Ten Reasons Why You Should Attend “Barcamp Nigeria 2010”

So many people have been asking me on facebook, What is Barcamp? Some are asking if its some kind of bar where they can get alcohol. lol

It’s got nothing to do with alcohol or the great outdoors – but it has everything to do with community, teaching and learning.

A ‘barcamp’ is an informal, user-driven conference. Barcamps are usually held in almost all the countries and specific cities worldwide.

I had my first-ever barcamp experience back in April 2009 and it was a great experience. You can see pictures here

So on May 22 2010 from 9am, lets all meet @ University of Lagos (Unilag) CITS Building.

Here are 10 reasons why you should attend Barcamp Nigeria 2010

1. It is Free
Education is not free, even the venue for this event is a learning institution, learning isn’t free there. But this event is free for all.

2. Networking
Network with like-minded individuals, those passionate about the Nigerian ICT Industry, Programmers, Bloggers, and yes Venture Capitalists.

3. It’s User Generated
You, the participant determines what will be discussed.
You chose and create the topics and sessions that you wish to be highlighted at the event. You can teach and learn from others.

4. There is Food
Yes, there will be free food for everyone. So we expect you to come and share not just knowledge, but also the food with us.

5. Connect one on one with people you know online
Barcamp is a great way to get to know someone you’ve been interacting with online! Since the atmosphere is relaxed and conversational, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know alot of like-minded people.

6. Sharing Ideas
Attending this  Un-conference presents a goldmine of opportunities, you can garner Million Naira Ideas from attendees at the event.

7. Mix of content
With an event like this, there’s pretty much something for everyone whether your a Graphic artist, mobile application developer, php programmer,Java prorammer, Drupal or Joomla, there is always someone in house to brainstorm with.

8. Explore innovative ICT products and services
Be the first to find out and explore upcoming releases from the best of Nigeria’s web 2.0 industry innovators, start-ups and entrepreneurs. If you have anything cooking in the lab at the moment, you can use Barcamp Nigeria as an opportunity to launch, and believe me all the attendees will be your first users or customers.

9. Listen to success stories, experiences and ideas from our keynote speakers
There will be keynote speaker at the event to share with us their experiences on starting a company and what benefits the Nigerian tech/web industry can offer.

10. Its an informal conference
You don’t have to dress all suited up with a tie e.t.c
It’s a place to come feel relaxed, learn, enjoy and share.

Don’t miss this event for anything in this world. There will be live streaming, live blogging, live tweeting.

Always use this hashtag in your tweets #bcnigeria