#Oshbash a social media sensation

If ever there were an exception to the etiquette rulebook on use of smartphones in public, it would probably be for tweeting, texting, videoing, or photographing a social media tweetup.

But before the July 31 Airplanista 2013 #Oshbash Awards and Meetup at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., attendees chatted in person (and no one was bashing Oshkosh). It was the first time many of them—friends and followers of one another through social media—had met in person. The gathering at EAA AirVenture, organized by Airplanista blogger Dan Pimentel, recognized those in the self-proclaimed #avgeek social community with lighthearted prizes such as the Master of Snark Award, Spirit of Airplanista Award, Congeniality Award, and others. Pimentel hosted voting through his blog July 1 through 29. More than 1,300 people voted online.

“This is a celebration of social media,” Pimentel said during the awards ceremony, which, fittingly, also was streamed live online. Once the awards commenced, the smartphones came out, with attendees tweeting and photographing the event for their followers.

One of AOPA Technical Editor Jill Tallman’s Twitter followers recognized her from her profile picture and introduced himself to talk in person. Tallman (@jtallman1959) was nominated for a Mover and Shaker Award for her use of Twitter and participation in the Flight Training monthly Facebook chats. Other nominees wore custom-made T-shirts with their Twitter handles printed on the back.

This was the second year Pimentel had hosted a social media meetup at EAA AirVenture. Of the enthusiasm—online and in the room—surrounding #Oshbash, Pimentel said different online communities are “all starting to come together under #avgeeks.” The hashtag enables anyone passionate about flying to Tweet and follow a feed all about aviation.