What I learned at BarCampDC 2007

It is simple – the Washington, D.C. area is full of some of the brightest and most talented people in this industry. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, there is “Untapped Creative Talent in Washington DC“. It was such an amazing experience to be surrounded by such passionate and like-minded designers and developers. Events like this really make you remember what drives this community; passion.

After about ten or so beers into the night when Alex and I were ranting and raving, we came to a conclusion – what really makes this group so amazing is one thing; “passion”. We come to together on a Saturday; not for money, fame or business networking opportunities – we come together to share and learn about what we love to do. We all share one very interesting trait – we happen to work in an industry where what we do for a living happens to be something we love to do very much. Most of us probably find it hard to make the distinction between career and hobby – where does it start and stop? Perhaps that is why we are notorious for working late into the night to finish-up a project.

It really motivates and inspirers me when I see such an abundance of ambitious talent and creativity in one space – especially in my own backyard. The point at which I knew something amazing was happening was when I saw the flurry of people wanting to speak. I had a few topics of interest I wanted to speak on – but something seemed wrong to take away an opportunity that someone else so clearly wanted. Not only was there a line of passionate speakers, but within every session Alex and I attended, there was a room full of passionate listeners eagerly awaiting a chance to learn or contribute. For everyone that wanted to speak and didn’t get the opportunity, or for those who are now inspired to speak on a topic of interest to them, I look forward to hearing what you’ve got to say; perhaps at the next Refresh DC meeting.

It goes without saying that our hats are off to all those organizers, sponsors and participants that really made BarCampDC a success. The J’s and company (Jason, Justin, Jackson) know they did an amazing job and I will continue to praise them – but I’d like to throw out one unconventional thank you into the mix. A thank you to the participants – the passion driven designers and developers that spawn and ignite the creativity that keeps us all so energized about this industry. Thank you to everyone that came out – it is you who makes BarCampDC worth attending.