The Adventures of Kelly and Katie at Podcamp Toronto

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!