Why not start out with a party? In this case, the pre event party which was held at Bahama Breeze – a local restaurant with a great patio. While the steel drum band played, we laughed, we hugged, we met new friends as well as old friends. if you are coming to an REBC one of the best things you can do is show up early, there’s always a pre party and it’s a great place to get in some good conversation.
The day of the event started out with registration in the hotel. The hotel and convention center was massive! What a great location! Participants were greeted and checked in. If you made a donation to the charity you could have Chris Brown autograph a copy of his book for you!
As usual, the event schedule – determined by the attendees was completed and it was time for the sessions to begin!
I tried to move around as best I could. You can’t be in every session. I sat in “How not to be a social media train wreck” with Bill Lublin and Chris Griffith, “monitoring your online presence” with Jeremy Blanton, “Video Screen Capture” with Doug Devitre, and “Geolocation, Geolocation, Geolocation” with Morriss Partee. All were excellent conversations.
Lunch was a quick plate of the weirdest fish tacos I’ve ever had from the bar in the hotel – ask me later.
The event wrapped up with an equal amount of afternoon sessions. I sat in on “Windows Live Writer” with Chris Griffith, “Other people’s content” with Todd Carpenter, “Facebook Pages” (I led the discussion) and then an impromptu session that we called “What did we miss?” where our conversation went deep into the future of Facebook Places and the importance of their API and open graph.
And then it was off to yet another party. I always joke that for every REBarCamp there’s a REBEERCamp afterwards. Attend the REBeerCamp and you’ll get smarter! Cliff on Cheer’s had it right – survival of the fittest. It’s just basic Buffalo Theory.
The party was located in the hotel bar and was well attended. For dinner a bunch of us (14 or 15 in all) decided a Japanese Steakhouse was in order. It was off to Kobe Steakhouse!
Great food, great drinks and a perfect way to end the busy day!
My biggest takeaway? Had to be in our last impromptu session where we discussed various ideas on using geolocation apps for more than fun in real estate. I came away with a few great ideas and future blog posts!
Biggest Surprise? I was honestly surprised at the raw enthusiasm of the participants. This event was tied in with the State Convention. That’s typically the Suit and Slacks crowd. For so many this was their first REBarCamp. Often times there is a little apprehension especially in the beginning. Not so with this crowd! Good on you Florida!
Biggest HUG? Had to have been from Lesley Lambert. Not that hugs should ever be rated, but after knowing each other for so long and finally getting to meet face to face, it was just a little extra special!
Biggest KUDOS? Easy – they go to the REBCORL Volunteers. Debbie, Chris, Chris and Susie, John and all the others you did great! The attendees will never know the work you put into this to make it happen for them. But I do and I thank you! Attendees, remember to visit those sponsors (they are on the back of your shirt) who stepped up and enabled this event to be FREE. Go buy something from them!
Biggest Meh? What’s a Meh? In this case it’s someone who either doesn’t get the REBarCamp idea or is just doesn’t care. The REBarCamp movement is over 3 years old now. It’s wildly popular and it’s theme and soul are not secrets. Yet, still there were a few presentations that came off as sales pitches. I’m not going to name names and I don’t think I have to, a simple Meh is enough for now.
Here’s my challenge to you. What two things will you implement in the coming weeks that you learned in REBCORL? Careful, I just may hold you to it!
He's an avid hockey fan, rides a mountain bike, sometimes rides a road bike, has a few motorcycles (he had a really fast one, bought a cool orange one, rode a really slow one, and now,a perfect "BDR Weapon"). If that isn't enough, he makes cheese and sourdough bread, loves strong beer and good red wine, and poorly plays the Mandolin.
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