PodCamp Chicago

I need someone to step up and work with Kris and Andrew and Kristin in hopes that we can still pull off Podcamp CHI.

As you may or may not know, there were 2 devastating floods in Watseka, IL in January and February. These have all but taken me out of commission to any additional activities outside of my Full-Time Job.

If you are willing and able to step up, please let me know and I’ll turn over the passwords to the PodcampCHI.com website.

If this doesn’t happen by the end of the weekend I’m going to have to take additional action, unfortunately, to contact the many people who have registerd and let them know that it will not happen.

Please contact me direct and thank you!

Justin Kaiser
(815) 401-4632

The planning crew (Kris Smith, Kristin Decker, Justin Kaiser, and Andrew Figgins) from Podcamp CHI had a planning meeting on Wednesday at Navy Pier in Chicago just before the Chicago Podcasters Meetup at Chicago Public Radio where the featured topic was the Vocolo project at WBEZ.

It looks like we’re most likely going to be hosting our event at the Art Institute of Illinois.  We’ll have a final venue announcement next week.

In addition, we’re going to start taking presentation proposals shortly…  and we’re getting the plans set for New Media Morning on Saturday, June 7th 2008.

Podcamp Ohio will follow our event a couple of weeks after Podcamp CHI, and Angelo over at that event just sent us information on a FREE service to non-profits from Flickr.  Flickr is giving away free accounts to non profits and you can find out more here…

http://www.flickr.com/good

We’re in the process of filing paperwork for Podcamp CHI to incorporate and eventually become a full 501c3 educational non-profit.

Stay tuned for some exciting details coming soon from Podcamp CHI planned for June 6-8th.

In today’s show, we talk with Cliff Ravenscraft.  Cliff recently presented at Podcamp Nashville and  is a husband and a father of three and known as the Podcast Answer Man. Up until recently, he worked full time as an independent insurance agent in a family run insurance agency where plans were in place for me to take over the agency after my father retires in a few more years. In December of 2005, he and his wife started a single podcast devoted to the television show, LOST. Their lives have never been the same since. In the first two years, he has launched as many as twenty podcasts and has assisted many other people in get started in the field of podcasting for themselves.Ravenscraft Media, LLC. is the company that he works under for his consulting work and as ‘BitCast Media‘ aswell as ‘gspn.tv - Generally Speaking Production Network‘.

 

 Podcamp Chicago Podcast #2 - The Planning Continues [18:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Hey gang, we’re going to meet tonight before and/or after the Podcast Meetup tonight at the Chicago Public Radio facilities…  Details are here…  http://podcasting.meetup.com/72/ .  I know 4 of us have RSVP’d…  so it should be interesting.

The Meetup is at 7p at Navy Pier.  I’m planning on meeting my former morning show partner around 5:30.  Kristin will be coming down from and is also our “ED”…  She’s the organizer of the bunch.  So, I’ll be in town around 5:30 as long as I don’t get lost in traffic… or lost in general.  The Meetup is at 7, so if you show up when you can before that and follow-up if needed after the Meetup that would be great.

We’ll be meeting at Charlie’s Ale House on Navy Pier starting somewhere around 5:30/6pm.  Since I’m driving in from South of Kankakee I’m not sure when I’ll get there.  Call me if you’re looking for us.

With everything that’s happened in the early part of the year, flooding etc. in my neck of the woods, it’s time to move forward with this.  We’ve got 2 1/2 months to make Podcamp Chicago fly.

I won’t be checking mail after 11C, so my cell # is (815) 549-0725…  call me anytime.

Justin

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The Chicago Area Podcasters Network

The Chicago Podcasters Network is a gathering of Chicago-area podcast hosts and producers to grow the community and share experiences and best practices.

Our next meeting will be held at the WBEZ Chicago Public Radio facilities on Wednesday the 19th of March at 7:00pm. WBEZ is located almost at the end of Navy Pier past the Shakespeare Theater but before the Stained Glass Museum. It’s right across from Billy Goat Tavern and next door to the Fun House. We’ll have information from Chicago Public Radio about Vocalo (http://vocalo.org ), an exciting blend of podcasting and broadcast radio that should be of interest to all in this group.

