What is a BarCamp?

The BarCamp wiki says that “BarCamp is an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment. It is an intense event with discussions, demos and interaction from participants.”

Generally speaking, it’s an opportunity to get together with other people passionate about a given topic, whether it’s WordPress, cupcakes or social media, and exchange ideas and experiences. It’s a great way to build up a network, jump-start your career and have a bit of fun along the way.

As BarCamps are organised by volunteers, sponsors help cover the costs and provide a venue.

What is SocialMediaCamp London all about?

The aim of SocialMediaCamp London is to gather people from all walks of life, levels of expertise and industries together to meet in a social environment. There will be presentations, panels, brainstorms, experiments and mashups. There will be whatever you decide, because it’s our joint responsibility to make the most of this opportunity.

What do you want to get out of it?

Are there rules for participation?

BarCamps are unconferences and are inherently informal and focused around socialising, but there are a few rules:

• Arrive with an open mind and ideas to share
• Participate: Whether it’s facilitating a panel, contributing with questions, promoting the event, helping serve lunch or clearing up at the end, please give a hand.
• Work to your strengths, but don’t fear your weaknesses: If you’re already a master of your art, blog about the event, take photos, etc but use the weekend as an opportunity to try something you’ve never done, like a podcast interview or leading a panel.
• We’re all hosts: If anyone nearby looks a bit shy, why not say hi and introduce yourself?
• Sponsors are strongly encouraged to participate. We want your money, but we also want your ideas, experience and participation.

In summary:

Anyone with something to contribute or with the desire to learn is welcome and invited to join.

When you come, be prepared to share with barcampers.
When you leave, be prepared to share it with the world.