Barcamp Birmingham 2014

What is a bar camp? A bar camp is a conference where what happens is organised by the delegates on the day. The event organisers have to arrange something, the main one being the venue, but the rest is down to the delegates. So all the hassle of talk submissions, review and scheduling is taken away.

Typically At the start of the day everyone gets up in turn and says who they are, what their interests are and what they'd like to do. Based on this people write proposals on PostIt notes and stick these on a board.

A moderator may read out the proposals in turn to guage interest, and if sufficient the proposal will be put on a scheduling board. Delegates may adjust this to avoid clashes etc.

Experience shows that this format results in high quality sessions focussed on what delegates want.

There is no charge to attend. Everyone shoudl be able to afford to attend and as it is a one-day event you will not need to incur accommodation costs, though there are several hotels nearby for anyone who wishes to stay over.

Refreshments, tea, coffee & biscuits will be provided morning and afternoon.

Breakfast pastries and a hot Lunch will also be provided.

Why attend There are lots of reasons to attend the FLOSS UK Bar Camp 2014 including:

• Keep abreast with new/emerging technologies

• Network with some of the people who are responsible for developing critical applications
• Become part of the UK Open Source community - build up informal relationships that can be invaluable in problem solving

• Benefit from the experience of delegates with similar interests

The 8 rules of BarCamp

• You DO talk about BarCamp

• You DO blog about BarCamp

• If you want to present, you must write your topic and name in a presentation slot
• Only three word intros
• As many presentations at a time as facilities allow for
• No pre-scheduled presentations, no tourist
• Presentations will go on as long as they have to or until they run into another presentation slot

• If this is your first BarCamp, you HAVE to present (OK, you don't really HAVE to but try to find someone to present with, or at least ask questions and be an interactive participant)

So, we hope to see you on Saturday 7th June.