PodCamp Ireland - it’s not just for techies and blokes!

I was reading a post from Damien Mulley recently about why he has decided not to go to BarCemp Galway - in fact it was the comment to the blog post that caught my attention - 38 of them no less.

Elly commented that she was concerned that BarCamps and the forthcoming PodCamp Ireland puts people off that are non technical.

Ina commented that at BarCamp Dublin there were few women and Elly confirmed that there were around 10% of women who registered for BarBamp Dublin.

And Damien commented that we should get rid of Wiki’s.

Bernie suggested that to get people to come to scuh events that we need to personally invite them. I know that’s what I have been doing and also encouraging them to speak just as Elly encouraged me to speak at BarCamp Dublin.

What I can tell you is that on average there are usually less than 20 percent of women at events relating to social media, often because they are concerned that it will be a technical event - though there are some highly proficient women in technology. That in fact is why I co-founded The Podcast Sisters - where we talk, write and teach all things related to social media especially for the non geek.

What I can tell you is that the event is more than a name. I hope us assuming the term PodCamp and all that goes with it does not put people off.  We are using the name PodCamp because we believe and have signed up to what PodCamps stand for.

Yes we have a Wiki but we also wanted to make it easy for you to register so we have a registration page in place in case you are uncomfortable with Wiki’s. 

And as for PodCamp Ireland being focused around technology, that is certainly not our intent. In fact you will be hard pressed to find someone less technical than me as my fellow PodCamp Ireland organisers, my business colleagues and my husband will confirm! What I do know though is how to use these social media platforms to build your brand, enage your people, attract more clients and enjoy greater success.

So what can we do to encourage you to come to PodCamp Irelandand ensure it is an event that you will want to come to whether man, women, Irish, not Irish, techy geek or non-geek, new to social media or a veteran?

This is an event for you and we want to make it a success.

If you are worried about stepping forward as a speaker and need someone to help you prepare what you will say, email me and I’ll coach you in your presentation so you will shine!

And don’t forget to let us know what you want to hear about. Leave your comments here or email one of the event organisers and we will see what we can do.

So Damien, Elly and Ina we are listening. And with everyones help PodCamp Ireland will be an event we’ll be talking about for years to come - and for all the right reasons.

So are you ready to register now?