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 an 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 in a session, you should leave and create value elsewhere
These four principles (plus the law) mark a break with the traditional conference logic of fixed slots, rigid programs, and passive audiences.
Flow of a typical BarCamp session
- Welcome and introductions – every participant introduces themselves with three hashtags
- Topic pitch: Participants who want to share or discuss something present their topic in 30 seconds
- Session planning: All topics are distributed on a large session board – rooms and time slots
- Session rounds: Multiple sessions run in parallel; participants move freely between them
- Documentation: Every session is recorded collaboratively in a pad or wiki
- Closing round: Reflection, highlights, and wishes for a follow-up event
When is this format suitable?
A BarCamp is worthwhile when:
- The community is professionally diverse but eager to learn
- The topic is open or evolving – not standard textbook knowledge
- Networking is more important than formal presentations
- The participants are primarily practitioners
- There is a high willingness to participate (not a consumer mindset)
- Facilities with multiple parallel session rooms are available
The format is unsuitable for purely academic conferences requiring publication, association meetings involving elections, or highly hierarchical communities.
Hybrid BarCamps
Since 2020, hybrid and virtual BarCamps have also become established. The challenge: maintaining spontaneity and flexibility in a 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, as sessions are assigned on short notice
- Experienced moderation for topic pitching and session planning
- Documentation structure prepared – one pad per session, clear template
- Low-threshold catering in open spaces, rather than traditional catering slots
- Photo documentation for external communication
- Follow-up: publish curated session documentation
BarCamps with Converia
Even open formats require structured organization: Converia handles registration, preliminary topic board entry, and session management – 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.