I spent my Saturday — yes, half of my weekend — at Podcamp Boulder. It turned out to be a great way to spend the day.

Podcamp, simply, is an “unconference.” That is, there’s no plan. The attendees met on Friday night and tossed out topic ideas for discussion the next day. From there, attendees offered to host one-hour sessions on the suggested topics, with three sessions running at a time all day on Saturday. Pretty simple, really. And, as I learned, pretty effective. I spent the day involved in great conversations with great people.

Cost? Free. Worth it? Absolutely! I would feel good about this if I would have dropped $100 or more, and found it to be better than conferences I’ve paid far more to attend.

In general, the conversations were excellent, both in the sessions and in the hallways in between. Part of the benefit was that people were simply offering to host a session instead of feeling compelled to “present” (usually with Powerpoint… ugh!) like at a traditional conference. I had the pleasure of hosting a session on “Online Authenticity” with Heather Herr, who came in from Arizona for Podcamp. I met Heather Friday evening, we spent all of about 45 seconds planning our session, and we dove in — and the conversation was outstanding. I learned a bunch, and the attendees seemed engaged and interested. In many ways, this was a better and more interactive conversation than at many actual conferences where I’ve presented.

Great, thought-providing conversations. New friends. Interesting topics. All in all, not a bad way to spend a Saturday. Thanks to Jeremy Tanner (@penguin on Twitter) for making it happen (and thanks to the sponsors as well!)

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If you haven’t already registered for The 17th annual Komen Denver Race for the Cure do it NOW! Online registration closes this evening at 5pm.

If you miss the 5pm cutoff there is still hope…you can register in person at the Pepsi Center either Saturday, October 3, 1-5 pm (east lots, enter off of Chopper Cr. & Speer) or on Race Day, Sunday, October 4 in the registration area, 6-9 am. (Registration prices increase by $5.00 per person).

Metzger Associates is proud to be a sponsor of this  Denver event, one of the largest 5K’s in the country.  It is a fund-raiser for the Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Last year, the Affiliate netted more than $2.7 million from the event and had 63,809 registrants. This year, the Affiliate is funding 35 projects in the Denver metro area, totaling $2.83 million, funding everything from mammograms to mastectomies, mortgage payments and meals through qualified grantees.

In addition to raising funds, the Komen Race for the Cure® Series is committed to educating the public about early detection, the strongest method of surviving this life-threatening disease. The five-year survival rate is 98 percent when the disease is discovered while still confined to the breast.

The Komen Race for the Cure® Series helps raise awareness of the importance of a positive breast health program – clinical breast exams beginning by age 20 and yearly mammograms at 40 years of age. As an organization, they are committed to ending breast cancer forever.

So if you’re looking for something to do this weekend go check out the sea of pink downtown, known to be an inspirational experience!

For more information CLICK HERE

Again, don’t forget online registration closes tonight at 5pm!

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Entries are now open for the First Annual Leading Lady Awards ceremony and luncheon, celebrating Colorado women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the local economy, presented Nov. 5 by Ladies Who Launch Colorado.

This one-of-a-kind awards ceremony will recognize Colorado women business owners of all ages, backgrounds, industries and stages of launch. Through this event, Ladies Who Launch and its partners intend to bring together the growing community of Colorado women entrepreneurs and to provide these outstanding women with the tools, training and products they need to succeed.

Applications will be accepted from Aug. 31, to Oct. 16. Local women business owners can submit applications to become the 2009 Leading Lady at www.LeadingLadyAwards.com. The winner will be announced and all applicants will be honored at the ceremony Nov. 5, at The Curtis Hotel in Denver.

The Leading Lady Awards luncheon honors women in Colorado who are launching or have already launched a business. A panel of local experts (to be announced, HINT: Chuck Norris) will review applications based on passion, business model, revenue potential and goals. The grand prize recipient will receive a cash prize as well as coaching, marketing, technology assistance and a crucial set of business building tools and products valued at over $10K. The event will also benefit Dress for Success Denver, an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire and a network of support.

“Our goal is to empower local women entrepreneurs by giving them the tools they need to grow their businesses,” explained Ricki Booker, Colorado leader of Ladies Who Launch. “There are several well-known events out there that feature Fortune 500 women executives and well established businesses. We want to give recognition to the women of start-ups at their first and most organic stages of life”.

The growing list of sponsors for the 2009 Leading Lady Awards include FirstBank, Metzger Associates and AudreyMichel Photography.

For more information or to nominate, visit www.LeadingLadyAwards.com.

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Coffee and a light breakfast will be served courtesy of Safeway and free parking is available. More details are below or visit PRSA Colorado for more information and to register.

Details:

DATE: July 8

TIME: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Metzger Associates, 5733 Central Ave., Boulder, CO 80301

COST: $30

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