After traditional conferences many people say that the best aspects of the event were the people they met and the impromptu hallway conversations.
An Unconference amplifies these connections and conversations.
An Unconference is an event with discussions, demos and interaction from attendees. Anyone with something to contribute or with the desire to learn is welcome and invited to join.
The rules of fight club….
Instead of providing a predetermined schedule the participants construct the schedule; typically on the day. The event starts with an introduction by the organisers articulating the purpose of the event, the guidelines for conduct during the day and any parameters such as session lengths.
The most important rule (and often the only one) is:
NO SPECTATORS, ONLY PARTICIPANTS
If you are not learning or contributing it is your responsibility to respectfully find some place where you are learning and contributing. This is known as the Law-of-Two-Feet.
Overall Unconferences are governed by these basic principles.
- Whoever comes are the right people.
- Whatever happens is the only thing that could have.
- Whenever it starts is the right time.
- Whenever it is over it is over.
Are you looking forward to Day 2 of the CMI Conference? Get your ticket to attend here.
Hat tip to Miramar Mike for the explanation.