OpenCamp web conference in Addison a big success

by Mike Bullock

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Podcasters and bloggers had a full weekend of tech sensory overload.

ADDISON — Based on its healthy attendance of 600 people, the first OpenCamp Dallas -- a conference dedicated to blogging and other web activity -- seemed to be a rousing success.

The three-day event, which took place over the weekend (August 27-29) at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Addison -- offered a place where people could come together to hear helpful tips on working with Wordpress, Drupal, Jumla, and more. More than 70 speakers discussed a wide range of topics, for any skill level.

Saturday's conference included a podcast discussion by Mark Ramsey, a local podcaster who shared insightful tips on equipment and technique. One of the OpenCamp's founders, John Pozadzides, or "John P," had a session on the basics of video editing with iMovie. The crowd heckled Pozadzides as he was commenting on an attractive girl in the video clip that he later found out was a guy.

After John's entertaining demonstration, live-streaming specialist Philip Nelson spoke on ways to broadcast video on your blog. After showing the ease and cost-effective ways to broadcast live video via Ustream, Nelson wowed the guests when he engaged a device called the Tri-Caster. Think of a mobile broadcasting truck used by major networks but condensed down to the size of microwave oven.

Saturday night's sessions ended with a performance by musician Geoff Smith. Those who didn't attend that instead prepared for a late-night podcast that turned into a impromptu kegger with a disco ball. If you missed this conference, don't fear. There were talks about OpenCamp possibly having meet-ups throughout the year.