A day for unconferencing

A BarCamp is everything that a conference is not. The idea of a BarCamp came into existence from people’s  desire to learn and hold discussions in an open rules-free environment. The concept of BarCamp started in the US amongst techies and nerds. Kerala is not new to the idea either. BarCamp Kerala will have its latest session — Barcamp Kerala Micro Edition — on September 4 at Technolodge Muvattupuzha.

Explaining about the Kerala edition of BarCamp, Usama Shihabudeen, one of the organisers, says, “This is an ‘unconference’ conference, that is, it is the exact opposite of what a conference is. There are no particular rules or structure for the BarCamp. Anyone can walk in and walk out. No dress code. Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Noida are the  other places where BarCamps are held. This is the 18th Barcamp in Kerala.”

Speaking about the speciality of the camp here, Usama says, “When BarCamp started it was always related to technology. In Kerala camp however, we discuss every possible topic. Even two camps prior to this, the discussions were surrounding technology and coding sessions.”

He explains that the trending topics now-a-days are start-ups, entrepreneurship. “In Kerala, journalism and social media are also trending. Topics which are important in the current scenario are discussed. It could be a social cause or topics related to it. Sometimes there are also sessions which are related to the lifestyle of Kerala.”

Each session is for half an hour.  The sessions are interactive from the start. “We don’t have the concept of a one side talk and then Q & A. The only qualification required to be part of the camp is interest,” says Usama.

One of the interesting sessions this time is ‘ABCD of startup India and Mudra Bank’ by  V.K. Adarsh, senior manager — technical at Union Bank of India, author, and social media evangelist. ‘The power of free!’, ‘Unleash social media marketing’, and ‘Malayalam online journalism’ are some of the other interesting sessions which will be held at the camp. A total of 12 speakers will hold sessions. This is the third camp organised by Teezionic Digital Makers.