We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone, hearing your feedback, and seeing your photos. So is everyone else.

First things first. If you’re not already following OSBridge on Twitter or OSBridge on Identica, please do. We’ll use those accounts to keep you up-to-date on changes, retweet astute observations, and announce cool happenings throughout the event.

Or maybe you’re more into the FriendFeed? You’re in luck. We’ve got a FriendFeed room dedicated to Open Source Bridge discussions.

[UPDATE] And of course, who could forget (except me) the #osbridge IRC channel? Thanks to John DeRosa for reminding us.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s make tracking the Open Source Bridge conversations as easy as possible, shall we? We shall. Here are a few tips for tagging your content.

• When you’re tagging your content on Twitter and Identica, please use the #osb09 hashtag. If you want to use #osbridge that’s fine, too. But it will cost you those precious extra characters.
• We’re hoping a few of you are bringing cameras. Please make sure to tag photos osb09 and osbridge. We’ve also established an OSBridge group on Flickr for your photos, so join and add away
• And of course, we’re likely to see a bunch of blog posts about the conference. Again, using osb09 or osbridge tags and categories would be appreciated.

Thank you for attending and sharing your content. We can’t wait to see what you’re saying—and seeing—at Open Source Bridge.

And with the ease of sharing photos these days, there’s no better way of capturing the event than taking pictures of anything and everything happening at the show.

We’ll have local photographer (and WordPress guru) Aaron Hockley at the conference on Wednesday and Thursday. If you get a chance, try to get in front of his lens. We guarantee he’ll make you look good. And all of his images from the event will be released under Creative Commons for your use.

But many of us will be wandering around with our own rigs, trying to capture the best shots possible. So we thought it would be valuable to offer you some tips.

One of the best “how to”s on conference shots we’ve ever seen is Kris Krug’s photography tips from Gnomedex (not that Gnome), last year. Take a look. No doubt, you’ll gain some valuable insight into improving your shots.

But what about getting your photo taken? What if you’re speaking? No worries. Duncan Davidson has some great tips for how to come out looking your best—and how to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Obviously, there is so much more that could be said. And much better formats than just a simple list of twits. But, for now, maybe this will help a few speakers better deliver their message. And, most of all you should remember that your audience wants you to succeed. They’re there to listen to you. Help ’em out a bit and everyone will be happier, including you.

Who knows? Maybe Duncan will even show up to snap a few shots of his own.

Finally, if you’re bringing your camera along to Open Source Bridge, please be sure to tag your uploads with “osbridge” or “osb09.” That way, we’ll be able to share all of your good work.

We’re looking forward to seeing you—and the images you capture—next week.

(Image courtesy soycamo. Used under Creative Commons.)