The program for Podcasters Across Borders 2008 will be announced in two days.  It’s been an exciting and difficult process to go through this time since we have received so many amazing submissions — more than we have available speaking slots.  Bob and I never prepared ourselves for that possibility and I’ve been struggling with it over the last twenty-four hours as we’ve sent notices to those who submitted proposals to let them know if they are part of the program this year, or not.

Following last year’s programs, and during the fall when attending a number of new media conferences, I was frequently asked how we make PAB a reality and what is our model for success.  I had never really considered any of that.  Since I’m a visual person, I sat down with a pencil and paper and scratched down some of my thoughts and tried to make a diagram that represents the elements that go into the event that I feel make it what it is.  The difficult part for me was to find a way to illustrate the co-dependency of every element.

While the event couldn’t happen without speakers, social activities, the community and money, I believe that the key components to the PAB model are passion and relationships.

PASSION

PAB isn’t just about three days of connecting with other people.  Planning the event consumes months of time and commitment from the organizers and presenters.  You can’t buy that kind of energy; it comes from individual passion that grows exponentially through collaboration.

Indeed Bob and I feed off of each other’s passion for the event and the community.  And while we may take a lot of credit for the event, it is the ideas, criticism, focus and support of Andrea and Cat that make our roles as prominent as they are.  So, it’s not just about two people.  It’s also about the people who pitch in ideas, submit proposals, sponsor the event and offer to help out.  Everyone is doing what they do because of their passion. Passion is infectious.  It’s a virus.  It’s the magic ingredient.

RELATIONSHIPS

Just as the there is a foundation built on passion, the success of PAB depends heavily on relationships.  We take every interaction seriously.  We work hard to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, included and respected.  This becomes an evolving challenge with an event that is growing in scope and reach.  And because we are human we sometimes make mistakes.  We always learn from them and we always work hard to address any concerns.  That’s not easy to do and it’s why I find it hard to thank people for their submissions and offer them the opportunity to submit next year.

PAB2008 PROGRAM

While I can’t share specifics about this year’s program, yet, I will say that the event feels real now that we have lined up our speakers.  More importantly, it’s exciting to have so many fresh faces as part of the event.