So what's going on with this TechPhx thing?

It may seem like all we are doing behind the scenes of this year's PodcampAZ TechPhx is sharing interesting things via Facebook and Twitter. I can assure you we've been pretty busy! I wanted to take a moment to give you an update, and what to expect in the very near future!

First off, see the pretty logo up there? The organizing committee decided that the chat bubbles had to go. The absolutely fabulous Perri Collins put this together for us! We couldn't completely part with our Podcamp roots- we love that darn rss sunburst-fiery thingamajig!

We have been working hard to get techphx.com all nice and purdy so we can finally get registration rolling! Which is extra-exciting, because along with that we will be opening up Speaker Nominations too! So start thinking about the types of things you want to learn or hear about at TechPhx this year, and who you would want to hear talk about said topics. You will even be able to nominate yourself- just go crazy!

Just in case you didn't know, this year's TechPhx will be on November 10th and 11th, and will be held at the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe. So block out the weekend right now- I'll wait.




Yay! All calendared in!

Ok, that is the big update. We're here, and we're ready to rock this thing. Keep your eye on the internet- because registration is coming soon! You will be the first to know when that happens!

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. 

The time is now. The place? PodcampAZ.

A little something else I love to give my time to- helping organize PodcampAZ!

I use my voice a lot between the radio and podcasting. So, why has it taken me five years to gather up the nerve to speak at PodcampAZ?

I didn't think I had anything worthy to tell you. Sure, I blather on about politics and issues that concern me, hoping that through my reasoning they can concern you too. But what can I possibly teach anyone? Well, I've always been about different perspectives, and getting people to think about things from a different point of view. so that's what I'm speaking about- how you can talk about your extreme beliefs and still have people listen to you. It certainly doesn't have to be politics, this could be about anything that others might find a little bit crazy. My hope is sharing my strategies will start a discussion and get others engaged. Who knows, maybe the only thing keeping you from doing that podcast or writing that blog post is figuring out how best to present it.

See? I have an entire talk lined up and all I'm doing is taking my experiences and sharing them with you. I'm willing to bet you have something to share too, and we want you to share it with us this November at PodcampAZ. Click RIGHT HERE and register to speak. Or, register someone else you think should be sharing their experiences in this crazy, ever-changing tech world. Guaranteed you will be around people the entire weekend who want to know more. Don't be a chicken like me and wait five years- we want to know NOW. We are all worthy of speaking, and we all have something relevant to say.

Your community is calling, and we need you!

http://podcampaz.org/speakers/