Here I am with blogger and social media expert
Chris Brogan. His blog is one I always look forward to reading and I got to meet him because I attended the third annual Pittsburgh Podcamp (known online as PCPGH3).

Podcamp is one of many innovative events that are held annually in Pittsburgh. Called an unconference by the organizers, Podcamp provides three days of panel discussions,
classes and networking. They provide food, best practices advice and a chance to learn from other Internet experts.
The best part is it's all 100% free.
I would say nearly 150 people showed up on Saturday ready to learn and share their experiences. The crowd ranged from twenty-five-year-old boys blogging in their spare time to women in their seventies who wanted to learn how to create podcasts.

Something that struck me about these folks who work on the Internet is how much they are concerned with everyday issues. Some of them, like me, are fascinated with technology and also want to speak to an audience. Others had store front businesses they were simply trying to enhance with online techniques. And a group, spear-headed by Chris Brogan, spent a lot of time talking about how social media makers can help be a "voice" for the greatness of Pittsburgh.
While attending the podcamp, I realized that computers are no longer just fancy gadgets. People everywhere have used them to do what humans do best: tell stories, make new friends and improve our overall quality of life.
Do you have any questions about Pittsburgh Podcamp? Have you ever attended a similar event? Let me know if you are a blogger who wants to start a dialogue about how computers, travel and making friends go together.
What a cool event! And for free - wow! Sounds like something I would have enjoyed. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Rachel Burton | October 21, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Rachel,
It really was great. Everyone who puts the event together is a volunteer. I'm going to see if I can help out next year. Then I can enjoy it AND see how you run such an awesome event.
Posted by: Melody Platz | October 22, 2008 at 12:07 PM