Last weekend, I had the pleasure of spending my Saturday at Podcamp Nashville. Podcamp Nashville is a digital media “unconference”, where people from all types of backgrounds come together to learn from each other. As usual, I walked away with a lot valuable information but four things struck me as I begin reflecting on the conference.
1. Nashville has a vibrant, strong tech community
Although Nashville is seen as the music capital, it is encouraging to see more startups and freelancers make Nashville their home. Ten years ago, I probably would have had to search San Franscico or Seattle for someone to code a project, however today I know that Nashville has the depth of talent.
2. The gap between knowing and doing is shrinking
This year, more than ever it seems that a persons ability to make an idea happen is becoming easier. At Podcamp, there were great sessions on coding and creating mobile apps. No longer do you need to have computer science degree from Stanford, the tools are there and the knowledge and doing gap is shrinking.
3. The gender gap is shrinking
It seems that with ever tech conference I attend, I am seeing more and more females not only in the audience, but also leading sessions. It can’t happen fast enough.
4. Go mobile or go home
Every single one of my breakouts really all led back to one thing. Mobile. When the desktop revoution happened it was slow roll out, with penetration into homes taking some time. The mobile revolution has been more of tidal wave, happening quicker than any of us could have imagined.
Congrats to the Podcamp Nashville team for leading an incredible conference. Podcamp is always informatve, fun and insightful.