Five Things Organizing Gangplank Brownbags Has Taught Me

Today I have a guest post over on the Gangplank HQ Blog!

I don’t need to dwell on what Gangplank is, and what it means to the community. Pretty much everyone reading this knows. If not, here’s a great introductory video to check out.

One way I was able to give back for a time was running the Gangplank Chandler Brownbag presentations each Wednesday at noon. I have been using what Gangplank has to offer for a couple of years prior, between Gangplank Jr. events, podcasting, and using the space for other reasons. When asked to take on the Brownbags, I was fortunately in a place where I could. It was one of the most fun and challenging things to experience. Here are some ways coordinating Brownbags has helped me grow:

1. Networking. You will meet many people this way. Not just the brownbag speakers, but also in those who use the space on a daily basis. It’s a wide variety of people with an endless variety of interests.

2. Learning. When you are coordinating the show, you get to see all the performances. Not only do you get a wide variety of presentations to learn on a business level, I’ve also learned more about local food, the music industry, philosophy, community events, and have even done a little yoga. We’re talking real-world application here.

3. Boldness. I learned really fast that if you need something, it’s better to just yell it out than try and figure out which individual person to talk to. As I was learning how to use the sound system and the projector, I yelled often. Not to mention the practice speaking in front of people once a week. After all, you do have to introduce the speaker, and let people know what is coming up in the future. Side benefit- it’s ok to ask for help.

4. Leadership. Before taking on brownbags, I had been on committees, and have volunteered my time. I was even President of the PTO at my daughter’s school. However, that was a nearly a decade before this, so I was rusty. Coordinating brownbags helped me gain some confidence back and not run away screaming when all eyes were on me looking for guidance. In fact, all this confidence led me to head the organizing committee for TechPhx, a low-cost technology “un-conference” held every November in Tempe.

5. Started my own business. Probably the biggest thing being a part of the Gangplank community has taught me is that if you can’t find it in someone else, create it yourself. I had been looking for employment for several months without any luck. What spending a year consistently being around these amazing people in this space showed me that I have the skills and the experience to branch out on my own. So I did. If that’s not a definition of “Be Dangerous,” I don’t know what is.

Thanks, Gangplank! 

Thanks for reading! If you feel so inclined, you can follow my daily ramblings on Twitter, and get all sorts of information from my Facebook Page! See you around the interwebs!

TechPhx Update!

Explaining the finer points of the weekend at
last year's TechPhx (Photo by Snapping Fire Dragon)

One of the many places I volunteer my time is TechPHX. If you don't know, it is a weekend unconference covering just about anything technology and social media related. Podcasts, video, photography, code... sessions for anyone who wants to learn a little more about these things (and more) and apply them to what they do. This year it is happening November 16 & 17.

What you do can be anything as well. To the casual blogger who needs to learn some WordPress basics, to the Podcaster who wants to learn more about editing software, to the business person who wants to make better use of social media, I can't think of any person that wouldn't get something out of attending. It's about community first, and building that community to bring us all a little closer together. You can learn more about TechPhx here, and also check out last year's sessions here.

Since it is community first, we have always had pride in the fact that we could remain low-cost. Conferences can get very expensive! We also know that paying more doesn't necessarily mean you will get more out of it. This is why attending for the weekend is a mere $10, basically to just cover some prizes and supplies that sponsors do not. This week however, we are having a special registration discount for You Tube's Geek Week- FREE registration using the "GeekWeek" promotional code! You can read more about it on the TechPhx blog.

TechPhx is one of my favorite events to volunteer for, because I know first-hand the value. Technology and the Internet isn't going anywhere, it will only keep advancing and growing. It's important to have a place where you can learn to handle it, and share what you know with others. AND have a good time! TechPhx is all of that rolled into one weekend. Check out the website, register to attend OR speak, and I'll see you in November!









Thanks for reading! If you feel so inclined, you can follow my daily ramblings on Twitter, and get all sorts of information from my Facebook Page! See you around the interwebs!

The Tech Phx Planning Season Is On!

I am so excited to announce that a new season of conferencing has arrived! When last we spoke, the conference known as PodcampAZ was laid to rest, and a new name emerged... TechPhx! Which, well, is the only thing to change. It's still going to cover all the awesome topics, and have all the awesome panels it did before, but the name will now be more... fitting (and awesome*).

Well, there was one small change. Tyler has stepped back from leading the charge this year. Apparently he's getting married or something, and wants to focus on that right now. Our Tyler, growing up so fast! So, after what was probably too much deliberation (on my part), I'm going to be taking his place as leader this year! I am super-excited, because I don't look at it as if I'm in charge. I am still looking at this conference as a group effort, and we want to get as much community involvement as possible. We just need someone to call meetings to order, right? RIGHT?

Although the types of sessions themselves are not changing, and we're keeping with our unconference theme, we do have some new ideas we'd like to incorporate into this years' conference. I don't want to reveal it all now- but what it involves is a way to spotlight all the great things the valley has to offer. And there are a ton of great groups, gatherings, and conferences in the valley.

However, we need your help to do it. Mark those calendars for Saturday, February 11th. 10:00 am, Room 203, at the University of Advancing Technology (where last year's conference was held).  We are especially making an appeal to those who run other conferences, camps, and clubs during the year in the valley. You know, Ignite, Social Media Club, WordCamp, EPublish Unum...  etc. All we need are one or two representatives to come out and hear what our big idea is. We think you'll like it. Of course beyond that, anyone and everyone is invited to get involved with this year's TechPhx. Something you loved last year? Help us make it better. Something you didn't love so much? Help us make it better.

RSVP Here!

I've said it before- I was blown away with what a group of 8 or 9 of us did last year with Podcamp. With 20 people, or 30... well I can't even imagine the degree of awesome and amazing TechPhx can reach.

Actually I can. So see you on February 11th!



*I've been watching a LOT of "How I Met Your Mother" lately.