I’m a big fan of the BarCamp format*, especially when applied to space.  So I have great news for you (which I’ll tell you more about in a bit).

If you are not familiar with BarCamps, they are an increasingly popular open-format collaborative working meeting format where those attending are encouraged to present to others on a topic of their choice. The barcamp format has been catching on in pockets around the space community. @edgufry and I had an opportunity to plan a BarCamp this fall which was hosted by the NASA Space Life Sciences Directorate (SLSD) at Johnson Space Center in August.  It was such a success that we are now in the process of planning a second event for January 29th (creatively entitled “Barcamp: A Sequel“). The goal of the the SLSDBarCamp events is to increase enthusiasm and communication within SLSD, create a platform for SLSD members to share their work, bridge gaps, facilitate knowledge management, brainstorm for new ideas and utilize existing ones. Our hope was to bring together members of our local community together and introduce the idea of hosting BarCamps at NASA JSC. Unfortunately, since this format is very new to the NASA community, we haven’t been able to convince management to open the SLSDBarCamps up to *everyone* yet (aka non NASA badged people) - but we are trying. In the near future, we hope to host BarCamp events that are open to the public at NASA Johnson Space Center, and for now we encourage those attending our events to join outside barcamps after their in-house experience.

But, we have great news for everyone! A new space barcamp event is being organized called “SpaceUp” – and this venue is open to YOU! As their website advertises, “you will be amazed at what comes out of SpaceUp. Based on similar unconferences in other industries, you might see businesses started, problems solved, projects kicked off, plans hatched, and amazing friendships born.” We encourage you to check them out! The first SpaceUp will be in San Diego this upcoming February or March.  Pre-register here.

* Why I’m a big fan of the BarCamp format (and why it’s better than your normal meeting as originally posted here):

1. All the people in the room attend voluntarily
2. If anyone feels they cannot contribute further, they can apply the law of two feet** and get up and leave
3. People join meetings on the basis of their interest and ability to contribute
4. Whoever is talking is doing so to share, teach, and ask/learn, not to look smart
5. Even in a crowded room, the conversation is facilitated in such a way that all those who wish to participate actively can
6. No judgment
7. No rank pulling
8. Content is king
9. Questions are welcome
10. PowerPoint is accidental

** There is one general law that governs all barcamps, it’s called the “law of 2 feet” which essentially means if people don’t like what they are seeing, they can get up on their two feet and move to another session or engage in a discussion with someone else. Yes, that’s actually encouraged and is the beauty of barcamp!