Public parking is available to the north side of the pier. If you’re taking public transportation, you can reach Navy Pier by taking the Rte. 124 Navy Pier bus (visit www.transitchicago.c om/maps/bus/bus.html and select Bus Route 124 for a PDF downloadable map and schedule).
Meetings will feature guest speakers — professional podcasting hosts, producers, and audio engineers — speaking on a variety of intermediate to advanced topics such as recommendations for podcasting gear, DAW software, and hosting services, techniques for field recording and ENG (electronic news gathering), interview techniques, proper journalistic practice, how to achieve a professional sound, professional audio engineering, digita Read more

Chicago Public Radio
Navy Pier 848 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
This is a private home or office

Info/Map

Who?
19 members have said Yes

4 members have said Maybe

New Media Un-Conference Comes to Windy City

PodCamp CHI presents a free, two and a half day “un-conference” dedicated to the sharing of information and ideas on the subject of social media including blogging and audio and video podcasting.

SHELDON, IL (CREATIVE IDENTITY GROUP) February, 24, 2008 – “I was blown away by the emerging podcast sub culture and how PodCamp has managed to draw it together.” That’s what one person who attended a recent PodCamp event in New York had to say. The latest PodCamp recently wrapped up in Toronto and in just three months PodCamp will arrive in Chicago.

Musicians, artists, actors, producers, educators, and people from all walks of live will converge on Chicago to talk about social media, social networking, podcasting, video on the net, blogging, music, and all other aspects of New Media. Regular people producing their own “radio show” but talking about what THEY want to talk about in an environment that can only be described as a Grateful Dead concert without the electric Kool-Aid.

The main goals of PodCamp CHI are to share information, network and foster community around the many issues of social media production. Participants of the event will include podcasters as well as podcast listeners and viewers. The first PodCamp was held in Boston in September of 2006 and has grown to include over thirty different events in over five countries, eleven states, and one virtual world in Second Life.

Un-Conference - What does this mean?

Well, in short, it’s an event that is frantically produced by a bunch of disparate forces with virtually no money. It means that there are a lot of last minute hustles, internet connections that don’t connect; maniacal visionaries who will endure endless menial tasks to create an event of indeterminate proportions and unknown impact. Most important though… IT’S FREE! Free yes, though the level of expertise and quality of talent on hand is A-list. PodCamp CHI is a grass roots effort hat brings podcasters, bloggers, and new media producers together for a couple of days of education, learning, and most importantly social interaction in hopes of growing the community and building the conversation.

Just Get Up and Walk Out

Being PodCamp CHI is a free event, the un-conference world invites the attendees to not only listen, but to present as well. The world is lacking innovation, spirit, and creative backbone. Where is the long-term vision to capitalize on incredible talent? It’s at PodCamp CHI and if you don’t feel you are getting the most out of the session, you are encouraged to exercise the un-conference “Law of Two Feet” and leave to create your own session if there isn’t one that interests you. “Community involvement is what we anchor upon which we build our boat. Ideas? Help? Flying monkeys? We depend on your involvement to light the PodCamp bon-fire. Let’s roast some marshmallows” said Justin Kaiser, co-organizer of PodCamp CHI.

Who’s Invited to PodCamp CHI?

Members of the marketing, business, design, technology and music industries will gather in Chicago on June 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th. “We’re also looking to get those new to podcasting involved with New Media Mornings. We’re hoping to kick that off and help podcast listeners, teachers, small business owners, event planners, mothers, sports fanatics and others who have a “show” in them produce it and join in the community. Let’s create the conversation together. We want to show those new to Podcasting how to listen and produce their own show, while building on the already existing community. Our goal is to promote education, innovation and collaboration between technology and media professionals and Chicago’s blogging and podcasting communities” said Justin Kaiser. “This is all about building community. By attending PodCamp CHI, members of the blogging, podcasting, marketing, development and business communities will be able to join forces to put Chicago on the digital world map.”

Making PodCamp CHI Happen

PodCamp CHI organizational efforts are being spear-headed by Justin Kaiser, a New Media Consultant and radio personality at WGFA in Watseka, IL as well as Kris Smith, a Podcast Professional and host of a highly listened to podcast produced with his wife Betsy in Naperville, IL. There are several other co-organizers as well including Kaiser’s former morning show partner Kristin Decker who now works with John Williams on WGN Radio.

