First, PodCamp is YOUR conference. There’s plenty of open space and plenty of open times on the schedule. The best experience you have might be in a casual hallway conversation. Take charge of your PodCamp experience by deciding what you want to get out of the event, and get it. If you want to grab some old or new friends and have an impromptu session, go for it. More importantly, help out your community. If someone needs help with their laptop, volunteer. If someone can’t find the restroom, show them. See some trash on the ground? Pick it up. Need help? Ask, ask loudly, ask often.

Second, PodCamp obeys the Law of Two Feet: you don’t need to attend anything you don’t want to. That may be a session, a conversation, a party, or whatever. No one will fault you for getting up in the middle of a session to go to a different one, or just head out into the hall to see what conversations are happening. No presenter will get offended.

Third, PodCamp is about community first. If you have a product or service, please do attend to learn how to use new media to promote it, but make your focus on building personal friendships at PodCamp, instead of “pitching” to participants at the event. Business cards are mental bookmarks to continue conversations, not a greeting.

Finally, have fun at PodCamp. New media is an exciting space to work or play in, and PodCamps are a great way to connect with new friends and build new relationships.