The podcasting event of the year is almost upon us. The Podcast and New Media Expo returns for its third round, this time as a three-day event. If you haven’t made plans yet to attend, I highly encourage you to consider doing so. I’ve attended a lot of trade/industry shows and the ones with podcasters are always the most fun. This is the podcasting event not to miss.
I attended the first two and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Here’s a guide to help you get the most out of the event.
What to Bring
- Business Cards: Bring lots of them. You’ll be swapping cards every turn you make (and if you’re not you’re doing something wrong). Networking is a big part of the show. Come prepared. There is someone at that show who can take your podcasting pursuits to the next level. Make it a goal to find that person. Likewise, make it your goal to find someone that you can help out.
Also, be sure to have a good call to action on your business card. If all you have is your contact info, you’re missing out. Give people a reason to visit your site and tell them what you want them to do (e.g. for a free excerpt of my book, Promoting Your Podcast, visit PromotingYourPodcast.com)
- A Portable Recorder: You’ll see people walking all over the event with some sort of recording device attached to their hip like another appendage. The iRiver, Marantz and Edirol recorders are all very popular. Be prepared to grab some great content, do a co-hosting crossover with other podcasters and/or interview on the spot.
- Comfortable Shoes: Obvious conference gear. You’ll be walking plenty.
- Laptop with Rolling Bag: Pretty standard at a tech/geek-fest like this. Plenty of wireless is available for live blogging and getting your Facebook fix. Just be sure to bring a laptop bag that rolls. After many, many conferences and getting a knot the size of Kansas in my shoulder, I got smart and bought a rolling bag…HUGE difference.
Choosing Your Digs (translation: Where to Stay)
The hub of the action has always been the Marriott Hotel which is located immediately across the street from the conference center. At present, however, it’s sold out as is the DoubleTree (hub #2). No worries. There are plenty of other options. If you want to still be close to the action, try the Marriott Residence Inn or the Ayers Suites. I stayed at Ayers the first year. It was comfy with a nice continental breakfast. Get more info on hotels here.
Schedule/Activities
- Plan Ahead (But Be Flexible): Take time to look at the schedule beforehand. Decide which sessions are essential for you to hit. But be flexible. You may arrive thinking that you’ll cram as many presentations in as you can, but leave room for networking. The sessions are awesome, but I guarantee your most significant experience at the expo will happen in the hallway or after expo hours.Allow for that and remember that you’ll get recordings of every session after the event to listen to all you want. The information will still be there, the networking opps won’t. If you are in a hot conversation, it might be worth skipping a session…just don’t miss mine ;).
- Here are my top recommendations for sessions to check out (in no particular order):
- Building a Podcasting Network from the Ground Up: Lessons Learned
- Distributing Video in Various Formats: How To Make the Right Choice
- The 7 Secrets of Monetization That Big Media Hopes You Don’t Figure Out
- Screencasting 101
- 10 Secret Habits to Podcast Stardom
- How To Make Your Content Easy For “Grandma” to Consume
- How to Generate Buzz and Extend Your Brand with Social Media (mine)
- Evening and Night Activities: There are plenty of things going on after the conference doors close. These are a lot of fun and great for networking. I’ll be hitting the Attendee Networking Reception (Friday night) and the 1st Annual New Media Expo Concert (Saturday night).If you’re worried about not knowing anyone, come find me or look for this guy. Chris Brogan knows everyone, is very approachable and will hook you up…ummm…hope you don’t mind my volunteering you “mister expert community maker”. Also, keep your ear to the ground. There are always other gatherings and parties going on
September 9th, 2007 at 3:29 am
Jason – these are great tips.
I am also going for the third time – even all the way from Denmark :-)
I have reservation for an extra single room at Marriott that I cannot make use of – anybody just ping me if you would like to have it from Sept 26 to Oct 3rd.
September 10th, 2007 at 8:50 am
This is the most damned useful post I’ve seen in a hundred years. Excellent work, JVO. Can’t wait to see you!
September 10th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Great post Jason! I look forward to meeting you again this year!
September 10th, 2007 at 9:29 am
Thanks for the tips. These are a big help for a first time attendee.
See you there.
Dave
September 10th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
Oh! #5…thanks Jason!
Great bunch of tips :)
Frank
September 11th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Thanks for the tips, Jason!
This will be my first year at the Expo, and the information you provided is really helpful. I already feel a little less overwhelmed.
Mignon
September 14th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Jason, thanks for the mention of PodCamp SoCal be sure to stop by and say “Hi” either there or at the Orange County Podcasters booth.
-Jason Tucker
http://www.tuckertales.com
http://www.geekfit.com
September 19th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Great post and I mentioned it on my blog and podcast at http://www.fogview.com
Hope to see you at PME.
-Tom