We’re planning on having several area leaders in the fields of technology and New Media present at PodCamp CHI. The event, which is free to the public, is designed for anyone interested in the online world to share ideas, hear from industry experts, and participate in discussions and demos.

According to information from the recent PodCamp Nashville, New Media Marketing experts predict that businesses will thrive in 2008 if they embrace social media and conversational marketing methodologies. Forrester Research predicts that spending on interactive technologies will grow to $61 billion by 2012 and social media (podcasting, blogging, etc.) will drive emerging channels to $10.6 billion.

Participants of PodCamp CHI are guaranteed to return to their offices revitalized and excited about what New Media has to offer. Students, hobbyists and professionals are encouraged to attend to network and to learn. Experience with blogging or podcasting are not requirements to participate. Anyone with an interest in technology and new media is welcome to attend.

PodCamp CHI will be held June 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th at a yet to be determined location Visit http://www.PodCampCHI.com to learn more and register for this event.

About PodCamp Chicago:

PodCamp Chicago is a sponsor supported, FREE un-conference scheduled for June 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th in Chicago. New media enthusiasts and professionals including bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, social networkers, and anyone curious about new media are invited to attend. The first PodCamp was held in September 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. PodCamps are now being held worldwide. PodCamp isn’t just about podcasting! If you’re interested in blogging, social media, social networking, podcasting, video on the net, if you’re a PodSafe musician (or want to be), or just someone curious about new media, then please join us — and bring a friend or colleague.

About The Organizers:

Justin Kaiser, co-organizer of PodCamp CHI, is the owner of Creative Identity Group and believes in Creating Identities and Creating Conversations. When he’s not programming a highly successful local radio station, WGFA Radio, in Watseka, IL, he’s evangelizing the use of engaging audio creative audio. Utilizing a highly talented core group of producers, Creative Identity Group (http://www.creativeidentitygroup.com) produces award winning audio for radio stations worldwide.

Kris Smith, co-organizer of PodCamp CHI, As the founder and owner of a successful podcast production company (http://www.PaleGroove.com) having produced 700+ podcast episodes for Fortune 500’s, small businesses and licensing custom built RSS management software, Kris has a professional understanding of podcasting as a set of technologies and genre - key to creating successful marketing campaigns and engaging content.

Press Contact:

Justin Kaiser
PodCamp CHI Organizer
Justin@PodCampCHI.com
(815) 549-0725
http://www.PodCampCHI.com

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Podcamp Toronto is History…  On with Podcamp CHI! 

 
photo credit: wmacphail

PodCamp CHI Podcast Show Notes for 02/24/08

We’re hoping to nail down a venue very soon… any ideas?New Media Mornings - Walk out with someone on hand…

Getting things prepared financially and legally…

Hoping to take this into a fully educational 501c3

Thanks to Barely at Barely Podcasting

We still need a venue. Any hookups at DePaul, Art Institute of IL, Univeristy of Chicago?

Chicago is a great place to come in June. It will be a great time to get out from Podcamp to see things in the City.

It’s a really exciting time and we’re looking for a University setting and campus. In all of the Podcamps, the best ones have an academic feel.

You are learning, and there is something of value.

We’re looking for someplace to really spread out.

We’d like to make Podcamp CHI bigger and better than Podcamp NYC and Podcamp Boston

New Media Mornings - Learn how to do an RSS feed top to bottom, audio in and out, true experts to help teach…

There are a lot of things that we can do by adding in workshops in the morning but also working on the social networking side of the Podcamps that were the vision of Chris Penn and Chris Brogan

Meeting strangers and learning from it… taking something away from it.

Part of podcast is an influx of listeners… As technologies have changed you an get your content out there…

There needs to be education on the listener side. We’d like to put together a campaign a couple of months before Podcamp. Do you know what a Podcast is? We’d like to have listeners sessions a while ago.

WTF Podcasting - What is it? We’re hoping to kick that off and help listeners, teachers, small businesses, event planners, the community, female, spirtuaility, motherhood, sports. Finding the topic, creating the conversation, and showing what it takes to get the show online for the first time.

