BarCamp

A BarCamp (also known as an unconference) is an open conference format where the program is not set in advance, but is developed collectively by the participants at the start of the event. The strict divide between speakers and listeners is removed – every participant is a potential contributor.

Also known as: Unconference, open-space conference

Typical duration: 1–3 days

Number of participants: Usually 50–500

What is a BarCamp?

The BarCamp is the most popular form of unconference – a meeting where the program is not dictated by a committee, but developed by the participants themselves. Originally stemming from the tech community in California ("FooCamp" and its open counterpart "BarCamp"), the format has since become established in many industries: from education and administration to science.

The core idea: The most exciting content emerges in the conversations between sessions at traditional conferences. Why not design the entire event that way?

The core principles

• "Whoever comes are the right people" – whoever is there is the right person
• "Whatever happens is the only thing that could have" – whatever happens is the only thing that could have
• "Whenever it starts is the right time" – whenever it starts is the right time
• "When it's over, it's over" – when it's over, it's over
• "The law of two feet": If you aren't learning or contributing to a session, you should leave and find somewhere else to add value

These four principles (plus the law) mark a break from traditional conference logic, with its fixed slots, rigid schedules, and passive audiences.

Typical BarCamp session flow

1. Welcome and introductions – every participant introduces themselves using three hashtags
2. Topic pitch: Participants who want to share or discuss something present their topic in 30 seconds
3. Session planning: All topics are assigned to a large session board – including rooms and time slots
4. Session rounds: Multiple sessions run in parallel, and participants move freely between them
5. Documentation: Every session is recorded collaboratively in a pad or wiki
6. Closing round: Reflection, highlights, and wishes for a follow-up event

When is this format appropriate?

A BarCamp is worthwhile if:

• The community is professionally diverse but eager to learn
• The topic is open or evolving – not standard textbook knowledge
• Networking is more important than lecture-style presentations
• The participants consist primarily of practitioners
• There is a sufficient willingness to contribute (rather than a passive consumer mindset)
• Facilities with multiple parallel session rooms are available

This format is unsuitable for purely academic conferences with publication requirements, association meetings involving elections, or highly hierarchical communities.

Hybrid BarCamps

Since 2020, hybrid and virtual BarCamps have also been gaining traction. The challenge: maintaining spontaneity and flexibility in the digital space. Virtual rooms with "one-click room switching," collaborative documents, and moderation that explicitly focuses on online participants have proven effective.

Organizational tips

• Large physical or digital session board as a central management tool
• Clear room allocation and signage, since sessions are assigned on short notice
• Experienced moderation for the topic pitch and session planning
• Documentation structure prepared – one pad per session, clear template
• Low-threshold catering and in open spaces, rather than in a traditional catering slot
• Photo documentation for external communications
• Follow-up: Publish curated session documentation

BarCamps with Converia

Even open formats require structured organization: Converia handles registration, advance topic board entry, and session management—all while preserving the spontaneity of the content.

Structured organization for open formats

With Converia, even the most spontaneous BarCamp gets the solid organizational foundation it needs—without restricting its open spirit.

• World Café – Formats & Trends
• Open Session – Formats & Trends
• Breakout Session – Formats & Trends

Topic board, real-time session management, documentation—even for open formats.