You’ve Got Two Feet and You Can Use Them

I was asked via Twitter, “what if someone takes over a session to sell their services or product”. If you’ve attended an RE BarCamp before, then you know this is NOT what this event is all about. Ideally the day’s agenda is determined by those who show up. At past events, we’ve had index cards available  at registration and throughout th day so you can submit topics for things you’d like to learn or talk about. This is not about being self-serving or promotional — it is about giving and sharing. Sometimes this can be a real fine line.

As the suggestions come rolling in from those who are attending (aka participants), the organizers of the event start sorting them out and looking for themes to try to organize potential sessions and schedule them in the various spaces that are available. Your specific request may or may not make the schedule but hopefully there’s something close that you can check out. It’s not unusual for a session to go completely off topic depending on who’s participating. The key word here is “participation”.

RE BarCamp is not about being shy and sitting back. The more involved folks become the better. And it’s important to keep in mind your fellow bar-campers. You may have a ton of questions or things you feel are important to offer, please don’t be a conversation hog. This will most likely discourage others from speaking up.

Seattle RE BarCamp is a FREE event thanks to our sponors…. and as much as we appreciate their support, this is not a license for them to hold sessions or take them over. I believe our sponsors are well aware of this. However, there may be times when a topic is about what they do and of course, they’re going to jump in and participate without selling.

This is an event that evolves throughout the day and is not planned; there are no instructors to lecture, dictate or control a “class”; those who seek and demand structure may find that RE BarCamp is not for them…and that’s okay. There are plenty of other events and conferences that offer structure, certified instructors, etc.

The bottom line is that should you find yourself in a session where it’s being taken over by someone trying to promote themselves, or perhaps the session just isn’t what you thought it would be, you can use your feet. There is nothing wrong with simply standing up, walking out and joining a different session. Also, if the during the event, you find that there’s nothing on the schedule that you’re really interested in, you can always create your own session…there’s going to be plenty of room at the Seattle Center by the NW Rooms. I’ve heard of great mini-break out sessions taking place at past events.   One of great points about RE BarCamps is that you have the power, as a participant to participate and make the most of your barcamp experience.