So you probably want to know what this whole BarCamp thing is about, right? Let me answer your first question: No, this event does not take place in a bar. Now that we got that out of the way…

BarCamp is defined by Wikipedia as follows:

“…an international network of user generated conferences — open, participatory workshop-events, whose content is provided by participants — often focusing on early-stage web applications, and related open source technologies, social protocols, and open data formats.”

The name BarCamp originates as a play on Foo Camp, an invitation only event held by open source publisher Tim O’Reilly. The first BarCamp was in 2005, in Palo Alto, CA. The open invite event was a huge success and thus spawned a series of BarCamps all over the globe from Boston to New Zealand to India to Orlando and on November 8, 2008 in Philly!

(Still curious? Visit the Barcamp Community Wiki)

What will BarCamp Philly be like?

BarCamp Philly will take place at The University of the Arts, located in the heart of Center City. The Graphic Design and Multimedia departments have generously donated their classroom space which is equipped with state of the art technology, projectors and in some areas, an intentional focus on openness and collaborative learning. This venue is ideal for the participatory nature of BarCamp.

The event schedule is determined the morning of. There are no planned speakers, keynotes, or schedules before the day of the event. All attendees are invited to present at BarCamp, but you must arrive in time to sign-up on the schedule. You do not have to present if you don’t want, but it is encouraged.

Once the schedule is set, the fun begins! Expect to be engaged, educated, and hopefully entertained as well.

Here’s what some people are saying about BarCamp Philly

”I’m coming to BarCamp to hear about what people are doing in this city. It’s exciting to hear stories about how people are actually using technology to accomplish something or express themselves. The format seems really conducive to speakers picking up and showing off their interests. That kind of hands on sharing is inspiring.”
—Dave Konopka

”I expect to walk into a room with a giant whiteboard, and figure out *on the spot* what is cool and awesome to talk about.If I’m feeling geeky that day, I’ll root for geeky talks. Arty? I’ll go for design/artish talks. If I saw a good concert the night before, I’ll probably look for some music stuff. If zombies, come up I’m totally there! zombies make everything better. WebStuff? Maybe. I am still (seriously) going to root for the survival skills talk. I expect to be entertained, to learn *something* or to teach *something*, and to have a good time.”
—Far McKon, The Hacktory

”Personally, I am looking for an opportunity to be around creative, energetic, passionate people who can teach me something, anything, whether it be technical, arty, musical, heck, even survival skills (ha-ha), but the opportunity to grow and learn from anyone who is willing to share what they know, is what is bringing me to BarCamp. What I hope to bring to BarCamp is an opportunity to help at least one person move closer to achieving their dreams by sharing my knowledge, skills and experience.”
—Gloria Bell, Red Stapler Consulting

What do YOU expect?

Email us at barcampphilly[at]gmail[dot]com!