This Weekend: Pods, Puppets and Smarm

PodCamp Pittsburgh 3 happens this weekend at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and as a primary organizer of the event, I'm excited to meet, teach and learn from fellow social media creators -- as well as people who haven't created anything yet but who are very eager to learn how.

In that vein, PCPGH3 is helping to promote the 10th Annual Black Sheep Puppet Festival that's happening all week here in Pittsburgh. Part of the event involves a live 24-hour "puppet reality" experiment, in which teams of puppeteers are grouped together and given 24 hours to create a full performance -- including making the puppets from scratch. In addition to helping the BSPF set up a wireless connection for their live webcast of the experiment, we're also helping them use Twitter and other services to spread the word.

Plus, I'm launching the sixth (!) season of our web sitcom Something to Be Desired on Monday -- but if you're at PodCamp on Sunday morning, you'll be able to see the first episode of our new season in front of a live audience. Meanwhile, we'll be filming scenes for an upcoming episode of STBD during the Black Sheep Puppet Festival, so look for excerpts from the BSPF on STBD and see them both at PCPGH3.

(And now I'm out of acronyms for the week...)

BootCamp PGH: 2 Days and Counting!

In 24 hours, I'll be wrapping up an evening of food, drinks and preparation with the presenters at BootCamp Pittsburgh. Then, the following morning: the event itself.

Unlike PodCamp Pittsburgh, BootCamp really snuck up on me. We all arranged to launch the event about 2 months ago, and then it was backburnered for several weeks.

Then, when the planners' schedules collectively opened, we sprang to life. In the past 3 weeks, the event has really come together. At last check, we have about 130 registrants, of which about 30 are slated to speak at some point during the day. We have food and beverages. We have some swag. But, by and large, we don't have a lot of pomp and circumstance.

Instead, we have great information. Check out this (ever-updating) list of sessions -- everything from Intro to Blogging (and Podcasting, and Social Networking) to Audio and Video Production, ways to integrate new media into existing businesses and politics, and thoughts on how social media is changing the way we live.

If you have questions about new media (or eMedia, or social media -- whatever term you prefer), come to BootCamp. If you want to improve your existing content, come to BootCamp. And if you're looking to expand your contact base and meet new, exciting, passionate creators, come to BootCamp.

I'll be there... asleep under a table after all this planning...

BootCamp PGH Is Coming!

The world of new media can be exciting but daunting, particularly if you've just discovered its potential.

If you'd like to start blogging but aren't sure where to begin...

If you'd like to try podcasting but don't know the first thing about audio or video...

If your business is interested in exploring new media to find new ways to reach customers...

If you felt overwhelmed by PodCamp Pittsburgh because the conversations were a bit over your head...

Then BootCamp PGH is for you!

WHAT: A free one-day event consisting of entry-level / "how-to" information on blogging, podcasting, social networking and other new media (or, if you prefer, eMedia)

WHEN: Saturday, April 21 from 9 AM - 4 PM

WHERE: The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, 420 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

WHO: Experienced bloggers, podcasters and new media creators, communications and PR people... and you!

WHY: To help all attendees understand the "bare basics" of new media, from concept to creation.

Oh, and BOOTCAMP PGH IS FREE TO ATTEND!

For more information, and to register, please visit the BootCamp PGH wiki. As the co-organizer of the event, I'll be sure to update key points leading up to the event here as well.