Dr. Dobb's | Camps Vs Conferences

Camps Vs Conferences

Technology conferences, for me, are usually a mixed bag. The keynotes, panel discussions, and sessions are often interesting or informative, but are rarely unique enough that I couldn't find the same information on the web (particularly if the worthwhile ones are being recorded, in which case I can just wait and watch them later). The real reason I go -- and I think the real reason most people go -- is for the hallway discussions, late night hack sessions, and extra-curriculars.

So, that being the case, there's an argument for conferences as "camps", where those latter bits are the heavy focus, and the formal structure is completely de-emphasized. BarCamps and PodCamps have been revolutionizing the conference scene for awhile now, and I like their direction. But what if you took the "camp" metaphor to the next stage? You'd have an entirely different thing...

July 22, 2009
URL:http://www.drdobbs.com/architecture-and-design/camps-vs-conferences/228700559