Unconference

I have not been blogging for quite some time due to working on some stuff, such as coming up with content for MyWobile and doing web development for it. MyWobile is the official name for the application and web platform that my friends and I have been involved with. The site was posted live a [...]

This year at Interop, there will be even more time for geek fellowship and conversation with a side of beer. Unconference is the brainchild of Alistair Croll, a well-known entrepreneur, IT professional, and blogger. Unconference is designed to let users, experts and vendors come together in a casual environment to talk about how the [...]

This year at Interop, there will be even more time for geek fellowship and conversation with a side of beer. Unconference is the brainchild of Alistair Croll, a well-known entrepreneur, IT professional, and blogger. Unconference is designed to let users, experts and vendors come together in a casual environment to talk about how the [...]

Previously, I've been busy talking about the significance of bringing the open source methodology to Events.In fact the concept of invite-only conferences, where two or three heads decide what is to be discussed, who discuss it and who is going to attend, belongs more to the 20th Century than to the 2.0 era.As said before I started to explore the subject few weeks ago and I must admit I was completely unaware of the concepts of Unconference and BarCampI have to say that the answer has always been there in front of my eyes. The concept around open source marketing, reinforced by the Cluetrain Manifesto, is control. Open source marketing activities give control to consumer as they are the ultimate end user of products. Particularly appreciable is the note that consumers DO NOT need a shepherd to stimulate them with the saddest pavlovian techniques. Consumers know what is best for them and continuous stimulation brings ahead only disasters in terms of customer satisfaction.As a customer

The term Unconference refers to equal participation of all members in attendance during a discussion. Stemming from the notion that every participant has interesting thoughts, insights and ideas, Unconferences are not based on any set agenda. Instead they take shape based on how the participants evolve the discussion. It differs from conventional conferences in the sense that everyone is given a chance to speak up, which helps the discussion to move on efficiently and spontaneously.Also the cost factor of hosting Unconferences is drastically cheaper than regular industry conferences, which are often weighed down by a truckload of costs. With this, all that is required are time, location and date of meeting, a pre-decided topic of discussion and a bunch of people willing to voice their ideas and opinions.The concept was first introduced in 1998 during the annual XML Developers’ Conference, which as held "by developers, for developers, in a locale noted for its French-Canadian culture,

One way to stand out from the crowd is to do the complete opposite. Remember 7-UP and their success as the “uncola”? Branding yourself as “all the big guys are doing this and you hate it - so we’re doing this and you’ll love it” is a great way to build buzz and more often than not stronger brand loyalty. So when I hear about an “unconference” on social media - I’m intrigued. First of all, the unconference is totally free. Really? OK, what’s the catch? Turns out only the first day is free - then they “hope you stick around” for the $795 conference that follows the next two days. Guess there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Next, the audience helps prepare the agenda. Two weeks before the event registrants will receive a survey to help shape the agenda and choose topics. Does this really work? Finally, it’s promoted as an idea exchange and brainstorming session. No boring lectures. Instead, a question wil

Si no sabes qué es una unconference, piensa en una conferencia 2.0: abierta, social, participativa, social. Una conferencia en la que el tema no es “impuesto” por el conferenciante único sino propuesto y decidido por los propios asistentes, ya sea a partir de sugerencia(s) de un moderador, de las que exponen los participantes o bien de las que surgen sin una preparación ni criba previas. Lo que distingue a las no conferencias es su planteamiento: el grupo decide los límites y el contenido de la sesión. Ahora Jimmy Wales, creador de la Wikipedia, ha puesto en marcha un libro colaborativo que pretende recoger el espíritu de las unconferences. Este libro, titulado precisamente Unconference y subtitulado “Porque la audiencia es más inteligente que un orador”, está abierto a todos quienes hayan tenido experiencias (o vayan a tener) en unconferences. Por supuesto, el libro se va escribiendo en forma de wiki, una técnica que se va popularizando de forma discr

Hi all, Just a quick note to all of those in the South-West of England (and anyone else interested). I am organising a "Knowledge Unconference" in Bristol, which is loosely attached to the "Semantic Web South-West" Group. The idea will be similar to a BarCamp, except that it is a lot lighter, ...

Good news for all who are following the "Bristol Knowledge Unconference" (which I have mentioned on here before: "Bristol Knowledge Unconference" and "Bristol Knowledge Unconference: A Small Update")! We have set a date and time: Friday 5th September 2008 between 14:00 and 18:00. And I can release details of the location too: eOffice Bristol, ...

I mentioned a few days ago that I would be setting up a "Bristol Knowledge Unconference". I've had a few emails about it, and a few blog comments... and I've actually been pleasantly surprised about the broad range of people interested in the event. I am still interested in hearing from ...

I quickly zipped up a poster for the "Bristol Knowledge Unconference". It's available as a PDF by clicking the following link: Bristol Knowledge Unconference 2008 Poster Feel free to download the file, print it out and put it up at your workplace (providing it's appropriate). Feel free to email me if you have ...