I think the first edition of BlogSavannah Un-Conference 07 was a great success. Congrats to Drew and the rest of the crew that put on the event. (Photos here)
The big issue with any un-conference is always managing the expectations of the attendees...many of whom have never been to an un-con. It was great to hear a number of folks say, "now that I've experienced this type of event, I really don't want to go back to the normal conference format."
Here are a few random notes:
- If you've been to a few local un-conferences you will see the discussions tend to repeat themselves, however you need to keep in mind that the majority of people in the audience are first-timers and all this is new to them.
- Just like BlogOrlando, some of the really good discussions were in the smaller room. Perhaps it's the confinement, or the smaller groups? What do you think?
- With a large percentage of users in the room you get a different perspective on topics.
- It's aggravating when the discussion turns into a debate about what a blog is and how to do it. It's especially frustrating when the people doing the preaching are not bloggers. It's like somebody telling you how to raise your children....and they don't have any of their own.
- A number of other bloggers have mentioned an individual that hijacked a number of the discussions. This is one of the issues with the format. Some of us tried to turn the discussion to other issues, but when you have discussion leaders that haven't facilitated sessions before it can be tough for them.
- Lisa has a great write-up from an un-conference first-timer. Go read it. The comments are good.
- Shawn thinks things were a bit too corporate...and I have to agree with her.
- The wifi was great!
- Chris Miller from the Creative Coast Initiative had a great session and really got the spirit of an un-con.
- Savannah is a unique and eclectic town. I spent most of the morning on Saturday walking around taking photos. However, move just a bit outside the historic downtown and there is poverty and decay.
- I met a bunch of new people. Chris, David, Lisa, Shawn, Betsy, Marjorie, Amber and her husband Rusty, the whole gang at Paragon (now blogging), Scott from Savannah Now, Angel and Alexandria to name just a few.
- I'll be back in Savannah on May 24/25/26th March 1st to do a seminar for Marjorie's clients so we'll need to organize a dinner/happy hour.
