This blog excerpt is taken from Dan’s Blog at DanPortnoy.com In addition to the “Augmenting Your Story With Video” workshop being facilitated by Dan, many of our friends will be represented. Including Tim Grahl from Out:Think Group, Justin, Justin and Won from Abandon Films and Brent Gudgel and Dave Mahanes from Chronicle Project.

It’s just a few weeks away and I’m literally counting the days to Idea Camp. I think this whole idea has been a bit of a phenomenon. Idea Camp wasn’t even a glimmer of an “Idea” a year ago and to be already posting it’s second event – it’s really unheard of.

Here’s why I like it:

The distance between the facilitators/presenters and attendees is tiny.
This is a lot like the Blog World Expo in Vegas. The guys/gals at the front of the room are talking to relative equals not newbies vs experts. As a result it keeps presenters from giving bad info because they’d be called on the carpet. It also guarantees that with so many good brains in the room everyone leaves with some new knowledge.

The networking is amazing
If there has been one event that has been paramount in making connections during the last year and a half in California – it’s idea Camp. I met organizations, non profits and thought leaders that I would never meet otherwise. On top of that I got to share meals with them and got to have my socks knocked off. This is also a good place to tell you my most embarrassing moment. The very lovely Cynthia Ware (The Digital Sanctuary) lead the Facilitators luncheon, it was going great until she gave some small instructions: “We’re going to go around the room and tell us a little bit about yourself, why your here and really take your time.”

She then looked to her right and I went first… and as it turned out I followed her directions exactly but, in fact, too well. I took the lions share of that time… Looking back I was mortified at my actions and thankfully a few different presenters didn’t let me forget it (You know who you are!!)

The attitude is so different
The best part about the luncheon (and the weekend) was that just about every person was surprised to be counted in the same group with people at the table. It was great servant leadership and I was thrilled to be a part of it. It also doesn’t hurt to be helmed by Charles Lee, if you’ve met him, you know what I mean. He’s so humble and he’s brilliant – so it’s tough to buck that trend.

Workshops, workshops, workshops!!
At the first event the workshops were varied and it was easy to navigate which ones interested me. But for DC, I’m already seeing the lineup and I’m going to have a tough time making choices. The amount of guys who are coming into DC on their own dime to share their expertise in really unheard of.

You get out what you put in
The whole ethos of the 2 day “un-conference” is to hear ideas. Ideas come and go – the genius is there.. and then it’s gone. The beauty about Idea Camp is that if you’re coming to the table with some ideas – there are a lot of people at the Idea Camp who will give your idea a whack and see if it holds up.

It’s FREE
Looking back – I would’ve paid at least $50 for the first Idea Camp, but you don’t have to!

So Dan, what are you doing with it?

So glad you asked! I’ve got the fortunate pleasure of talking about video/film as a device to tell stories better. You know it’s done, you know it’s obvious. The wild thing to me is that although it’s simple.. it’s not easy to do it well. I’ll be sharing some examples I’ve found that show both success and failure.

And the best part about it – I get to set the table. I already know some serious digital storytellers will be in the room and they’ll be bringing a ton of great info. I hope you can make it!

The Idea Camp is taking place in Arlington on August 28th and 29th – Click here to register This installment is all about compassion and social justice and already over 40 organizations will be represented. See you there!