Andrew Shell’s WeblogWhat is BarCamp Madison?
BarCamp Madison, part of a fast-growing global movement among technologists to meet and share their knowledge and interests, is coming to Madison.
Participants themselves bring different technologies and activities that they are passionate about to BarCamp. The only common element is that technologies discussed generally involve computers or computer-related businesses in some way. For example, session tracks at BarCamp Madison may focus on topics like:
- Web 2.0
- Linux
- .NET
- Starting a Tech Company
- Game Development
- Podcasting
- Robotics
- Venture Capital and Angel Funding
- Biotechnology
- Java
- Industrial Automation
- Biomedical Engineering
- Wireless
- Security
- Digital Video/Film
- Green Technologies
The most common topics involve software development. As a result, people who attend are typically technologists or developers who are passionate about a particular subject. In addition, many attendees are also involved with starting up technology companies, which has led to interest and attendance from the venture capital community.
BarCamp is an Unconference
BarCamps are typically referred to as unconferences. Unconferences, according to Wikipedia, are conferences where the content of sessions is driven and created by the participants, generally day by-day during the course of the event, rather than by a single organizer, or small group of organizers, in advance.
About the only similarity between a BarCamp and most technology conferences is that the event consists of multiple tracks of sessions, demonstrations, presentations, discussions, etc. Sessions are typically 30 minutes or 60 minutes long, usually informal, and contain a great deal of discussion, brainstorming, and white-boarding with few, if any, slides. Additional unconference activities include networking, games, and competitions designed to get technologists to meet and interact in a meaningful way. BarCamps typically run through the night, with many individuals participating in overnight coding competitions, social networking games, LAN parties, musical jam sessions, and other activities.
The unconference approach, combined with sponsor support, makes most BarCamp events free or very affordable. BarCamp is also intended to be non-commercial; sponsors and vendors are typically not allowed to sell products or services at the events. For more information on the BarCamp concept and other BarCamps, see http://www.barcamp.org/.
Growth of BarCamps
The popularity of BarCamps is growing rapidly around the world. The first BarCamp occurred in August 2005, and by the end of 2006, over 80 BarCamp-type events were held. In 2007, the popularity of these events has continued grow to the point where several BarCamps take place nearly every weekend.
What help is needed?
We need help spreading the word about the event to potential participants, activity organizers, and sponsors. In order to keep the event inexpensive to participants, many sponsors are needed to help offset costs.
Questions?
Contact Ken Rheingans, a BarCamp Madison coordinator, at 414-807-3193
Want to go to the next level? Then checkout http://www.barcampusa.com/ set for August 23-26 in Wisconsin.