Frequently Asked Questions
BarCamp conference events are a little different from your standard conference experience. To help you prepare, we’ve answered some common questions below…
Where is the List of Topics and Speakers?
In short, there isn’t one… yet. Because of the way BarCamp events are run, nobody will know what the speaking schedule is going to be until the day of the event. Speakers who are interested in giving a presentation, talk, or holding a BoF (birds of a feather) group will register their presentations on the morning of the day they will be speaking. The schedule will be posted on a large wall and we will have a mobile web application with the real-time schedule available as well.
How do I register to give a presentation?
We will have a table set up for speakers to schedule their presentations at the event. The schedule will fill up quickly, so we recommend arriving early to reserve your time slot. You will be asked to write the name of your presentation and your first and last name on a piece of paper. You can then choose to have it placed into any available time slot on the schedule. You may schedule more than one presentation on one or both days if the schedule permits.
How long are the presentations?
The presentation schedule is broken up into half-hour blocks. Speakers are encouraged to reserve one block for their presentation, but may reserve an hour if needed and slots are available. It also takes a few minutes for people to shift around the various presentation rooms between time slots, so it is recommended that presentations be designed for 20-25 minutes to allow for this shifting around.
How many presentations rooms will be available?
Note: The 2012 Fall Conference will likely be held at a different location so this information is subject to change once a location has been announced, though it should be comparable.
Our 2012 spring conference will once against be held at G.WIZ in Sarasota. There will be five presentations rooms available which vary in size and seating arrangements. The smallest room can only accommodate around ten people while the largest can easily handle 50 or 60. If you are speaking, please confirm the room capacity with the scheduling desk before scheduling your presentation.
Will projectors be available for presentations?
We will do our best to ensure that each room has a projector with a standard VGA connector which will work with most laptops. We will have a couple of roaming technical volunteers who can assist with connecting the projectors, electricity, or any other technical needs. We cannot guarantee availability of a projector in every room, however. Please check with the scheduling desk to ensure the room you’re planning to use has the necessary equipment.
Will whiteboards be available for presentations?
Note: The 2012 Fall Conference will likely be held at a different location so this information is subject to change once a location has been announced, though it should be comparable.
Two of the presentation rooms at G.WIZ has whiteboards which can be used for presentations. Please check with the scheduling desk to ensure the room you’re planning to use has the necessary equipment.
Is electricity available for presentations?
Yes, all of the presentations rooms have electricity available to use when giving a presentations.
What sort of food and beverages will be available?
Note: The 2012 Fall Conference will likely be held at a different location so this information is subject to change once a location has been announced, though it should be comparable.
BarCamp will provide lunch free of charge on the day of the event. Water fountains are also available at the conference location. Unfortunately there are no restaurants or cafes within quick walking distance of the conference location, but you are welcome to bring a bagged lunch with you if you prefer.
Will you have coffee or snacks in the morning?
At the moment this is undetermined, but we are seeking a morning coffee and snack sponsor so that we can provide coffee and snack to our guests in the morning. We will update this space when more information is available. If you are interested in sponsoring coffee and snacks, please contact us.
Can I give a sales presentation about my company or service?
While the speaking time slots are open to everyone, we ask that presenters stick to information that will appeal to our membership base of technology and business enthusiasts. One of our missions is to educate and share knowledge. In the past we have had people speak regarding specific technologies or processes, but we ask that it be educational in nature. Our members are not interested in sales pitches in the presentations at the conference event. You are free to establish yourself as an expert to share information, and those interested will ask for more information after your presentation.
How are you able to put this conference on for free?
It’s not easy! We rely on our generous sponsors to provide the necessary funding and materials to put on our various events throughout the year. It simply would not be possible without their support. Please take a moment to visit our Sponsor page and visit our sponsors to say “thank you” for their continued support.
We also rely on a small army of volunteers who handle everything from keeping the website updated to arranging the chairs prior to the event, and cleaning up once it’s finished. If you are interesting in lending a hand, please contact us. Our volunteers wear “staff” shirts at our events. If you see one of our volunteers, please let them know you appreciate their efforts.
I know I pre-registered but lost my tickets and cannot find the confirmation e-mail. What should I do?
Note: The 2012 Fall Conference will likely be held at a different location so this information is subject to change once a location has been announced, though it should be comparable.
If you cannot find any record of your registration, please register again to ensure your name is on the list. We will have a list of everyone who registered available at the registration desk so we can find your registration that way if needed. If you lose your tickets, please have your photo ID handy so we can verify you on the list. In the event that you are not on the pre-registration list, you will be asked to pay a $10 entry fee directly to G.WIZ to gain entry into the conference. Please have your pre-registration tickets with you for the most efficient entry into the event.