BarCamp Orlando

Technology in society; technology strategy; science and technology, technology and the internet; technology systems, technology, technology! If the past is anything to go by, it is only a matter of time before existing and emerging technologies skyrocket us into arenas above and beyond our inner-most thoughts, hopes and dreams!

What an exciting age in which we live! Where does it all come from? Who are the developers/inventors of today’s powerful technology programs, networking software and software updates? Hard questions to answer simply because technology has invaded every corner of our world! Every nation, every country, every city, every town, every person, has been touched in some measure by modern technology. That being a fact, I think I have discovered a few places where the subject of technology in all its forms and formats can be discussed and explored in one place and time, by clusters of “techies”.

Now enters, “Barcamp”. What is Barcamp? According to Derek Bender of NFi Studios,

“BarCamp is a learning environment with tech folks giving presentations throughout the day on different technologies, programs, industry trends and more. The mood is all about learning and networking with others in the industry. It’s an all day event that feels almost like a conference but in a smaller venue which really lends itself to meeting new people and conversing about technology and other topics about the industry.”

In the past few years, Barcamp appears to have been very successful as Wikipedia explains. A great audio/video introduction to Barcamp by Greg Pollock.

Orlando recently hosted its first Barcamp on September 23, 2007, at Taste Restaurant in College Park. It was a huge success! In commenting on Orlando’s Barcamp, Alex Rudloff, writes,

“Taste was packed. Not just packed, but standing room only packed, but in a not all that uncomfortable way. The presentations were of great quality and entertaining. There is a massive amount of talent around here, and it’s a true joy to see everyone come out of the woodwork for something like this. Can’t wait for the next one.” Read more…

Yes, indeed. At the very least, Barcamp has to be one of the places where the seed of emerging technology is birthed. Bender also comments on a similar occurrence, “Likemind.”

“Likemind is a once monthly get together for coffee where people are also drawn together for their love of technology and the internet. In addition to the regular conversations, attendees usually bring laptops so they can work from the location. Likemind acts not only as a gathering place where tech folk can meet, have coffee and conversation but a location that is as much a social gathering as a serious work place. Attendees find that it is better to work side by side rather than secluded in an solitary office or home.”

So here we have it. Just two of the places wherein a single event brings together some of the most outstanding people in technology for an evening or a weekend excursion of thinking, inventing, developing, building and basic overall brainstorming. These, my friends, are just a few microscopic examples of what is happening technology-wise world-wide. Barcamps being held in various places could be the motivation vehicle which, for its attendees, can stimulate and generate thoughts, ideas and plans introducing the next wave of innovative technology, once again, affecting and changing our lives!

Someone once said, “We aren’t on earth to mark time, we are here to make a difference.” Hats off to the originators of Barcamp! You are indeed, making a difference!