The big day is rapidly approaching and we are looking forward to everyone coming together next Wednesday, September 8th for RE BarCamp Indiana. Here is everything you need to know before attending.

1. Tuesday night meetup. While the main event for BarCamp is indeed Wednesday, we traditionally meet the night before to have a few drinks, share ideas and network. This year, we’ve once again reserved an area at Scotty’s Brewhouse - 1 Virginia Avenue, Downtown Indianapolis - at 8:00 p.m.
2. Attendee check-in. Your first stop at BarCamp is registration.  From the main hotel entrance off Maryland Street, go up the escalator to your left, next to Starbucks.  Proceed down the larger of the two hallways, in front of the Ballrooms.  Registration will be on your left.  Signs hanging from the ceiling will tell you which line to join – Fall Conference or BarCamp.  If you registered for Fall Conference, you have been included in the BarCamp headcount.We’ll be open for registration at 8:00 a.m. The day officially kicks off at 9:00 a.m. and goes until 4:30 p.m.
3. Parking. Special parking rates for BarCamp participants will apply for the Marriott parking garage located under the hotel. Don't forget to see a member of the BarCamp committee for a parking voucher.
4. No set agenda. The agenda/sessions aren’t decided until you arrive, so no handouts. After the opening session the agenda will be projected in the hallway. Don’t worry about planning your day when you first see the agenda as sessions may be added/removed or rooms may change. It’s best to check the agenda throughout the day.
5. Sessions. Each session will run 35 minutes with 10 minute breaks for you to revisit the agenda and get to your next session. RE Barcamp sessions are for the most part, led or moderated by your peers.  BarCamp is what you make of it so if there is a topic you want to learn more about, suggest the topic be added to the agenda (via the form on the event website) to facilitate a discussion about what you are interested in. Is there something going on in the real estate community that has nothing to do with social media?  That’s great! See any of the event organizers at the registration desk to request the topic be added to the agenda. Re BarCamp is what you make of it.
6. Be willing to share and participate. BarCamp is about active participation from the attendees. The best learning takes place the more people get involved and share their knowledge. BarCamp is designed to facilitate open conversations. It isn’t about speakers, or sponsors, giving a presentation — it is about someone taking the lead to say “let’s talk about this”. Be willing to share and participate if you have some insight into the topic.  If you don’t have insight, bring a question or two.  Take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that will no doubt be in the room.
7. Vote with your feet. BarCamps have one rule and that is the Rule of Two Feet. The Rule of Two Feet says you can leave any presentation at any time or walk in on another one at any time. If you find you do not resonate with the presentation or it is not relevant to you; don’t stay.  It is the best way to maximum your time for what is important to you.
8. No selling. In keeping with the culture of RE BarCamp, sessions are intended to be a conversation, not a presentation or a sales pitch.  If you are facilitating a topic, this is not an opportunity to pitch products or services or grandstand.  DON’T SELL!
9. Take notes. Try to keep your note taking (there will be a lot) organized.  You will want to try to grab three (no more) ideas that you can implement.  There is nothing worse than getting 20 ideas and implementing none. Publish your notes on the web – at your blog, on the BarCamp Facebook Page or submit a blog post to barcampindiana.com.
10. Find and follow. If you find a speaker or contributor that seems worth knowing, grab their Twitter ID (on their name badge) and/or find them on Facebook.
11. Things to remember. Come with plenty of business cards, a digital camera, flip video and a laptop if you would like to follow along with any of the session leaders.
12. Stay late. Wrap up BarCamp with complimentary cocktails and time with colleagues at the Five O'Clock Somewhere reception.  The party will be at the Marriott Hotel so there will be no need to pay for additional parking or leave the hotel.  The reception will also serve as a celebration to kickoff the Indiana Chapter of the Young Professionals Network (YPN).  Tables will be reserved for new members to brainstorm upcoming YPN events.
13. Thank our sponsors. Help us thank the following sponsors who have committed to making BarCamp Indiana a success:  Meridian Title, Estridge, Campus Homes Online, Realty Wholesale Carpet, Diverse Solutions and Nationwide Insurance.

BarCamp is where the highly techy Realtors and social media guru’s hang out.  RE Barcamps give you a venue to learn, careate and share new and innovative ideas. There is so much knowledge there and they are willing to share.  Come in casual clothes and be ready to learn!