as a second language. Seeing proof of how innovating podcasting truly is always something I enjoy geeking out on. :-)

Another session that I felt everyone could relate to was the session on podfading. It was the last session, and I had to leave before it was finished, but I plan on listening to it again when the audio becomes available. My internet also caved on me the exact hour that Bruce, one of the camp organizers, was speaking about rss feeds and using them to attract more subscribers.

The sessions on making money with your podcast were the biggest turn off for me. I am certainly all for those who want to make money with their podcasts, but other than little bits about advertisers and such, I really wasn't all that interested. It also seemed to take up too much of the day's sessions, how to profit. Next time I will probably skip those sessions. (I stuck it out this first time because I wanted to blog about the overall experience of an online podcamp.)

I was also disappointed that the session by Jack Ward on audio cinema didn't work out. That's unfortunately one of the downsides of an online meetup- you are bound to have technical difficulties. It would have added to balancing out the topics of the day. As well as introducing audio cinema to quite a few people who I think have no idea about the power of this medium as it relates to podcasting.

Fortunately, it is the same session that was given at this year's Podcasters Across Borders. Since the Canadian Podcast Buffet is posting audio from PAB, there is a good chance Jack's presentation will be added to the feed. I will definitely let you all know when/if it becomes available!

The online podcamp is a great way to bring people from all over the world together to learn and chat about the one thing we all have in common: podcasting. It's also very helpful for the "financially challenged". Sure, Podcamps are free events, but if you want to attend one that is not year you (which plenty of podcasters do), you have to have air and hotel fare. What you don't get out of an online podcamp is face-to-face interaction with people. I think that is probably 3/4 of the fun when attending a podcamp- interacting with those whose voices you have only heard previously.

Will I attend the next Podcamp City Online? Probably. However, I will probably sleep in a little bit longer, and be more selective in the sessions I tune in for.

Podcamp City Online is Saturday

What does it take for this addict to get her ass out of bed at 6:30 in the morning on a Saturday? A PodCamp! Podcamp City online is an all-day online event. (Those east-coasters get a break, it will be 9:30 there... yah I've all ready got a suggestion for the next one, hehe).
However, early rising aside, it looks to be a neat event! Thanks to technology, allowing podcasters from all over the country and the world to participate without leaving their homes. Which for a lot of us who are "financially challenged", is really quite helpful. Here's the agenda (times are eastern):

9:30-10:00 AM
Official Welcome and Launch of event

10:00 - 11:00 AM
Podcasting and Education

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Podcasting on a Budget for Everyone

12:00 - 12:30 PM
Web 2.0 & A Look At How To Be Successful By using Emerging Trends to Create Wealth Online All While Loving What You Do

12:30 - 1:00 PM
Podcasting by Phone, Access more listeners;
brand your expertise more easily.

1:00 - 1:30 PM - 30 Second Podcast Introductions

1:30 - 2:30 PM
How To Upgrade Your Podcast to a Podcast Network

2.30 to 3.30 PM
Trends and Thoughts on the Future of Podcasting.

3:30 - 4:30 PM
Audio Cinema/Radio Drama. It just might Save Your Life!

4:30 - 5:00 PM
Making money with your Podcast

5:00 - 5:30 PM
Getting People to Interview

6:00- 6:30 PM
The Power of the RSS Feed and using it to get more subscribers

6:30- 7:00 PM
How to get noticed with your Podcast

7:00 - 8:00 PM
The Power of Podcasting

8:00 till 8:30 PM EST - Let's Not All Podcast At Once!!

8:30 - 9:30 PM
How to Avoid burnout & Prevent Podfading

Heehee... it's a good thing I'm probably not going to listen to every one of these sessions, since I'm sure I'll want to eat or get and and stretch my legs at some point during the day! Still, I am excited and curious about how it will all go. I'll have the post-camp wrap up coming your way, with my thoughts (duh!).

It will be a long day of podcast-goodness for me- from there I jet across town to the Arizona Podcasters meetup! I think by then I will need to interact with human beings! :-)

There are still spaces available for PodCamp City Online, head to the link for all the information you need!

PodCamp Mania!

They have only been around less than a year, but they have spread like a virus- the PodCamp "Un"Conference. It all began last September in Boston, and since then have been popping up all over the United States, as well as the world! The idea is to bring a free networking day to podcasters in a particular region. This also helps those who might not be able to afford the travel to the bigger events such as Podcasters Across Borders or the Podcast and New Media Expo.

The Camps, naturally, are not exclusive to the regions either. People flew in from all over, including Canada (I know- makes it sound so far away eh?), to attend PodCamp NYC at the beginning of April. The more the merrier is definitely a motto for podcasters, and the PodCamp.

PodCamps can also be an online event as well. The end of July marks the first online-only PodCamp, hosted by Podcaster Who's Who. Obviously it can't be as face-to-face as the other camps, but it can certainly connect you with a wider range of podcasters, still at the same reasonable price. You even save on gas money!

So you can certainly understand my excitement when I discovered that there is a PodCampAZ coming our way at the beginning of November! Sometimes you get so involved in the wider range of podcasting and podcasters, you forget that you might actually have a few people sharing your passion right in your own region/state. I'm very excited about this, and look forward to helping where I am able to make this camp a success- which means FUN!

Though, how can it not be? Evo, Mike, and Summer bring joy where ever they go...

So check the main PodCamp wiki page, and get involved in your podcasting community NOW!

PodCamps I'm planning on attending*:
*PodCamp Who's Who: http://podcamp.pbwiki.com/Podcamp+Whos+Who
*PodCamp SoCal (since I will be at the Expo): http://podcamp.pbwiki.com/PodcampSoCal
*PodCamp AZ: http://podcamp.pbwiki.com/Podcamp-AZ

PodCamp Main Page:
PodCamp: http://podcamp.pbwiki.com/


(*You can also register for any PodCamp at their wiki pages)