In brief
An unconference is to a conference what a seminar is to a lecture, what a party at your house is to a church wedding, what a pick-up game of Ultimate Frisbee is to an NBA game, what a jam band is to a symphony orchestra: it’s more informal and more participatory. To get the most out of THATCamp, have fun, be productive, and stay collegial. Don’t bring a presentation (unless you’re teaching a workshop). Propose a session and take charge of running it. Talk, make, teach, play. Listen. Help take notes. Sign up for Dork Shorts. If a session isn’t useful for you, go to another one (that’s the Law of Two Feet). Bring a laptop, not a tablet. Dress comfortably. Consider volunteering to teach something. Keep a record of the experience. Don’t forget to fill out an evaluation.
Further resources
- About THATCamp (FAQ)
- Unconference – Wikipedia
- How to Prepare to Attend an Unconference by Kaliya Hamlin from Unconference.net
- Unconference 101: A Quick Guide to Transparency Camp and Beyond by Laurenellen McCann
THATCamp Ground Rules (4:50)
A video we didn’t make (2:50)
Here’s a great video about unconferencing at Transparency Camp: just about everything in it applies to THATCamp as well.
