BarCampGrandRapidsSponsorshipFAQ

Who can I talk to?

Send us an e-mail at sponsorship@barcampgr.org to get the ball rolling. Together we can work out the details of the sponsorship. Additionally, we'll need a high resolution version of your logo for printing and any promotional material (pens, business cards, signs, etc.) you'd like to provide.

Could you explain this whole BarCamp concept again?

A BarCamp is essentially a professional conference on technology and design. What sets BarCamps apart is their grassroots nature; many conferences are top-down affairs, organized by a company or large organization, featuring a few elite (and highly-paid) speakers, and those costs are passed down to attendees in the form of large registration fees. By contrast, BarCamps are organized by volunteers, are free to attend, and rely on the attendees to also act as the speakers, set the agenda, and provide the content.

Wait, the attendees set the agenda? How does that work?

Though BarCamp is monetarily free, there is a cost associated with attending: all attendees are asked to participate in some way. Some help out behind the scenes while others sign up as speakers. After an introductory session to welcome everyone and explain how BarCamp works, we set the attendees loose to sign up for presentation slots. Our agenda is represented by a whiteboard, divided into presentation time slots and rooms. Attendees willing to present sign up for a time and room. Consequently we start BarCamp with no idea what the conference agenda will be (a blank whiteboard) and fifteen minutes or so after the introductory session has ended, we usually have enough presenters to fill out Friday evening. By the time Saturday morning rolls around, the rest of the day has been filled up with sessions.

And this actually works?

Well enough that the idea has spread from the original BarCamp in Palo Alto, California to become an international event. There are BarCamps planned across six continents in the next several months.

How can we help?

Thanks for your interest in sponsoring BarCamp! We're looking for companies or individuals to help us with supplies such as food, t-shirts, supplies, equipment, printing costs, etc. Sponsorship usually takes one of two forms: a flat amount donated to be used either as needed or applied towards a specific need, and donated services/goods. A hypothetical example: Acme Electronics donates $100 to help cover networking costs, while Looney Consulting loans three wireless routers. In general we're pretty flexible and grateful for any contributions.

What do I get in return?

Sponsors are thanked in the opening and closing sessions, their logos are displayed on a sponsor wall, and their contributions are highlighted on the web site. Additionally, we've added sponsor logos to conference goodies such as t-shirts in the past. In short, your brand will be out in front of some of West Michigan's best and brightest technologists.

What do you need?

• Food
• Coffee
• BarCampGR-branded Tshirts/thumbdrives/etc as giveaways
• Whiteboards
• Misc funds (printing costs, etc)
• Venue (for 100-150+)
• Social outing

Our expenses from previous years are around $1000 for food and supplies - the essentials.

Are you a non-profit?

We're working with Software GR, so your donations are tax-deductible!