Preparations

Four hours prior to the event, I logged into the MWC Discord server, which I co-manage, to remind everyone about the Pub Crawl and encourage participation. I shared several amusing GIFs alongside my message.

Twenty minutes before the event kicked off, I posted more GIFs with playful phrases like “We’re going to the Pub” and “Pub Time” to build excitement.

Just before the event started, I logged into the Pub Crawl platform and immersed myself in exploring. I participated in the first three group sessions while remaining connected to the Discord server to assist anyone who needed help navigating the Expo Hall. Two attendees joined me—thanks to Kainos and Meiraf Dawit!

I engaged in three sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes:

• Keynote presentation by Medium's CEO, Tony Stubblebine
• Panel discussion featuring publication editors
• Speed Networking Session A

Publication Editors Panel Discussion

The panel consisted of editors including Eric Pierce (Fanfare), GB Rogut (The Unexpected Autistic Life), KiKi Walter (The Memoirist), Shawn Jr (Coping With Capitalism), and Ariel Meadow Stallings, who moderated the discussion. The panelists delivered insightful responses, sharing their experiences and the intricacies of managing a publication. Ariel’s enthusiasm kept the atmosphere lively throughout the session.

Speed Networking Session A

The initial speed networking session experienced a slight delay, but Adrienne Gibbs, the Director of Content, maintained a positive atmosphere until Carly Rose Gillis, from Content Ops, resolved the technical issues. Once reconnected, we were split into smaller groups, each with 15–20 participants and a couple of editors. The editors rotated between rooms every 10 minutes, allowing us to engage with multiple publications.

Editors present included Robert Roy Britt (Wise & Well), Robin Liefeld (Pearl Street), Liberty Forrest (Hope, Healing and Humor), and Margie Pearl (Engage).

Boothy Booth Time (Navigating the Expo)

While there wasn’t any actual scandal, the navigation through the Expo Hall proved to be both confusing and exhausting. After the initial sessions, the breakout sessions at the publication booths commenced. I initially struggled to find my way around the expansive area.

However, once I got the hang of it, I found Patrick Stewart’s avatar. Unfortunately, as soon as I clicked on it, he disappeared. He later shared that he was also trying to navigate the Expo.

New Writer’s Welcome

In this booth, I connected with Robin Wilding, Kainos, Rusty Yonkers, Tony Stubblebine, Jim Mercurio, and others. It was fantastic to match names with faces, and even the presence of the CEO added to the excitement. Now, I can say, “I was in the same room as the CEO” (even if it was virtual!).

Crow’s Feet

At the Crow’s Feet publication booth, I met Nancy Peckenham, Linda Cowgill, and others. It was a pleasure to connect with everyone.

The Narrative Arc

Debra G. Harman, MEd, heads The Narrative Arc, alongside other participating publications like Imogene’s Notebook and Travel Memoirs. I had the opportunity to meet Debra for the first time, and the accolades I had heard about her were truly deserved. She possesses a remarkable ability to provide constructive feedback that leaves you feeling uplifted rather than discouraged.

Better Marketing

This session was productive as Sinem Günel addressed our questions. At one point, a humorous question arose, prompting her to pause for thought.

The video title is "Roadies 2 - QLD Pub Grub - YouTube," showcasing behind-the-scenes insights and discussions surrounding pub culture and cuisine.

Speed Networking Session B

During the second networking session, we encountered a minor delay, extending our time in the rooms to 20 minutes instead of the planned 10. Despite this, the discussions remained informative and engaging, allowing us to glean valuable insights from each editor.

The Expo Hall

The Expo Hall was open for 24 hours, providing an opportunity to connect with numerous editors and writers. Initially, I found navigating the space overwhelming, with countless publication tiles to explore. Once I adjusted my view settings, the experience became much more manageable, allowing me to search for specific publications easily.

Overall, I had the chance to meet over 60 writers and editors, making the event a rich and interactive experience. If you're interested in the full list of participating publications, Scott Lamb, VP of Content, shared an overview of all the publications that attended the Pub Crawl.