As you’ve probably heard us say a few times, InfoCamp is an unconference, which means we give registrants the opportunity to set the agenda, lead the sessions, participate. The question we get the most is about how it all works. I hope this post will clear up some of your questions!

How do I sign up to lead a session and do I have to? InfoCamp Seattle session sign-ups will happen in person, on paper, all during the weekend of InfoCamp. Look for the big paper schedule; choose your time slot and room; and write your session idea and name on the schedule! The session slots are first-come, first-served.

The important thing to remember is the sessions don’t have to be rehearsed and you don’t have to have a PowerPoint to have a session- although you’ll see that some people do come with those in hand.

You can be creative with your session content and format. We highly encourage it!

For instance, you could...

• brainstorm an idea
• solicit feedback on a design
• organize a panel
• present research findings
• have a short workshop
• set up a debate on a controversial topic
• discuss solutions to a problem
• gather people to discuss a common interest  
  

Ok, so do I have to lead a session? If you don’t have an idea for a session, that’s ok too, leading a session is not required. We encourage you to participate, ask questions, and be involved! We’re pretty sure there will be something discussed that you have an opinion, knowledge or information to share with others.

How will people know what my session will be about? This year we’re going to try something different at InfoCamp Seattle. In the past we’ve had people pitch their sessions on stage. We’ll have that same format during the morning gathering in the auditorium, and give the first set of participants the opportunity to introduce their sessions on stage. What we’re going to do for the rest of the weekend is have a “soapbox” next to the paper schedule with perhaps a megaphone and allow people to pitch their sessions. Or if you can think of another way you want to spread the word, we encourage that too!

We’ll try our best to keep the schedule updated on our website to reflect the paper-based schedule during the weekend. The paper schedule is the place to sign up and ultimately the most current schedule to know what’s going on during the weekend.

I want more info! I found a link via the Berkeley InfoCamp wiki that you might find useful and you can check out topics from past InfoCamps. Check it out!

• How to Run a Great Unconference Session by Scott Berkun
• View the InfoCamp Seattle session topics from 2007-2009

Hope this was helpful, and see you in a few weeks!

Lisa Mendez(@elmendez)
InfoCamp Seattle planning committee member