Rules of Barcamp

Rule 1: You do talk about barcamp

All participants are expected to make barcamp known to the public and talk about it. The event should be promoted and the concept should be spread.

Rule 2: You do blog/write/... about barcamp

Those who are active on social media are encouraged to mention barcamp Graz online and report on the events. Our annual hashtag should be used to show how active the participants are.

Rule 3: If you want to hold a session, you must fill out a session card

Anyone who wants to hold a session must fill out a session card and enter the topic and their name. In the subsequent daily planning, a schedule is created together and the various sessions are organized. Participants also have the option to fill out more than one session card if they want to hold more sessions. If there are too many topic suggestions for the slots, a vote will be taken on what people are most interested in.

Rule 4: Only three word intros

At the beginning of the event, participants briefly introduce themselves with their name, institution, and three keywords that describe them.

Rule 5: As many parallel sessions as facilities allow for

In principle, the available rooms at the event are the limit of the parallel sessions. However, since it is a barcamp, there is no limit to the number of sessions that can take place simultaneously. Participants are expected to exchange and discuss with each other in as many places as possible, for example, in ad-hoc sessions in the hallway or in small groups outdoors.

Rule 6: No pre-scheduled presentations, no tourists

Barcamp is a spontaneous event where no pre-planned presentations are expected (Ok, you can prepare and pre-plan in advance, but this doesn't mean that your session will take place). Participants should actively participate and lead sessions or participate in discussions. This does not mean that pre-prepared presentations are not welcome, but simply that no agenda is given.

Rule 7: A session lasts as long as necessary or until they run into another session slot

Barcamp is a spontaneous event where no pre-planned presentations are expected (Ok, you can prepare and pre-plan in advance, but this doesn't mean that your session will take place). Participants should actively participate and lead sessions or participate in discussions. This does not mean that pre-prepared presentations are not welcome, but simply that no agenda is given.

Rule 8: If you are attending a Barcamp for the first time, you HAVE TO present

(Ok, you don’t really HAVE TO, but try to find someone to present with, or at least ask questions and be an interactive participant)
Participants are encouraged to present something even if it is their first time attending a barcamp. A presentation can also involve asking a question and initiating a discussion (for example, "Explain how ChatGPT works").

The Law of Two Feet

In addition to these basic rules, there is another important rule known as the "law of two feet". This means that all participants are responsible for their own experience and learning. If you find yourself in a session where you cannot contribute or learn anything, you may leave the room and switch to another session that is more interesting to you or initiate a spontaneous discussion outside of the sessions.