[Hidden-tech] a note about PodCamp on the 25th - and a special thx to Sheldon Snograss

[Jon Reed]

Hey folks -

I wanted to make sure that those on this list were aware of the 
upcoming PodCamp Western Mass 4 on February 25. The people who run 
this event are a terrific group and I have only heard good things 
from those who attend.

Last time I checked, the event was half full already, and it does 
tend to sell out, so you'll want to get signed up soon if you have 
interest. In classic unconference fashion, the agenda is set by the 
participants. I asked the PodCamp organizers to share a few words for 
the Hidden-Tech group on the event:

"PodCamp Western Mass 4 is happening on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Holyoke 
Community College.

What in the heck is a PodCamp? It's an unconference- a full day of 
lively discussion, info-sharing, and plenty of documentation via 
smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The agenda is set by the participants. 
And in our fourth year, we expect another sell-out crowd of 150 
people. PodCamp is also a remarkable value. For only $30, you get the 
full day event, lunch, a t-shirt, and a swag bag. There's also an 
after-party, at Eighty Jarvis this year.

PodCamp welcomes anyone who is interested in learning more about 
social media and networking, from beginners to advanced 
practitioners. Attendees include business people, coders, artists, 
photographers, educators, musicians, designers, marketers, and entrepreneurs.

For more info or to sign up, the registration page is here: 
http://pcwm4.eventbrite.com/

Feel free to share this event with your friends via Facebook, 
LinkedIn, Twitter, or smoke signals. The hashtag is #pcwm"

- -

I won't be able to attend this year since I'm out of town, but I look 
forward to hearing how it goes and, to be honest, somewhat bitterly 
disappointed I won't be there.... I'm hoping in future years 
Hidden-Tech can be more involved in this event and getting the word out.

Finally, on a different topic, I want to add a personal note of 
thanks to Sheldon Snodgrass for his years of dedication to 
Hidden-Tech and the Hidden-Tech board. A number of years ago when 
Hidden-Tech was in an important transition, Sheldon wasn't sure if he 
could stay on the board due to the many community involvements he 
has. We talked/charmed/cajoled him into staying on and he helped us 
monumentally with clarifying our mission and taking us forward. More 
importantly I'm sure many of you ran into him at Hidden-Tech events 
where he always brought an unfathomably high energy level and a 
welcoming presence for new members. On a personal level, sales skills 
have never come easily to me and I credit Sheldon with much of what I 
have learned, sometimes begrudgingly, about selling in the real 
world. Which we all have to do, albeit in our own ways. Thanks 
Sheldon. Oh, and you'll continue to see Sheldon at Hidden-Tech 
events, of that I'm sure, so this is less of a goodbye than a thank you.

Jon Reed,
Founding Board Member, Hidden-Tech