Why is it called BarCamp?

July 18th, 2007
[ Geek ]

I get asked a lot why it’s called DemoCamp/BarCamp etc. I have no clue and this may contain garbage but here’s how I understand it:

  1. Tim O’Reilly started an invitation only unconference titled FooCamp.
  2. People who weren’t invited but loved the concept decided to do it themselves and invite their friends. What’s the opposite of Foo? Hence the name became BarCamp.
  3. The Toronto BarCamp community felt the need for a lighter version of BarCamp and eventually created DemoCamp. The idea being a BarCamp style conference focussed on demonstrating projects people in the community are involved in.