BarCamp Philly = AWESOME

When I signed on to help plan BarCamp Philly this past summer, I couldn't have possibly known the huge impact it would have on my life.  I've been talking about this recap post to friends, and realizing that there's not much more I can say about how great the event actually went (it was AWESOME) because I have already said it all on the BarCamp Philly blog.  What I did want to write about was how I went into this event as one person and came out another. 

I've always considered myself very much of a team player, someone who likes to collaborate, build something together, stay behind the scenes.  I am still that person, but in doing BarCamp, I had the opportunity to take a greater responsibility for the outcome by being a leader of the project (I shared that role with JP Toto, who thankfully let me run wild with all of my crazy ideas and plans).  I hope it doesn't sound like I am tooting my own horn here, but for the last month, almost every minute of every day was consumed with a persistent thought, "What can I do to make this event completely AWESOME?"  I hope that came across to people who attended.

So how am I different? I guess because I saw a shred of what I am capable of.  Those of you that know me well, hopefully think of me as your biggest cheerleader, always trying to be supportive of your projects and endeavors.  I'll do anything to help my friends become aware of their potential, and I'm not afraid to place my foot firmly in your a$$ to remind you of the path to happiness that lies before you.  I don't always believe in myself enough, however, and this event served as one of those reminders to JUST EFFING DO IT.  And now, on the other side of things, I'm ready to DO a lot more. So watch out.

BarCamp really is about community and we couldn't possibly have gotten anywhere without the help of all of the superb volunteers and of course all of the people who attended this user-driven event.

I am especially grateful to my dear friend Geoff DiMasi for believing in me and always encouraging me to swim in deeper waters. I'd also like to thank the amazing Kelani Nichole for working side by side with me on so many aspects of the event, from shirts to signs to incredible superpowers (possessing them, that is).  To Matt Knell, for not only rallying the NYC crew, but for constantly brimming with enthusiasm towards BarCamp Philly, every step of the way.

To Gloria Bell and Melissa Thiessen, who signed every single person into BarCamp and completely held down the fort while we ran around attending sessions and managing the event. To Dave Konopka for offering indispensable WordPress knowledge and firing up the BarCamp Philly wiki. To Marion Summerville, for assembling the most beautiful grid of index cards for the analog schedule. To Carl Leiby for creating the famous digital schedule (which is now open source for all future BarCamps). To Arpit Murtha, Jim Cavanagh and Aaron Held for providing and designing video content for the 13th floor lobby.  To Kendall Schoenrock and Carsten Petzold of LTLprints.com for donating stickers for our sponsor wall. To Dana Vachon and Katie Regenye for baking us the most delicious Open Source Cupcakes.  To the CIM crew for representing in force, and for offering a helping hand wherever possible.

To UArts for donating a dynamic and inspirational environment for learning and sharing. To Indy Hall for letting us host several planning meetings and for being a major catalyst in the Philly tech community. To P'unk Ave, home of the Junto, for hosting a welcoming pre-party on Friday night. To National Mechanics for letting us throw it down like rockstars (complete with RockBand) and for chipping in a massive amount towards our rapidly diminishing bar tab.

To all of our generous sponsors for contributing to the costs associated with BarCamp Philly.  To all of the speakers, who brought knowledge and passion to each of their sessions. To all of the attendees who came with an open mind and a positive attitude. 

And finally, to all of the new friends I have made as a result of this event. I'm thrilled to know you all and look forward to many interesting collaborations and enjoyable moments in the future.

Thank you EVERYONE for making BarCamp Philly AWESOME.

Comments

[Livia Labate]

It's true, you ARE AWESOME! you DID AWESOME! it WAS AWESOME!

Thank you so much for putting all that effort into making it a reality. Kudos.

[Brad Leclerc]

Awesome pretty much covers it. Yup. 100% pure awesome with a side order of w00t w00t.

I had a great time, even though I got there a little late (thanks a lot Philly traffic! pfft). It was nice meeting some interesting people, even though I tend to be the quiet dude of the bunch...I really should just get drunk before something like that I guess...maybe next time :P

[Jeremy Mandle]

Gracias @StellarGirl, @jtoto, @lifelikeweeds, @mknell, @carlism, @et al. involved in coaching, sponsoring, and ultimately unleashing the @BarCampPhilly tidal wave. Moments before receiving the much anticipated tweet from you regarding this post I was working on a project born out of the knowledge shared and now collaborative friendships forged at BarCampPhilly.
(aside) of course I'm doing way to many things, on too many 'puters to really know what I was doing just before I got the tweet... and I know you know what I mean.
(end of rambling aside).
I too have been changed, enriched, and kicked in the arse by BarCampPhilly. Looking forward to many more, and many events and interactions in b/w.

[lauren galanter]

Great post, Roz! I know how you feel about being hesitant to be a leader. I gained some confidence myself doing my session at BarCamp - I think it was a growth experience for a lot of people in that way. You and JP totally pwned! Philly is better for BarCamp having happened. I think the energy it created will inspire people for a while to do more.

[Matthew Knell]

As a representative of the NYC crew who never felt anything less than welcomed, and felt immediately at home in Philadelphia, thank you Roz for all you did. I can honestly say it was one of the most amazing days I've ever had, and you and the BarCamp crew did more than make it awesome. You made it legendary, and a catalyst to a new age of amazing things to come out of the amazing people in Philly.

I can't wait to come back, and be a part of BarCampPhilly2, and we can't wait to see y'all in NY really soon. ;)

[Colin Devroe]

I tried to make it. Really, I did. But I was sick. I guess I'll just have to try again. ;( Glad it turned out well.

[Pete Prodoehl]

I love this post, and I wish I could have been there at BarCampPhilly with you. Congrats on making it happen. :)