8 Tips on How to Run Your Own UnConference

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"An unconference is a facilitated, participant-driven conference centered around a theme or purpose. The term "unconference" has been applied, or self-applied, to a wide range of gatherings that try to avoid one or more aspects of a conventional conference, such as high fees and sponsored presentations" – Wikipedia

I’ve attended two unconference style events this year (Startupcamp/Barcamp)- and I’ve become a true believer of this format.   Since I’ve seen a lot of what goes on behind the scenes – here are some tips to follow if you want to run a similar show in your location.

1. Get a team of kindred spirits together

This is possibly the most important aspect.  The purpose of these unconferences would be to bring together people of the same feather, and to begin – you will need a core of like-minded and driven people.  The volunteers who help run this show don’t usually look for recognition nor remuneration. 

Everything is fueled by passion.

2. Get sponsors – nice ones

Get people who really want to help, rather than take over your event.  BarCamp Kuala Lumpur had one rule about sponsors and it was that their donation limit would be capped.  This was to prevent any organizer from driving the agenda of the event.  To me, this is an excellent path for any unconference to take.   

3. Set up the venue right

In a nutshell, besides the basics like ease of access, amenities, etc.  You need to get a venue with 3 or more large rooms (for the sessions), and perhaps just as important – a large area to mingle.  For me, a lot of the value I gain from these events would be the relationships built, and the interesting mix of characters and conversations you will get into informally between sessions.  

Make sure all the rooms have an easy to use speaker system.  Some speakers will have video to show on their laptop, which fails badly if they have to play audio through the laptop sound system.

4. Set the ground rules

Due to its informal setting, there are very few rules for an unconference.  Common ground rules include staying on time, and being considerate as to not over-run into another session.

5. Trust

Don’t bother vetting speaker material and judge quality.  Unconference attendees vote with their feet – ie. They can move on to another room based on their own agenda.  (Speakers – don’t take this personally – people will walk in and out of of your talk – many attendees bounce around during sessions).   Trust the speakers will do their best to contribute to the event, and trust the crowd.

6. Spread the word

Unconferences typically run on a shoestring budget, but what it lacks in the wallet section, it makes up for in ability to generate goodwill.  Tap into your social networks (online and in real life), the bloggers, and local interest groups.  Local interest groups bring along their own set of people passionate about a particular topic, eg. photography, or Linux – this broadens your the breadth of your audience and their backgrounds.

7. Enjoy

Whatever happens, happens.  Don’t take things so seriously.  What you’ll find is that when things go wrong, there will be more people who will step up and help you fix the problem than people who sit back and complain.  At the end of the day, everyone who attends is there to share, participate, discuss, and learn. 

8.  Attend before you attempt

If you’re going to run an event, visit one first!   For those people living in Malaysia or Singapore – come to BarcampJB happening 6th and 7th December at MSC Cyberport JB  I’ll be speaking on "How to change the world with $25 – an introduction to Kiva" on the 6th at 3pm.  We have some pretty interesting sessions – full schedule here.

Check out the barcamp Malaysia blog for more details.  For those who live outside South East Asia, check out barcamp.org for a list of events happening near your area!

Do you have other unconference tips to share?  Let us know in the comments!