Hello everyone, it’s been a long time and I hope you are all well. I just thought I’d take a moment today to talk about a topic that’s close to my heart. Many moons ago I helped launch an event called Camp Ogg. A 2 days Open source And Free culture Barcamp here in the UK. The last one was in 2019, when I officially retired from the organization, but was hoping new people would take over. There was strong interest. Indeed, there were even plans to have an OggCamp in 2020, but we all know what happened that year. The global pandemic put an end to that. Don’t worry, there is good news, after 5 years of waiting is over, OggCamp is back in 2024!!
First, I better confess here. I am very late to post this. It’s less than a month away as we speak. There have been many previous announcements and I am not announcing any new ones here. I just thought I’d better share the details again.
Camp Ogg 24 – October 12 to 13, 2024 to the Pendulum Hotel and Conference Centre, Manchester
It is an ideal location right in the heart of Manchester city centre, surrounded by amenities and good transport links. Tickets are available now, there is a suggested price as well as a “pay what you can” option to keep the show accessible to everyone. There’s still time to book and plan your trip, but you’d better do it soon. I actually only booked my hotel room locally today and there are plenty of alternative places to stay nearby if you need them.
I am NOT one of the organizers this time, I handed in my badge and gun (metaphorically speaking) in 2019 but there is a brilliant team behind the event. I will be there as a participant and I am excited to experience things this way for the first time.
If you’ve never been to an OggCamp and are wondering what it’s all about, I can tell you it’s a lot of fun and you won’t regret it. The crowd is friendly and there is plenty to see and do with a scheduled speaker track and all the Barcamp talks too. Anyone can present a speech, so you can even get in on the action yourself if you feel like it. There is an exhibition hall, relaxation areas, games to play and finally, there are all the major social events too. There are usually pre-event drinks and socializing at the hotel bar on Friday evening, as well as a party on Saturday evening for all to enjoy. If you’re not sure if you want to come, I encourage you to try.
See the OggCamp website for all important information and links. Who knows, maybe I’ll have the opportunity to see you there and meet you in person. I hope so !
Goodbye for now,
And