Also offering something to the more advanced crowd by letting the advanced podcasters network and socialize in the morning. Let’s become a tighter knit community and do something other podcamps have not done and do a starter pack for the beginners… but also offer something for the more advanced …

We’re not doing middle of the road and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

 

 Podcamp CHI Podcast #1 [8:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Podcamp CHI - WTF Podcasting?

We’re still looking to nail down a venue.  Kris and I envision Podcamp CHI as a place to help those brand new to Podcasting and the old hat as well.  It will be a party as we want to have the bigest names in podcasting at our event.

We’re looking for non-profit status as this will be a continuing education organization.

We’d love to find a local Chicago PR firm intern to help us get the word out.  Specifically we’d like to advertising on CTA, trains, public outreach, using the “WTF Podcasting?” theme.  We’ll also include print and radio, for those who have no idea what podcamp is but want tooi produce and add to the conversation.

Venue possibilities include DePaul, Columbia College, ITT Chicago, University of Chicago, and the Art Institute of Illinois.  We are estimating upwards of 500 people at a minimum.  Ideally we’d like to do some workshop sessions/classroom style in the morning.  We are looking for very specific people to lead the workshop sessions and would love to have beginners workshops on PC and Mac/Apple… possibly utilizing teachers and equipment from Sweetwater Sound.

In the afternoon we’d like to have some more advanced stuff and regular sessions.Practical examples and to feel like we are getting the social stuff and to learn something of value so that when we go home we can apply the new techniques…

We also need lots of sponsors and corporate support.We’re thinking of a single or concurrent morning session and afternoon sessions that are structured and scheduled and an area with a dry erease board for others to create their own sessions…

That’s the update… look forward to seeing you in June!

Justin Kaiser
Podcamp CHI Organizer

Barry over at http://www.barelypodcasting.com was gracious enough to give some of his time to the Podcamp Chicago cause in creating the above logo for use on your web site. We’d love it if you linked to the logo or saved it and placed it on your site along with a link to http://www.podcampchi.com.

Thanks Barry and we look forward to seeing you in Chicago. BTW, Barry is putting together a session on podcasting on a “tight” budget. Can’t wait to hear it.

Justin Kaiser
Podcamp Chicago Organizer

That’s never a good sign when you hear that combination of words… actually in our case, it’s not a bad sign.  I’ve got the checking account and finances worked out…  and we’re in the process of putting together paperwork for non-profit corporation status for what will be the parent company of Podcamp Chicago.

My goal is to continue the education of New Media outside of the Podcamp venue and into the classrooms of our high schools, colleges, and universities.   With that in mind, we’re looking for someone to do some pro-bono legal and filings in exchange for our Official Legal Sponsorship of Podcamp CHI.

Are you that person?  Give me a call at (815) 549-0725.

In the meantime, the planning continues and some big announcements coming very soon.

Expect Podcamp CHI to be the signature event of the Podcamp series.

Here to Help!

Justin Kaiser
Organizer
Podcamp Chicago

We’re putting a puzzle together here people. We thought it was time to give you an update on our progress.

Accounting

Justin has been beating the pavement getting everything square on the accounting side of the house so that when we start asking for donations and sponsorship dollars we are prepared to handle them properly.

We’re close to having a location
Late last week I spoke with a representative from The Illinois Institute of Art late last week about using their facility. It will work great for our morning sessions (see next bold header) but might not be large enough for afternoon sessions.  We would like to hear from some other colleges or universities in the city that could donate the space for the event. If this is you, send an email info@podcampchi.com and let’s talk.

Podcamp Chicago Format

We’ve attended many Podcamps in the last year and have spoken at length with the organizers and attendees about what makes a Podcamp successful. Couple this with our own experiences and you get Podcamp Chicago.

We’re going to bring you the best of what Podcamps have to offer - education and social interaction.

One of the missing pieces at these events has been education that caters to an attendees level of understanding and skill. Sure some have had tracks for interest which address some of these concerns but very few people were able to walk out of a room with a finished product that met their needs.

We hope to bring this to you in the form of morning or afternoon workshops that address your needs/skill level and are led by an expert in that area. These will be 2 hour hands-on sessions where you leave a workshop with your questions answered, a product in hand or solution to a problem that can make your works better.

That’s all we have for this update. Very soon we’ll be asking you for your help.