BarCamp Nashville: 3 Attendee Tips

On October 20th, hundreds of people will gather in downtown to attend BarCamp Nashville. This free “un-conference” is a staple in the Nashville technology community. It’s the most anticipated event of the year and I want you to be there.

First – Before reading any further, you need to register on the website. Create a Profile here: BarCampNashville.org/bcn12/news/time-create-your-profile. Do this, even if you are not sure if you are attending. This keeps you in the loop of all future announcements.

Do that now.

I’ll wait.

Okay, Done?

Now, welcome back.
BarCamp Nashville is a must-attend for anyone in the technology industry.

It’s okay, if you see session titles you don’t understand. That’s bound to happen. Don’t let intimidation scare you from attending. You will walk away with a stack of business cards and new knowledge.

Below are three tips to keep in mind for BarCamp Nashville.

1. Be Nosy – It’s commonly said that BarCamp is what you make it. It’s so true. There is so much going on at BarCamp Nashville that it can be overwhelming. However, it’s all worth it. It’s often the conversations in the hallways of BarCamp that are the most intriguing. If you hear a conversation happening, be nosy, interrupt and add your two cents.
2. Stay for Lunch – I know it’s tempting to grab a lunch somewhere around the area, but don’t leave. The bar usually opens at 11 and the fun is just getting started. Stay and purchase a BarCamp lunch. Sit down next to a stranger friend and start a conversation. Besides, your contribution to lunch keeps the event free.
3. Bounce – BarCamp uses the “Law of Two Feet” theory. That means you have the power to leave a session at any time. If it’s not working for you, get out. There are several other sessions that will work. Speakers know this. It’s not considered rude. It’s expected. This is not a conference. It’s an un-conference. That means you decide what works for you. I highly recommend “working the room”. Bounce around as much as you can. See a session in at least every room. That forces you to explore the venue.

Okay, you did Create a Profile, right?