Tips for conference bloggers
07:50, 3 February 2010
.. Posted in Communication, Outreach and General Mngmt.. Link
(Not to sound like Ric Romero, and understanding this might be obvious to many readers, also note that, believe it or not, this is news to a lot of people)
Many people attending onsite conferences write about the presentations they attend and speeches they hear, even conversations they overhear, then post their summaries online so that all those who can't attend can benefit, at least to a degree, from the information shared. Although it largely removes the blogger as an actual conference participant (they are often too busy writing to ask questions, engage with fellow onsite conference goers, etc.), blogging is quite valuable to those who can't attend the conference.
Back in 2007 or so, Bruno Giussani and Ethan Zuckerman engaged in an online conversation about how best to blog about a conference, to give readers the valuable information they are looking for, respect conference presenters, etc. They put together "Tips for conference bloggers" that anyone can freely download and use. It's available in two versions, full-page and booklet format. It's a terrific resource, talking about both content and logistics (where to sit in the room, the technology to use, etc.).
If you are going to blog at a conference, in addition to reading this excellent resource, be sure to let your co-workers know beforehand, including those volunteering at your organization. Volunteers will see it as a form of recognition for their contributions to your organization (that you are including them in such information-sharing shows you see them as important members of your organization).
What are bloggers saying about your speech at a conference? Or about the conference itself? I use both Google Alerts and news searches via My Yahoo to tell me if a blogger or news article mentions my name or an organization with which I'm associated. These free tools make media monitoring oh-so-easy -- and you should absolutely be vigilant about what people are saying about you and your organization.
