LIVE EVENTS
Let s get the basic Wikipedia introduction bit out of the way: BarCamp is an international network of user-generated conferences primarily focused around technology and the web. They are open, participatory workshop-events, the content of which is provided by participants.
But BarCamp is not for pansies that just want to show up and soak it all in. Oh, no. BarCamp has rules. Fight Club rules:
The Rules of BarCamp
1st Rule: You do talk about BarCamp.
2nd Rule: You do blog about BarCamp.
3rd Rule: If you want to present, you must write your topic and name in a presentation slot.
4th Rule: Only three word intros.
5th Rule: As many presentations at a time as facilities allow for.
6th Rule: No pre-scheduled presentations, no tourists.
7th Rule: Presentations will go on as long as they have to or until they run into another presentation slot.
8th Rule: If this is your first time at BarCamp, you HAVE to present.
As you can see, the primary goal of BarCamp is to increase participation in a democratic event environment. The 8th rule is flexible: not everyone has to present, exactly, but everyone has to be engaged. That might mean volunteering as part of a presentation, or even helping out with event logistics. As with most democracies, this is a blessing and a curse for organizers. In many ways, BarCamps can move themselves along with less oversight by managers once they re rolling. In other ways, well, that s a lot of cooks in the kitchen, so some problems can arise there. But typically, BarCamps are just good fun.
Another perk of the BarCamp format is that attendees can be the keepers of their own event experience. There are no set tracks , no pre-set scheduling, and no one feels looked down on if they re just there to hang out and have beers in the hallway.
Plugging into an Existing Conference Brand
BarCamp already has a pretty solid name for itself within the tech community, so not only does the name BarCamp need little introduction to techies, there is already a Google Group for worldwide BarCamp organizers that will provide you with the support network you need to get your first BarCamp going.
Thing is, you don t have to be doing a tech conference to use the BarCamp format. As organizer, the topic is really up to you. Though BarCamps are often tech-related, they can really be about anything. Don t expect to capitalize on tickets for this one, though: BarCamps are free to attend.