Camping + exuberance + technology = ?
A number of us from Edinburgh hacklab are going to the FIRST EMF camp in September. It might interest you, so here’s some information on the event from the organisers…
Electromagnetic Field (http://www.emfcamp.org/) is a great gathering of specialists, enthusiasts and newcomers from many disciplines. A three-day camping festival for people with an inquisitive mind or an interest in making things: hackers, artists, scientists, craftspeople, geeks, and engineers. There will be talks and workshops on a wide range of subjects as well as open sessions where anyone who wants to kick off a discussion can claim a time and a space. But connections are as important as curricula, so expect many opportunities to get making with new friends or just have a drink and a chat.
Where is it?
Pineham Park, Milton Keynes, MK15 9LZ, UK (http://wiki.emfcamp.org/wiki/Location)
Milton Keynes has great transport links to the rest of the UK and Europe. It’s only 40 minutes on the train from London, and the site lies close to the M1 motorway. And for those of us with computing connections, the nearby Bletchley Park is practically hallowed ground…
When is it?
Friday 31st August – Monday 3rd September 2012
Events and activities will run throughout the day and into the evening, everything else (chats, debates, impromptu circus performances, orbital laser launches) will run as long as your collective energy lasts.
How much does it cost?
A ticket costs £95 (or €120) which gives you a place to pitch your tent with power and Internet, access to all events, the bar, and the camp’s social areas. (Some workshops may charge a little to cover material cost.)
Ticket sales are also one of the indicators we use to anticipate your level of interest; we will make the event bigger and more ambitious if we sell out quickly. So if you intend to come, please buy one now! (http://www.emfcamp.org/tickets)
What can I expect there?
On-site making facilities, of course – large tents for talks and workshops, general hacking areas, and plenty of space to create your own hangout spots. Plus the infrastructure you need to bring it all together: high-speed Internet, food and a bar to fuel you in your activities, and the best showers and toilets we can provide.
To make our event unique we want to accommodate three key aspects:
* We encourage everyone to camp together and form villages (http://wiki.emfcamp.org/wiki/Villages) around shared interests and shared facilities. This makes it easier for people to get to know each other and encourages collaboration. Everyone is welcome to join, or to start their own village.
* There will be scheduled activities like talks, workshops, performances, panels, and discussions, but also many opportunities to improvise. Imagine calling an impromptu conference session at a festival…
* Moving beyond organised sessions entirely, there will be many informal opportunities to meet new people for barbeques, to play games, to collaborate on great hacks, and just generally hang out.Who else will come?
We’ve only recently started inviting the first groups, but the following have already confirmed their attendance: http://www.emfcamp.org/participating
Where can I learn more?
Event website:
http://www.emfcamp.org/Recent updates of our planning progress:
http://blog.emfcamp.org/To get in touch with us or the EMF camp community:
http://www.emfcamp.org/contactFrequently asked questions:
http://wiki.emfcamp.org/wiki/FAQ