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The Belfast tech community got together on Saturday for another one of the increasingly frequent local tech events. Of course this one was open to all creative-types, being called CreativeCamp gives that away a little, unfortunately though, there is still some work to be done to show the other creative industries how useful open events such as this can be.
Music, film, crafts, design, photography, fashion, performance etc etc. That’s not to say that what did take place was not good. Each of the talks that I listened in on were very interesting, such as Davymac’s talk on GTD (Getting Things Done), and David Braziel’s talk on employing creative people and being creative in the workplace.
Of course the weekend actually started with a pre-creativecamp drinks on Friday night at Bar Twelve on Botanic Avenue. Unfortunately most were not able to make it, though Damien, his friend Peter, Alexia, Andy and myself were there for a few drinks and laughs and talk of stats.
Back at CreativeCamp, held in Blick Studio, which wasn’t the most suitable place for such an event, thankfully not all 90+ people who registered turned up otherwise space may have become an issue.
As per such an event, registration was taken in the morning and those who were speaking were given a time, although running over time can be an issue, and may have to be restricted. A little chess timer?
There were many there who I had met before, and plenty who I hadn’t, and so I left with a few more blogs to read, and of course plenty of inspiration. One of the most inspiring talks was that by Rich Dale of Escape Act, or rather started by Rich, and involving many from the audience who had opinions or were in some way involved in local music. This topic also continued to the bar later and plans may be hatched in the future to show local musicians and those around them how beneficial such an event can be and what can be gained through collaborating ideas.
During one of the talks a panel discussion took place between some bloggers, and non-bloggers, including Grannymar, Richard Hearn, Alexia, Nick, Damien, Sharon, Mary Rose and others.
David Sims very quickly got a podcast of the day online, and Matt raises interesting points as to how these events can be further improved upon.
Next Belfast tech gathering: TechLudd on 24th September.
This Saturday the first Creative Camp Belfast takes place at Blick Shared Studios (beware, your browser may resize and ears exposed to annoying bell sounds).
CreativeCamp is a self-organised “unconference” - made up of open, participatory workshop-events where the participants are responsible for setting the agenda, deciding on topics and generating the content. CreativeCamp Belfast brings together technology and creative enthusiasts who want to make things happen with web, mobile, open source, new media, music and design.
The event is free to attend - food, drinks, projectors & wifi will all be made available. More information on the workshops, discussions, talks and portfolio presentations will emerge as people sign-up to take part.
So far 75 people have registered to attend and of those 18 people have promised talks. All of the planned talks sounds very interesting with topics such as music licensing and sustaining NI music scene, co-working, raising cash, micro-short filmmaking, future/current music industry models, etc.
Saturday 6th September
Blick Shared Studios
51 Malone Road, Belfast (map)