What is BarCamp? Back to top ↑

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 attendees, usually centered around design & technology topics. If you're not familiar with what BarCamp is, we recommend reading the rules.

About Back to top ↑

Although BarCamp started in Palo Alto, California, in 2005, the event has spread like wildfire across six continents and dozens of BarCamp events are held each year. This website focuses on the BarCamp that is held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Below are details about this year's event.

Who

Anyone can attend BarCamp GR. This event focuses on technology and design, so having an interest in one or more of these topics is strongly encouraged.

When

August 19th & 20th.
Attendees can bring a sleeping bag and camp out overnight, or they can attend each day separately. For more info, view the schedule.

Where

DeVos Communications Center at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI. Not familiar with this venue? Get directions.

Cost

Free! But everyone is encouraged to present something or get involved, even if this is your first time at BarCamp. We're very friendly people.

Schedule Back to top ↑

You're free to come and leave as you want. No obligations to stay the whole time, of course

The specific sessions will be determined during BarCamp, all based on who wants to give talks and what topics are of interest.

Friday, August 19th, 2011

  • 5:00-6:00 PM - Check-in and setup
  • 6:00-7:00 PM - Dinner
  • 7:00 PM - Kick things off with opening session
  • 7:30-9:30 PM - Sessions every 1/2 hour
  • 9:30 PM - after party (sponsored by Idea Foundry, at Uccello's)

Overnight

  • 10:00 PM-whenever the next morning - Camping, all-night hacking, etc.
  • There will be plenty of room to crash on Friday night, so bring a sleeping bag. Better yet, bring a tent for the geek base camp.

Saturday, August 20st, 2011

  • 9:00-10:00 AM - Breakfast
  • 10:00 AM-12:00 PM - Sessions every 1/2 hour
  • 12:00-1:00 PM - Lunch
  • 1:00-2:00 PM - 5 min Lightning Talks
  • 2:00-4:00 PM - Sessions every 1/2 hour
  • 4:00-4:30 PM - Closing session
  • 4:30-5:30 PM - Cleanup

Participate Back to top ↑

One of BarCamp's pivotal tenets is participation. We ask that all of our attendees participate in one way or another, even if you're a first timer. Read below to find out how you can take part in this year's event.

Help Out

Spread the word with our marketing materials; you can also see how you might help our planning.  If you want to help plan the event, join the BarCampGR Organizers mailing list.

Buzz Back to top ↑

BarCamp GR 2009 Recap

See/Watch/Read

Event tag: barcampgr             Optional tags: barcamp grandrapids

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