Last week, via Twitter, I learned about Event Camp Twin Cities, a uniquely structured (no chairs!) event designed for event professionals to come together, collaborate and learn from each other. I was intrigued and wanted to learn more, so I chatted with co-founder Samuel J. Smith - someone we've been following on Twitter (@samueljsmith) for a long time - about what Event Camp Twin Cities is all about.
How did the idea for Event Camp Twin Cities come about?
Event Camp sprung out of the #eventprofs group on Twitter about a year ago. Christina Coster (@mizcity) had the idea, got the ball rolling and by February 2010 Event Camp NYC was born. I attended that first event camp. I had such a great time meeting the people that I decided that we should do an event camp in Minneapolis. So, I talked Ray Hansen into doing this with me. After several months of discussion, and a move from Switzerland to the US, Event Camp Twin Cities was born.
What can attendees expect from the event?
This event was designed around these words: social. innovation. collaboration and experimentation. Attendees can expect a highly participatory event where they will get to try several new types of collaboration formats. All of us will get to learn from each other's experiences.
What's the mission?
We want to inspire attendees to try new communication and collaboration formats at their events. We have tried to create a safe environment where event professionals can try these new and innovative formats as attendees. Then, hopefully, they will say, "Hey, we can do this at our event AND we can do it better than those crazy guys at Event Camp." Actually, that would be my dream.
Tell us about the structure. What makes this event different?
If you want to change thinking, you need to change the environment. So, we got rid of the chairs in place of exercise balls and lounge furniture. Then, we have designed a highly participatory experience that will use formats like StorySlam, PechaKucha, Business Simulations, Digital Scavenger Hunts, co-creation and discussions with virtual attendees to drive the conversations and experiences. In addition, we are livestreaming the event to the world. We are inviting those remote attendees into the room to participate with us. We have a process for engaging them. Hopefully they will accept.
Why do you think an event like this important in general, but also here in the Twin Cities?
The way that we communicate, collaborate and share is changing. As more attendees get used to having these two-way communication experiences, they are going to start demanding similar experiences from events. By trying out several new ideas, we hope to figure out what works and doesn't work. Why do it here in the Twin Cities? Why not? The weather here in September is excellent.
Thanks to Sam for taking the time to answer my questions. Here's to a successful event! If you go, let us know what you thought.
-- Amanda Fretheim Gates
Managing Editor
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