First off, in case you’re not familiar with PodCamp (or BarCamp, or WordCamp, or any of the other *camps), PodCamp Nashville is a free, loosely-structured “unconference.” That means it doesn’t have a super-rigid structure and it’s pretty laid back.
Now, Nashville *camps are more organized than most, but that’s because they’re so big. You reach a certain point where the combination of size and lack of structure quickly descends into chaos.
In the sprit of the original *camps, there are always dedicated “impromptu” areas at the conferences where you can have a discussion or do a presentation on something that isn’t part of the published schedule. Everyone gets a chance to have their say.
Where BarCamp Nashville is centered more on the technical aspects of software and hardware, PodCamp — so named for its original association with podcasting (internet-based radio shows) — focuses on creating content primarily on the web.
Creative Focus
What I love about PodCamp Nashville is that in recent years it has increasingly focused on creating. By that I mean the conference sessions focus on act of actually making something, not so much the end result.This year it looks like the trend continues toward a shift toward the idea of platform-building, which isn’t all that surprising, given how creatives of all stripes — writers, musicians, and visual artists — have come to the realization that they need a home base for connecting with their tribe.
It’s less geeky than BarCamp, and aimed more at “creatives” than developers, so I imagine many attendees will be designers, photographers, and writers. But don’t let that hold you back if you’re not one of those “creative” types: it can be a great way to see how the “other side” operates. Fun will be had by all.
