BeeBCampBriefing – Summer 2009

What is it?BeeBCamp is a gathering for people at the BBC interested in new media.Anyone can participate, at any level, from any department or division.BeeBCampaims to stoke creativity by uniting technical and content innovators in a fun, interactive exchange.“Get the geeks and the creatives talking – and really interesting ideas start happening.”

How it worksA one-day event‘Unconference’ format – no pre-arranged speakers, no keynote address.Everyone participates, everyone gets a chance to speak.Participants decide the schedule on the day.“It’s fast and active - discussions, not presentations. A chance to talk about what really fires you up about your work.”

The Unconference FormatMultiple simultaneous sessionsSmall groups – about 10 peopleQuick sessions – rotate every 30 minutesParticipants decide where and when to speak, and what to talk about.Questions, interruptions, discussions are encouraged.“Together, the audience know more than the speaker does. The format brings that out.”

(Photo: RainRabbit on Flickr)BeeBCamp 2 – The board is open and participants crowd around to pick a spot and lead a session. The board remains live throughout the day, so participants can add sessions as they see fit or are inspired to.

(Photo: RainRabbit on Flickr)BeeBCamp 2 – The Board. BeeBCamp is organized around a schedule like this, built by participants. Time is across the top and location along the right-hand side. At BeeBCamp 2, each session was named after a popular BBC show. (Afternoon sessions were on another board, not pictured).

(Photo: RainRabbit on Flickr)BeeBCamp 2 – A typical session. Hugh Garry from A&Mi (in scarf) leads a discussion on collaborative storytelling. Session leaders aren’t just speakers; they’re encouraged to engage participants and provoke dialogue.

BeeBCamp RulesImplemented at the first BeeBCamp, October 2008No PowerPoint. Or any presentation software, for that matter.No prepared presentations. Especially not warmed-over presentations you’ve already given somewhere else.Keep it simple. Show people your laptop screen (the groups will be small) or, even better, just bring screenshot printouts. No pitching. There may be commissioners there – this is NOT your chance to get funding from them. They may be running sessions later. If you're interested, go listen.Discuss, interrupt, ask questions. This is a conversation, and you’re participating!Vote with your feet. Go on and leave a session if you’re bored. No one will feel insulted. There will be four or five others going on at the same time. No point missing out! Everything is on the record and bloggable, unless the session leader determines otherwise. (Blogflags will be used.) This can change minute-to minute during the discussions. Anything non-bloggable is strictly off the record. Violators will be defenestrated.You are required to have fun at all times. Violators will be defenestrated.

The FutureBeeBCamp 3 – November 2009Dual sites: London and ManchesterLive video-linksMore lasers, more lights, more buzz, more creativity

Find out morePast BeeBCamps in blogs:Roo Reynolds on BeeBCamp 1BBC Internet Blog on BeeBCamp 2Charlie Beckett on BeeBCamp 2Collated blog posts and videosPast BeeBCampsin picturesFor more information contact Philip Trippenbach 07854 853810 philip.trippenbach@gmail.com