Monday, July 12, 2010

Announcing Salt Lake City SkeptiCamp 2010

It's time for the first Salt Lake City SkeptiCamp!

What the hell is SkeptiCamp?
SkeptiCamp is an "unconference" based on the BarCamp model of user-generated conferences. That means everything at Salt Lake City Skepticamp will be provided by you, the attendees. That includes the talks and presentations, the venue, food and refreshments, and maybe extras like t-shirts or whatever else you can come up with.

Huh? You want me to what now?
It's not as scary as it sounds. Do you have expertise in a topic you want to talk about? Or, do you have an interest in something and want to challenge yourself with researching or investigating it? Well, now's your chance to do it and show what you've got in an informal event. There's no panel to "approve" your talk. Just go to the Salt Lake City SkeptiCamp 2010 wiki page and add your topic to the list (or email me and I'll add it for you, porlob {at} gmail).

What topics are available to present on?
Whatever you like. As long as it's vaguely related to skepticism or science, it's fair game. Topics with a local bent are particularly welcome, but not required.

What if I don't want to present?
That's perfectly fine. There are plenty of other ways you can help. The idea is to keep Skepticamp costs as close to $0 as possible, so you can help by arranging for a location (back room of a restaurant, conference room at a library, university classroom), lending a projector, providing simple refreshments, marketing the event, doing A/V stuff, making t-shirts, or finding "sponsors" wiling to provide some of those things.

Okay. I can do that. How much will it cost to attend?
$0. Help provide content or support as noted above if you can instead.

When is it? And where?
Saturday, October 16 for now. Though that date is subject to revision based on participant input. Where? Don't know yet. That's up to you!

Do I have to be an active member of Salt City Skeptics to participate?
Absolutely not! In fact, new people are encouraged to present.

What now?
Head over to the SkeptiCamp SLC wiki page, and join in the discussion at the Talk page or add your comments to this post. Check out the "Organizing a SkeptiCamp" article at the SkeptiCamp wiki for ideas and thoughts.
Other resources:
Remember: this isn't just an event that you're attending, it's your event. Help make it what you want it to be!

New events!

Hey all. It's been quiet around here lately. But we're gearing up to get some new events going.

Joining me on the Salt City Skeptics organizing team are now Rachel and Amanda. If you haven't yet met either of them, introduce yourself at an upcoming event.

Speaking of upcoming events, we're restarting consistent monthly Drinking Skeptically events, new night and location, the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Beerhive (128 South Main Street), 7:00. The next DS will be August 10. See you there!

Which brings me to Skepticamp. But Skepticamp deserves it's own post, so with no further ado...