In brief
An unconference is to a conference what a seminar is to a lecture; it’s more informal and 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. Talk, make, teach, play. Listen. Help take notes. Bring a topic for your lighting round ( aka, Dork Shorts ). If a session isn’t useful for you, go to another one (that’s the Law of Two Feet). Feel free to bring a laptop or tablet. Dress comfortably. Consider volunteering to teach something. Keep a record of the experience. Don’t forget to fill out an evaluation.
Further resources
- Unconference 101: A Quick Guide to Transparency Camp and Beyond by Laurenellen McCann
- How to Prepare to Attend an Unconference by Kaliya Hamlin from Unconference.net
- Unconference – Wikipedia
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.
