Guide Note:

BarCamp is an "ad-hoc unconference," an event in which people discuss several topics, sharing knowledge in an open environment. There is no schedule in advance, people decide what they want to discuss each day and everyone attending must contribute in some way. A BarCamp event is typically locally based and encourages involvement from local authority figures and companies (in the form of sponsorship). Events are usually free and provide food and the option to literally camp over night.

Fast Facts:

1. First BarCamp happened in Palo Alto, in 2005
2. Name inspired by FooCamp, a conference hosted by Tim O'Reilly
3. It has happened in over 31 cities around the world
4. Based on the Open Space Technology for meetings organization

BarCamp originally started as a free and open source off shoot of Tim O'Reilly's FooCamp. The first BarCamp took place in 2005 at the office of SocialText. Since this time the methods and structure have been applied to various industries and locations across the world.