Some people know that I work for Video on the Net, a professional conference run by pulvermedia. They also know I’m the cofounder of the PodCamp unconference series. They’re two really different events, and because I do work with both, sometimes it might be confusing. I thought I’d talk about that briefly.
They’re Not Related
Video on the Net was started by Jeff Pulver and is run by pulvermedia. It’s for-profit, and part of a professional events company. PodCamp was started by Christopher S. Penn and myself, and is a series of free-to-attend unconference events. We take sponsorship money to cover costs and grow the series, but we don’t pocket a dime for us.
Which does What?
Video on the Net is a show targeted to reach traditional media leaders like TV networks, film companies, and related companies. We reach out to investors, technologists, and other people interested in the Internet video world in all its forms. The show brings traditional companies like CBS with newcomers like Revver. We bring videobloggers to the stage to show where the independent artists see things going as well.
PodCamp is targeted for people seeking to leverage new media community tools (podcasting, videoblogging, blogging, Second Life, twitter, social networks) to extend digital relationships. Media makers are invited. Musicians are invited. Big companies seeking to understand a social media strategy should come. Investors looking for the bleeding edge of what we’re doing. EDUCATORS should come and learn more about how these tools impact modes of learning and communicating.
Look and Feel
Video on the Net is run by a professional company. There is an expo hall with companies seeking to make business, build partnerships, and derive value from showing their products and services to people. There is a conference room with speakers on stage addressing a big audience. People get lots of good information and business done here.
PodCamp is an unconference. Everyone has the right to speak. We have sponsor/exhibitors, and they want to be part of the community. We encourage community interaction instead of straight pitches. PodCamp is more participatory in that everyone can speak, even if they’re not leading the session. Very open-faced.
Who Should Attend Video on the Net?
People interested in the business and strategy implications of Internet video are our ideal customer for attending the Video on the Net show. We work hard to find speakers interested in the larger story of the video industry (such as it is), and we work to build conversations around the perspective of the Internet as a disruptive force.
The attendee list is quite skewed towards C-level employees, senior VPs with titles like “Vice President of Digital Strategy” or VP of Emerging Technology, etc. There are lots of founders of startups, investment institutions, advertising agencies, and technologists in the crowd as well.
And there are some videobloggers and media makers with feet in both worlds.
More Info
For more on Video on the Net, go here.
For more on PodCamp, go here.
Did this help clear up any potential confusion?
Lastly, only related in so far as if you’ve been to a conference and seen people man a booth, this is a hoot. Thanks to Marketing over Coffee for pointing me to this Dave Delaney-provided video: