From improv theater to AI: the magic of barcamps
Do you remember your first Barcamp? My first one was around 2010 in Stuttgart. I had heard about this exciting format for years, but it always clashed with my wife's birthday 🙈. When I finally managed to go, I came home from the weekend positively enlightened 💡.
In 2014, I was then able to organize "my first own" barcamp with connect.IT Heilbronn-Franken e.V. and HHN. We had no idea what was in store for us, but we sensed that something special was being created 🎉.
More than a decade later, I look back on countless "aha" moments: Katrin Singer, who got us IT nerds interested in improv theater. Jonathan Günz's drones that suddenly flew through the air. A yoga session to clear our heads. That's the magic of barcamps: you come for the tech and stay for the people.
We traveled all over the region on our Barcamp trip - from Heilbronn University to Bechtle and Fujitsu TDS, Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, Education Future and the Innovation Factory.
Each location had its own character, but one thing always remained the same: the remarkable mix of people who would otherwise never have come together 🥰.
This year, we met again in 42 Heilbronn - once again in the striking brick building of the former Innovation Factory in Weipertstrasse. A place that has always been home to creativity and innovation was the perfect host for our colorful barcamp community.
And what a day it was! The former Weipert machine factory told its own story - you could literally still feel the spirit of the old industry, while young minds discussed modern technologies. This contrast between past and future made the atmosphere unique.
The sessions reflected what makes barcamps so special: from AI discussions to relaxed coffee talks in lean coffee format, from gaming sessions to digital media in elementary school. The variety of topics was as colorful as our participants themselves.
It was particularly nice to see how people who would otherwise never have come together got involved again - exactly what we hope for from a barcamp. Students moderated their first sessions professionally, experienced professionals shared their knowledge and everyone learned from each other.
What makes a barcamp so valuable? There are no spectators, only participants. Everyone gets involved - with their own sessions, spontaneous discussions or simply by listening attentively and giving feedback.
If you've never been to a Barcamp before, don't be afraid! You don't need a lecture, a PowerPoint or a perfect presentation. Just your passion for a topic and the willingness to share it.
