So You're Attending PodCamp 2010: How to Maximize Your Experience

The date for PodCamp Nashville 2010 is quickly approaching, with the magic going down Saturday, March 6, at the Cadillac Ranch in downtown Nashville (doors open at 8 a.m., here's a map).

In recent weeks we've dropped a few tips on creating sessions and what to expect if you're speaking at the event. As a PodCamp participant, you might have a few questions about how the big event will transpire as well, so we've boiled it down to a few essentials below.

What should I do before PodCamp to prepare?
Good question. Signing up for sessions, if you haven't already, would be the first order of recommended business. Sessions are filling up fast with the list of attendees signing up for space growing each day. Also, session titles and descriptions may have changed since the last time you perused the list.

You can also download and view the sessions in CSV format. Remember, signing up for a session is not a hard commitment, but it does indicate preference which allows us to predict and shift needs for space so that we can assign sessions to the appropriate rooms.

Did we mention t-shirts?
The "Extras" tab in your profile is important (click "Edit" then "Profile" then "Extras"), unless of course you prefer shirtless (can't promise you won't be arrested). Only the first 300 people to register and show up before noon are assured a t-shirt. Don't worry, this is one of those times where being "that guy" or "that girl" is totally acceptable.

What's the schedule for Saturday?
The session schedule will be available on the PodCamp Nashville website sometime on Tuesday, so please check to see what time your session has been scheduled and in which room. Allow plenty of time to check in at the Registration desk when you arrive.

The doors at Cadillac Ranch will open for late registration, check-in, breakfast, and early networking at 8 a.m., and the first sessions will begin promptly at 9 a.m. If you are a speaker, please let the Registration desk know that when you check-in.

Details about sessions and tips for connecting and maximizing your experience
Sessions are 35 minutes long with a 10-minute break in between. There will be an Impromptu Room for continuing discussion and engaging other members of the PodCamp community, networking, debating and generally enjoying the "un"-conference spirit. Also, you can sign up to speak in the Impromptu Room at the event, so be sure to check out the schedule after you arrive and check in.

Here are a few additional tips to help you get the most out of your experience at PodCamp 2010:

• Video is your best friend: Record you favorite sessions and moments from PCN 2010, then recap and share with the community.
• You can still speak: As mentioned above, sign up to speak the day of the event in the Impromptu Room. Space is limited, so be sure to check the schedule when you arrive and check in.
• Participate: In addition to an impromptu speaking session, take full advantage of the PodCamp format to network and connect with like-minded individuals on the subjects that make you tick. Active participation heightens the experience for all involved.

Where should I park?
Street parking is no longer free on Saturdays. Repeat, street parking is NOT free, but there are several paid parking lots and garages nearby, including a garage on 3rd Avenue North at Commerce Street and a garage under the park behind the Hilton off 4th Avenue South. We hear parking is cheap in the garage at new Pinnacle Building on 3rd Avenue South.

What about getting my OM NOM on?
Lunch will be served from 11:30-1:30 at Cadillac Ranch. PodCamp Meal Deals will include:

• Meal Deal 1: $10 with all you can drink soda from 11:30-1:30
• Meal Deal 2: $15 with 2 adult beverages, *not including top shelf
• Meal Deals can be purchased between 8-11 at the main bar downstairs
  at Cadillac Ranch.

What about the PARTAY?
PodCamp sessions will end at 4 p.m., but the fun and networking will continue at WannaB's in Cadillac Ranch. We're talking FREE After Event with FREE beer from Yazoo and appetizers from 4-7. We'll also have a set of Ignite sessions beginning at 4:30.

How can I help?
We still need volunteers to help with various tasks on Saturday. Please contact Courtenay Rogers if you'll be available.

Big time thanks to all of you. We're looking forward to an awesome event and sharing it with you and the community. Oh, and please be sure to thank our sponsors whenever you see them. Peace!