By Stacey Weber
This weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend ProductCamp St. Louis. This was a very well-organized and well-attended event, thanks to the great team who volunteered their time to put this together. Jeff Lash and crew (Sarah Ramrup, Brendan Sullivan, Martha Valenta, and all the volunteers) did a really lovely job creating an exceptional gathering.
It had been a while since I last participated in an in-person event, as many ProductCamps have transitioned to virtual formats. Being in the same room with so many product professionals was a refreshing and invaluable experience.
For those who may not be familiar, ProductCamp is a free, user-driven, collaborative “unconference” for product managers and marketers. Unlike traditional conferences, ProductCamp is organized by attendees who volunteer to lead sessions on topics they are passionate about. This format fosters a dynamic and engaging environment where participants can share ideas, learn from each other, and network with peers.
At the Saint Louis ProductCamp, I was surrounded by individuals who build, design, market, and manage products and services. The event was a production of the St. Louis Product Management Group, and it was clear that everyone was eager to connect, collaborate, and grow together. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, from the latest trends in product management to innovative marketing strategies. Each session was an opportunity to gain new insights and perspectives from fellow professionals.
I had the privilege of leading a session titled “Mining Gold from Feature Requests,” where we explored techniques for transforming feature requests into extraordinary product enhancements. The session was well-received, and it was a fantastic opportunity to share my insights and learn from the experiences of others.
One of the most significant takeaways from the event was the value of authentic human connections. In a world where virtual meetings and online interactions have become the norm, being able to connect face-to-face with others in the industry was a breath of fresh air. The energy in the room was palpable, and the conversations were rich with shared experiences and mutual support.
As product managers and marketers, our ability to connect with other people is what sets us apart from the crowd. Building genuine relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers is essential for success in our field. These connections enable us to understand the needs and challenges of those we serve, and they provide a foundation for collaboration and innovation.
I attended the event representing CI2 Advisors, an organization dedicated to helping professionals connect, understand, and inspire their audiences both internally and externally. Our Dynamic Relationship ModelTM enables people to create relationships in a repeatable manner. This focus on authentic connections is at the heart of what we do, and it was wonderful to see it in action at ProductCamp.
I encourage all product management and product marketing professionals to attend a ProductCamp if they have the chance. The experience is not only educational but also deeply rewarding. Have you ever been to a ProductCamp? If not, I highly recommend seeking out one in your area. The opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and build meaningful connections is invaluable.
In conclusion, the Saint Louis ProductCamp was a reminder of the importance of authentic human connections in our professional lives. As we move forward in our careers, let us prioritize these connections and leverage them to drive success and innovation. Together, we can create a future where product managers and marketers are distinguished by their ability to connect, understand, and inspire.
I’ll also be at the Pittsburgh ProductCamp in May, and I would love to see you there!
