To Present or Not Present: Clarifying the Details of BarCampHarrisburg

After interfacing with a number of enthusiastic people regarding this event, I’m beginning to think I may be the only signup thus far that’s actually been to a BarCamp before. In some ways, that’s pretty cool, and I’m glad we’re finally bringing such an event to Harrisburg. On the other hand, I’ve heard from a few concerned people (including some reluctant to sign up) regarding mandatory presentation, and I wanted to make a clarification.

Now, according to the rules of BarCamp, every attendee should present. Personally, though, I hope BarCampHarrisburg reaches around 100 attendees, and if you break down the schedule and rooms (roughly 10 thirty-minute sessions in 3 rooms) it brings us to roughly 30 sessions. By that rationale, it’s impossible for everyone to present (the current signup list just exceeds it ).

In my BarCamp experience, I’ve been to one hour sessions structured as learning workshops, other sessions where the speakers clearly planned their presentation in advance, and some sessions where it’s not so much presenting as it is simply holding a discussion on a topic of interest (it’s these ones that tend to be the most fun to me).

The bottom line:

Attendee participation is the nature of the event, and hopefully everyone comes with that spirit in mind, but presenting won’t be forced upon anyone.

If you’re thinking about attending or have an interest even in just networking, please sign up and show up. The best part about BarCamp is, if it’s not for you, you can just leave. It’s not like you paid to attend!