Wow, I can't believe I'm actually posting about BlogOrlando 2008, but then again it's almost April. Quite a few friends have asked, "Are you doing BlogOrlando again this year?" Yes. At least as of now I am :-)
Back in 2006 when I planned the first event, you may remember that the original concept for BlogOrlando was a bit different than the actual event:
The original concept/title for this event was: Josh is Tired of Traveling Outside of Orlando so Everybody Come Here Con or JTTOOECH-Con. I wanted to get some friends to the area to meet, but more importantly spend some down-time at the theme parks with their families.
That private gathering of friends soon expanded to a public event that eventually became the first edition of BlogOrlando. Then things expanded even more with the 2007 event with almost 300 people taking part.
For 2008 we're blending the old with the new. BlogOrlando will once again be held on a Friday in late September. The main event cost (FREE) and format will not change, and perhaps expand, but there is a twist.
Reaching back to the original concept, BlogOrlando will now feature a private invite-only event on Wednesday. Just an intimate gathering of colleagues, clients, industry leaders, etc. Perhaps a limit of 30-40 folks. The topics will focus more on things like future trends, etc. I dare say Davos-like. The catch is, if you're invited to the Wednesday event, you are required to lead a session at the Friday event.
Here is a tentative schedule:
Wednesday:
- Invite-Only Event
- Special Event/Fun Thing at Orlando Theme Park for Session Leaders
Thursday
- Special Event/Fun Thing at Orlando Theme Park for Session Leaders
- Official BlogOrlando Reception
Friday
- Main Event
- Friday Night Reception
Saturday
- BlogOrlando Day at Orlando Theme Park
More thoughts soon.....
Visitor Comments
Very nice idea. The great thing about that is you've got a small group of much more vocal people who understand what it is to contribute to the conversation.
Posted by: Judson Collier | March 25, 2008 8:36 PM
Josh,
Glad to hear we'll have this great event again!
Will it at be at Rollins again?
I wonder if everyone will STILL be talking about Twitter in September.
Etan
Posted by: Etan Horowitz | March 25, 2008 8:42 PM
Sounds like a good plan to me sir. Count me in to help however I can.
Posted by: Carl Smith | March 25, 2008 8:43 PM
Hey Josh. I'm there. Message me if you need anything at all.
Posted by: Adam Jackson | March 25, 2008 8:58 PM
Calling dibs on my favorite Eo Inn room right now.
Posted by: Dave C. | March 25, 2008 9:02 PM
Please keep me on the mailing list. And all this time I thought florida had to import geeks.
Posted by: jr | March 25, 2008 9:13 PM
Josh,
This is a great concept (although even more work for you.) It will allow your blogging friends to socialize intensively before the actual event. Then, they'll be ready to focus totally on Friday on giving back to the Orlando community. A win-win.
Posted by: Joseph Thornley | March 25, 2008 9:17 PM
Looking forward to it. Always a great event with lots of fun folks. PLease don't hesitate to give a shout if there's anything I can do.
Posted by: jharr | March 25, 2008 9:20 PM
Looking forward to it!!
Posted by: Amber | March 25, 2008 9:43 PM
looking good so far...count me in Josh!
Posted by: Dan... | March 25, 2008 10:05 PM
Very excited for this year's BlogOrlando. Rock on Josh. I'll have a platoon from the Sentinel attending.
Posted by: Danny Sanchez | March 25, 2008 10:12 PM
Any chance to move it closer to Sunday? Might get better attendance if it went into Saturday instead of leaning back into Thursday/midweek.
-Vlad
Posted by: Vlad Mazek | March 25, 2008 10:18 PM
Josh; Wow, 2008 is shaping up fast, isn't it? This sounds like a great idea. A give and take for those that "speak" too. Very nice.
Posted by: Kami Huyse | March 25, 2008 11:57 PM
I learned so much last year. I was able to use a lot of the information and translate it for use in the mom-blog arena, and am currently finding powerful uses in the realm of education since I work for a university. I'm looking forward to attending. Post the date as soon as you can so we can "save the date."
Posted by: Alicia Murray | March 26, 2008 11:56 AM
Stoked and cannot wait!
Posted by: annie heckenberger | March 26, 2008 3:15 PM
I'm in of course. Sounds like this one is shaping up to be better than eveer.
Posted by: David | March 26, 2008 4:02 PM
I learned so much last year and met so many people...looking forward to doing it again!
Posted by: Nancy Nally | March 26, 2008 10:40 PM
Josh,
Glad to hear you're doing it again. I don't know if you do reruns on presenters, but I had so much fun last year, I'd love to come back and talk again.
Posted by: shel israel | March 27, 2008 10:41 AM
Josh,
I look forward to participating more in '08 (I started a new job 2 weeks before '07)... so I am glad to hear you are planning the event again.
Let me know if there is anything you think I can do to assist.
Posted by: Jim Johnson | March 30, 2008 10:27 AM
I'll be there "peeing myself" with excitement!
Posted by: Betsy | March 31, 2008 2:47 PM
Putting together my 2009 budget and this is getting highlighted!
Can't wait!
Posted by: Leah | April 1, 2008 11:14 AM