This weekend, Kelly Rusk and I ventured up to Toronto for the third annual Podcamp Toronto. Overall, it was a blastly blast. Even though I am not a podcaster currently, I am still a podcast listener and potential podcaster (if I get over my fear of it.)
If you are unfamiliar with the “camp” concept, it is 100% free, volunteer, sponsor-supported “unconference” where many of the presenters are attendees of the various sessions. I believe the camp concept started with Barcamp and has now spread for multiple other interests even Cupcakecamp.
I think it is very important for students to take advantage of events like this either attending or volunteering.
Why?
- It is a free way to take advantage of our amazing Canadian talent and learn from these individuals.
- All attendees of these events are very open to meeting new people and learning from each other (meaning – they aren’t scary).
- Lastly, you are the only one not benefiting from not attending.
So what did I learn? What value did I get?
- I got to see a presentation from Chris Brogan, a speaker, blogger, president of New Marketing Labs, whose humourous casual presentation was straight-forward and honest about how to use social media for yourself, your company or your client.
- I got to meet handfuls of podcasters and bloggers who I have now become even more jealous of their talent and expertise that I am thinking about what I could bring or what I could share. Some of these people were, Dave Fleet, Sean Power, Eden Spodek, Jay Moonah, David Jones and Amber Naslund.
- I met many other students who shared similar interests and professional drive as me. We got to know each other either at the podcamplunch or podcamp after party.
All and all I had an amazing time at podcamp toronto. Thank you for all you that make that possible, you have inspired me to continue pursuing my personal goals!
