Review Of Podcamp Atlanta 2007

Podcast unconference rocked

by j. brotherlove

When you attend a multi-day event like SXSW, SoCon or Podcamp, it can take a minute to absorb everything. Now that Podcamp Atlanta 2007 has ended, I have a boatload of business cards, flyers, pics, notes, buttons, stickers and podcasts to get through to fully appreciate my experience.

I don’t have to wait to say that it was bloody fantastic! I’m a good nitpicker and I am at a loss at finding anything negative to say about the event. Emory made for a perfect location, sessions were held at good lengths, there were plenty of giveaways, and a variety of topics to engage anyone interested or participating in podcasting.

Lunch was provided both days (a surprise for me considering the event was free). Saturday offered traditional sandwiches while Sunday’s choices consisted of sesame chicken, grilled salmon and crabcakes all by Nicole’s Events. Yum!

Two recurring complaints were the temperature on the main floor (brrr) and Emory’s “guest” wireless which was unpredictable to nonexistent; two things easily tweaked for next year.

I particularly enjoyed the mix of gender, race, and age of the participants. It made for great impromptu conversations and networking. I clearly underestimated the number of people who are podcasting. Even better, the diversity of subject matter is bananas!

At Podcamp Atlanta alone, podcasters represented comics, beer, fitness, horror stories, GLBT life, iPod culture, fantasy Rocky Horror casts, 10-minute lessons, holistic healing and inner growth, comedy, female indie artists, roleplaying games, independent music, science fiction (even specific shows like Firefly and Serenity), and who knows what else. A healthy amount of providers and sponsors like ListenShare, TalkShoe, Georgia Podcast Network, MyChingo and blubrry were on-hand as well.

I have to give major props to Penny Haynes, Amber Rhea, Rusty Tanton and James Harris (who is everywhere these days) for organizing the event. I know it couldn’t be “easy”. But everything went so smoothly, my expectations for subsequent events have been recalibrated. Also, thanks to all who came out and interacted with me (John, you may be onto something).

Oh, and before you ask; I still don’t know if or when I will start podcasting. But I know what it takes to get a podcast up and running, find listeners and subscribers and make it rewarding. Do you?

I’m still trying to make blogging rewarding, never mind podcasting! But I’m glad the event was a success. I’m jealous of all the conferences people are getting to attend. I really have got to figure out a way to join in on the geeky fun.

It’s been my experience that conference rooms are never quite right. They’re always either too hot or too cold. At least, with the conferences that I’ve been involved in, no matter how good the content, the food and room temps were always the things to get mentioned.

I’m so glad you had a great time. We definitely want to work on those little issues you mentioned. The fact that you are a nit picker and really can’t find too much wrong says a lot about how well Amber organized this. She is amazing! I actually attended a class at the end of the conference that ran out of time - Mike Schinkel’s Well Designed URL class - and several of us stayed after, outside, in the cold, to finish it. It was that good! (smile)

I have to agree with everything you said. What a great experience PodCamp was! The organizers of the event did a spectacular job and the sessions were infinitely educational! I hope to connect with everyone again soon - even though we’re in Nashville :)

It was great. Thanks for being there and for sharing a link to my post with your readers. Best to you.

Thanks so much, J! I’m glad you had such a good time. I guess the bar has been set for PodCamp Atlanta 2, huh? :)

Justin - how about a PodCamp Nashville? There could be all kinds of free beer!

Wow! What a find at PodCamp Atlanta: YOU. Your wit, sensibilities, style, and — judging by my scan of this blog — design and writing talents will bring me back for more.

From your fellow George Kelly fan,
Tamar (white, heterosexual, and Jewish;-)

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