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on September 10, 2008 at 3:43:34 pm
Now that we’ve secured a home base for BarCamp Africa—the very accommodating Google Campus—we’re catching up on important updates, like telling you everything you might want to know about the event.
We're sure that there will still be some unanswered questions, though...please help us out by adding them below.
1. What is BarCamp Africa?
Above all, BarCamp Africa is a BarCamp. If you’re new to the BarCamp concept, take a few minutes to learn a bit about it here. In essence, a BarCamp is an “unconference”…a way of bringing people together to build and collaborate on an agenda, and the conversations that grow from it. Topics emerge "organically" from the abilities and interests of the people who come to the event.
Often, BarCamps weave group activities like panels or keynote-type presentations in through the day, just to bring the whole group together for shared learning. That's the approach we'll take at BarCamp Africa.
Next, BarCamp Africa is a chance for people from Silicon Valley—and anyone else who can join us—to learn about Africa on many levels: the place, the people, contemporary issues, outlooks, opportunities and more.
Finally, BarCamp Africa is a BEGINNING. We're fortunate to have many people in this area interested in learning more, connecting more deeply with Africa. We’re counting on this Silicon Valley event to spark new connections and conversations around the globe—and we’ll be broadcasting over a variety of media during the event. We will share those details here as the day approaches—we want people everywhere to have the chance to tune in and to join the conversation over online an social media.
2. Where and when will BarCamp Africa take place?
Google has graciously offered to host this gathering on their beautiful Mountain View campus, near Highway 101 and Shoreline Boulevard. We'll post the exact address once it is confirmed.
Details:
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Google Campus, Mountain View, CA (specific address will be posted here once confirmed)
8:15 am Sign-in begins
9:00 am BarCamp sessions begin
5:00 pm BarCamp sessions end
We are exploring the possibility of hosting a celebration gathering beginning at around 5:30. Updates will be shared here.
3. What’s the objective of BarCamp Africa?
We’ve stated our mission as “building the conversation between Silicon Valley and Africa.”
Really, it’s not much more than that…but that is, potentially, a lot.
It seems that so many people in this area want to learn more and connect better with things happening in Africa. What better way than to all do it together.
We expect to see on 2-3 key directions or potentialities emerge from the conference that will move forward based on connections formed during the event.
4. What specific topics will be explored at BarCamp Africa?
The topics of the day will emerge real-time, but so far the themes seem to be taking shape along these lines:
Anyone who is interested in learning more about or connecting more directly with Africa
Technologists innovating in mobile, wireless, or social technologies. People exploring low-cost and sustainable innovation. Folks interested alternative power supply and alternative energy.
People who want to learn more about micro-finance and grass roots entrepreneurship.
Bloggers interested in global issues.
Companies looking to learn more about emerging markets in Africa and the best ways of interacting with them.
People interested in changing global weather patterns, the food supply, agriculture, AIDS and healthcare, political shifts and other social questions.
Anyone interested in African culture, like music, art, contemporary issues, and people who want to meet charitable organizations focused on Africa.
People with a passion for understanding this huge, diverse continent and the issues and dreams of the people who live there.
We can’t guarantee that all of these topics will be explored. In fact, we’re sure that there will be much more to discuss than we can ever cover in a day.
But bring your questions and the perspectives you have to offer to BarCamp Africa and we feel confident that you find yourself getting much closer to Africa on a variety of levels.
6. Why is this event in Silicon Valley and not in Africa?
We hope that there will be more BarCamps focused on Africa in Africa and in any place that wants to connect more deeply. We’ll be sure to share everything we’ve learned openly on our Wiki in hopes that others in Africa and beyond will use our experience as a starting point
We’re excited about the opportunities that this day will open up, and hope that an invigorated Silicon Valley will find increasing ways to bridge the divides between our community here and the many diverse connecting points in Africa.
7. What will the day be like?
If we had to choose one word, we think it would be "conversational."
Other words emerge, too: informative. Thought-provoking. Active, energized, assumption-altering...more.
From a practical standpoint, the day will feel casual, spontaneous, and open. BarCamps tend to feel that way.
But I think we’ll all be blown away by the caliber of particpants drawn to this event.
Here's what our agenda looks like so far:
8:15 - 9:00
Coffee + Sign in, Ice Breaker, Media Capture
9:00 - 9:20
Welcome by the Host, Introduction to the BarCamp Format
Panel Three: Africa Today, Social and Human Outlooks
3:00 - 3:30
Refreshments
3:30 - 4:00
Optional Lightning round + 5th Break-Out Sessions
4:00 - 4: 30
6th Break-Out Session
4:30 - 5:00
Wrap-up, results, next steps
5:00 - 5:30
Final event activity (Optional)
5:30 - ??
Arts, Music + Networking
8. Is there a cost associated with attending BarCamp Africa?
Yes. We are asking participants to pay $25 to join the day’s activities. We are also setting up provisions so that no one is turned away for being unable to pay for this event. Stay tuned here for the specifics by Friday, September 12.
We are also seeking Sponsors for the event. We plan to secure 10-15 Sponsors, each paying $300 or more, and one Event Sponsor funding BarCamp Africa with a contribution of $3,000.
Stay tuned for a list of Sponsors here.
9. What will happen with money that’s left over after the event?
All unused funds will be distributed to not-for-profit entities selected by BarCamp participants on the day of the event.
10. What can people do to help?
Thanks for asking!
Most importantly, come ready to participate. The BarCamp structure relies on active participation from all who come. Bring topics to discuss, questions to explore, information to share. That’s how we’ll all learn.
You can also volunteer. You can add value in a variety of ways and we appreciate any offers to contribute talent or time. Email barcampafrica@gmail.com and tell us what you’re thinking.
11. Can I drop in the day of, without pre-registering?
We’ll keep you posted here…but please don’t count on it. We need to cap participation at 150 due to our event space and the dynamics of a BarCamp.
We strongly advise that interested parties pre-register for this event.
12. How will you carry the BarCamp message forth during and after the event?
We have a fantastic team of tech professionals working on the "Amplification" of this event. We'll share the details here, but we're getting great feedback from people in Africa and even folks who are much closer, but still can't make it to the gathering.
13. Will there be a t-shirt?
You bet. And it is going to be beautiful.
14. How can I sign up?
We will have an Eventbrite page launched by Friday, September 12. We'll put the link here.
15. Want to know more?
We're happy to answer. Add your questions to the comments, below, or email barcampafrica (at) gmail dot com.
If you have questions or experience problems, please report them to the BarCamp support forum. For issues related to this wiki, please see the PBWiki Support Forum.
