Photo credit: Wonderdawg777 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderdawg777)

The Nashville PodCamp (coming up this Saturday) marks my 15th camp experience, both as a speaker and as a participant.  The past three years I’ve held privilege to attend camps all over the country, but the Nashville camps (and the southeast in general) seems to have the best handle on how to have a good time and teach a lot as well.

That said, there are some dos and don’ts I’ve picked up that can help you (both as a speaker and a listener) to get the most out of your camping experience.

1) Don’t go to every session slot.

Seriously.  Look at your nicely mapped out grid and see if you have an empty slot or two.  You don’t? Pick the session that 1) you know a lot about already or 2) that isn’t going to give you a lot of value and take it off your schedule – even if it’s mine .  Done that? Good.  Now use that slot to network in the halls, meet some new people, and get to know some of the people that make Nashville such a great city.  I mean, how can you meet new people when you’re too busy listening to people speak, right?  Feeling really frisky? Do it to one more and make it a point to meet someone new and learn about how you can work with them in your business or hobby.

2) Don’t spend all day on your phone or laptop.

Short tweets are good, but put your device down and get some face to face interaction in.  We have all year to talk to each other through Twitter and Facebook, but only a few opportunities to get some facetime in (lowercase facetime, you apple nerds).  Meet some new people, reconnect with old friends, or seek out people you’ve only talked to online – you’d be surprised how many you’ll recognize.

3) Don’t just sit there.

For the sessions you are going to still (after all, that’s what we’re here for, right?) be engaging.  Take some notes, tweet out a hashtag or two, and ask questions – there is no such thing as a stupid question, unless that question goes unasked.  Just make sure you’re paying attention, or you’ve wasted your price of admissions (…)

4) DO get there early.

There’s no better time to network than before this party gets started.  Doors open an hour before and that’s when the good swag is given out, and who doesn’t like getting free stuff?  Plus people are more likely to talk when they’re not scurrying off from one session to another, so you’ll have more chance to get a solid conversation in.

5) DO pack accordingly.

Make sure to bring a few essentials with you:

• Notepad and Pen
• Laptop / Smartphone (for notes, recording, tweeting, stalking, etc)
• Business Cards (to give out)
• Camera (to take photos and show people how much fun you’re having)
• Video Camera (if you’re speaking and can snag one, you can record your session)
• Power Strip (call me a boy scout, but I take these to *every* conference just because you never know how good or bad the power supply is)
• OPTIONAL: cell wireless card (we’ve been really privileged to have great wifi at the ‘Ranch every year, but you never know with so many people coming what will happen – best come prepared)

6) DO go to the afterparty

What? Really?  All these really fun things to talk about and I mention the afterparty?  Well, why not?  All the sessions are over, and the REAL networking begins here.  I can’t count the number of camps I see where people miss this aspect, but if you haven’t gotten it by now, here it is: the whole point of these camps is to meet people in person and socialize/strategize. If you’re coming just to learn some information, that’s great.  But if you can meet and mingle with some of Nashville’s finest, why pass up the opportunity?  You can grab a few drinks (or even a water) and sit down to talk tech and media with people who are out there doing it and living it – who could ask for a better lesson (or a lesson after the lesson, as it were).

So, I’ll see you guys all at the ‘Ranch on Saturday.  Bring your listening ears, your social attitudes, and get ready to get there and learn some stuff (and meet a few new people while you’re at it).

So, by far, today’s PodCampNashville was one of the most fun events that I’ve been to in the last while. I made a lot of new connections, but the best part was hanging out at the after party and just reveling in the “real life” of things.  Sure, we all met online, but it’s a driving community spirit that keeps us all coming back for more (that, and the fact that @TROnash still has a #gpsassassins smack-down coming, but that’s beside the point).

I think my presentation went well, but it was little strange having people come up to me and say they came just to see my presentation.  It’s a little unnerving sometimes; having people who look to you in that manner is a heavy responsibility… one I take with great honor and responsibility.  Honestly, John Morgan, I’m not sure how you don’t crack under the pressure sometimes

For those of you who were at my presentation, and for those of you who missed it, here are the slides below:

And, (insert shameless plug) if you’re looking for a podcast delivered daily with a bite-sized chunk of WordPress goodness… feel free to subscribe to the WordPulse podcast!

Oh, and here’s the video from NewsChannel5 in Nashville.  I *think* I’m up on stage giving the presentation… can’t tell, though.

It was sort of last minute last night, but I did get a chance to join Dr. Anonymous, AngeloMandato (congrats again on the baby – hope it wasn’t me that spoiled your secret), Brandice, Daniel, and podcasting newcomer Brad (?) in Dr. Anonymous’ weekly show over on BlogTalkRadio.  It was a great time (and I got to show off the obligitory baby pictures) and talk about some things being discussed on the PodCampOhio front.

We discussed whether or not the event should be a one or two (well, one-and-a-half) day event.  Personally, if it could be coordinated to work, then absolutely.  But it’s a tough challenge for the promoters and organizers, most of which are donating their time.  It’s also hard for the people who come in from out of town (like myself) to get hotels for multiple days and arrange work schedules to match a two-day event.

We also talked to Brad about what beginning podcasters can do to overcome their shyness on-air.  If you’re sort of creeped out by hearing your own voice, record yourself reading your favorite book.  Since it’s something you enjoy, you’ll be passionate about it, and you will enjoy what you hear.

So big thanks again to everyone who came, and don’t forget Dr. A has a monthly PodCamp show that’s fantastic and has a lot of great things going on. So, don’t miss it!