On Tuesday March 9th, I presented at the Orlando DotNetNuke User Group (ODUG) and had a great time.

The fact that I was presenting added to the fun and enjoyment of the night, so I thought I would share a bit of the experience.  Primarily I want to encourage other DotNetNuke Users to pass along their knowledge.

So, here is my story…

I was listening to DotNetRocks several years ago about the need for new blood in the User Group and Conference Presentation world.  I was considering the presenting, but really didn’t have a topic or a venue – so I was just “musing” about presenting.

Then I got an email about the inaugural Toronto Code Camp. They were placing a call for speakers.  Wow! A venue … now I needed a topic.  DotNetNuke!  I sent off the session details and waited for the news, half hoping I was selected and the other half scared I would be selected. 

I was selected and presented a talk on “Module Development for DotNetNuke”.  This first presentation ever in front of a group of strangers and I was scared and nervous.  When my session time came the nerves settled down.  However, I learned a very good lesson that day … Know you audience! One of my first questions to the 30+ people attending the session was “Who is new DotNetNuke or is interested in what it can do?”  Of the 30+ people, the vast majority were new to DotNetNuke.  Ut Oh!

I did the best I could and focused more on DotNetNuke functionality and let the Module Development details slide.  The main point here is I did it. Not the best session, but no one got hurt and I learned several things.  First, I can do this and I liked it, second the vast majority of people attending a Code Camp or User Group are just please to learn are willing to be supportive of people starting out.

This session lead to a new session called “Almost Instant Website Using DotNetNuke” that I presented at the second Toronto Code Camp in 2007.  It was a big draw as I had over 100+ people in the session that day… I also presented the same session at the Toronto DevTeach Conference.

Since that time I have presented at several other User Groups, including the Day of DNN in Tampa last June.  This all started because I was willing to give back to the community and the community was accepting of the effort I put into the sessions.

This brings me full circle back to last Tuesday and the ODUG meeting.  I presented a talk I did at Day of DNN on “SQL Tips and Tricks”.  While I felt that I just ran off at the mouth for 90 minutes, I was given positive feedback by the group. 

The future: The Toronto Code Camp is again calling for Sessions and I am hoping to present once again this year.  I will be submitting several sessions to DotNetNuke’s Call for Speakers for this fall’s DevConnections Event in Las Vegas.  Lastly, I am looking forward to the return of Day of DNN this July in Orlando. I will be attending and hopefully giving a session or two.

So, I encourage anyone who wants to give back to the community and believes he/she has something worth sharing to contact your local user group about speaking.  As I have noted above, you have to start somewhere. You will have set backs – ask anyone who has presented – but these issues will only make you a better presenter.

Lastly, It’s fun! Really!

Paul.