How to start your own RE BarCamp

I get questions several times a week on how to start an RE BarCamp. So I rounded up Andy Kaufman, Daniel Rothemal, Mike Price (organizer’s of the the last three REBC’s), along with several other volunteers to share their opinions and experiences on starting one of these events. The call lasts an hour and covers everything from collecting money, to picking a venue, to finding speakers.

SHOW NOTES

Venue:

* Have a Plan B and even Plan C when searching for a venue. Last minute issues may arise, such as double booking.
* It’s good to have a bigger space as your backup venue in case your RSVP list grows overly large.
* Check about insurance, it may be included with space. (May be covered under education.)
* WiFi is an issue, find out if it costs extra.
* Find out if you’ll need to rent tables and chairs or do they come with the space.
* Lunch is a big expense for a crowd. Let people know up front if they’ll need to go out for lunch and provide a list of nearby restaurants. (People generally don’t mind this.)
* Coffee and snacks are a good idea.

Swag:

* Badges and T-shirts have become tradition.
* Use comps from other RE BarCamps when possible. Vendors may match a previous vendor’s price even from another area.
* Do the math, using a more expensive local vendor may be cheaper after you include shipping costs.
* BandPasses.com is a good site for badges.
* Two sided badges recommended, be creative about what second side could be.
* Vendor list for RE BarCamp will be available on wiki.
* Mike Price will do logos, appreciates sponsors status of MLBroadcast in exchange for logo work.

The Event, Attendees:

* Have people RSVP on the RE BarCamp site to have one easy list for yourself.
* Telling attendees that you must have RSVP’ed to receive lunch/T-shirt works wonders.
* Set up a Facebook group to spread the word, but refer back to RSVP page on RE BarCamp site.
* More people will show up than RSVP.
* Contact the local MLS to help you spread the word. Be sure to let them know this is non-profit, non-competitive sharing of tech and ideas in the interest of the RE community as a whole.
* Ben Martin or Matt Rathbun are available to help you with wording when contacting an MLS. (They’re good, take advantage!)
* You may want a cut off limit if your group is growing too large. If this is the case, set a tentative date for the next RE BarCamp and be proud of yourself.
* Ask attendees what they’d like to learn, let them help set topics.
* Remember “RE” doesn’t limit the group to real estate agents only. Mortgage lenders, stagers, vendors, investors and more will create a diverse group.

The Event, Speakers, Sponsors and You:

* Trade for as much as possible, money is iffy. Sponsors may pay at the last minute or not at all.
* It is OK to beg for speakers.
* Remember that it’s possible to have virtual speakers.
* Ask speakers what topics they’d like to cover rather than suggesting them yourself. You may be happily surprised.
* If you schedule very popular events, either arrange in advance for or allow for a morning and afternoon session so that all can attend.
* Be prepared to explain the event fully to sponsors, show value of bang for buck.
* Use someone as a “conductor” to keep things on track.
* Fancy blog coat not required.
* This is YOUR event done YOUR way. RE BarCamp is happy to assist you, but take your ideas and run with them.

Big thanks to Sarah Cooper from Real Estate Shows for the show notes!