There’s no question that I felt a lot of anxiety in having possibly two hundred people show up for a BarCamp event without a “well structured agenda”. Nearly the entire event was created by using a variety of social media tools, our fearless unorganizer, Andy Kaufman led the charge into creating an unprecedented event for Real Estate professionals. The black pearl from REBarCamp is letting go of control and operating without hierarchy can work to generate progressive brainstorming. The many volunteers and attendees should be real proud of themselves for putting on what was probably the most unique event Real Estate Technology has ever seen. I wished I had more time to parse some of the data I know that’s being posted to the web right now, but I’m working on transacting 3 of the most challenging deals I’ve had in two years.
The videos below give a post wrap up perspective by a few of the Campers.
Mike price of ML Broadcast chimes in for substance and structure.
Daniel Rothamel who’s “not big on circles” say’s we hit a home run.
Todd Carpenter and BarCamp mastermind Andy Kaufman managed to even get some value despite all the cat herding.
David Gibbons of Zillow, which sponsored Beer for Bloggers downstairs after the event, shares what a vet of social media learned and I think my “Greg Swann” sneaks out as I give the Cafe Du Nord a mention. This of course, was recorded after my first celebratory pint of Racer Ale.
Many thanks to all of the amazing sponsors, volunteers, and participants for making this happen. I’m looking forward to gathering some more feedback as it comes in.
Jeff Brown says:
Had zero zip nada expectations, and came away with far more than I ever imagined. For a free event, even for an expensive conference, barcamp proved itself to me big time.
Not only the in depth info on so many topics, but the quality of folks attending. Pretty impressive. I felt like the decision to attend was the luckiest ‘OK I’ll go’ choice so far this year.
Heck, even the box lunches rocked. 🙂
July 24, 2008 — 2:21 pm
David G from Zillow.com says:
Ditto what Jeff said. Biggest and most pleasant surprise of the year for me too.
Brad – Next time, I’m getting you a ladder. That up-the-nostrils angle does nothing for me. 😉
July 24, 2008 — 2:42 pm
Steve Jagger - Ubertor says:
Great event. I had a great time and really enjoyed the lack of agent. It was a great day.
Good work and look forward to the next one.
July 24, 2008 — 2:44 pm
Teri Lussier says:
Congrats to everyone on a successful event!
July 24, 2008 — 8:13 pm
Nick Bastian says:
Brad, this was indeed a great event. Expectations were absolutely blown away as you guys pulled off a day of social interaction that would be hard to beat… Can’t wait for the next one!
July 26, 2008 — 7:34 am
Mike Price says:
Look for an announcement on REBarcamp Texas very soon! Thanks Brad and every one else that worked so hard to make the event a big success.
July 26, 2008 — 9:26 pm
Bill Lublin says:
Brad; Got there late in the day and only got to a couple of the sessions, and of course made the Beer for Bloggers event- But what I saw and the people I got to speak to in the real world (yourself included) were by themselves a terrific experience. Now I look at Mike Price’s comment and I’m going to have to go to Texas? Oh well, air miles are air miles! 😉
July 26, 2008 — 9:47 pm
Mike Mueller says:
I’m still raving about it. Just needs to last longer. Maybe a month long BarCamp?
Good job and thank you to all those that put so much effort into making it happen.
July 26, 2008 — 9:50 pm
Nick Bastian says:
Yee haw! Give us the scoop, Mike! 🙂
July 26, 2008 — 9:50 pm
Roberta Murphy says:
Brad: It is lovely irony that a 19th Century location (with 3 power outlets) held this tech-savvy bar camp.
It was a powerful meeting–and deepest thanks to our hosts and sponsors. They all rock!
July 26, 2008 — 10:35 pm
Mark Eckenrode says:
an event that had no agenda, no precedent, and no “real” organization… and 200 people showed up? freakin incredible. truly these are early-adopters, progressive thinkers, and the visionaries that will be pushing the industry forward, without a doubt. gawd, i love me some Guerrillas 😉
big ups to the masterminds that conceived the event, and the enlightened minds that made the journey
BTW, Zebra and ReelSeekr rocked the house with their surprise gifts… i’ve shown mine to everyone who will pay attention to me 😉
July 26, 2008 — 11:35 pm
Jeff Brown says:
Mark — Went into my neighborhood Starbucks Thursday. Handed them my trading card, and they comped me on the coffee. So far, so good.
July 27, 2008 — 12:09 am
Mike Price says:
We really need to give major kudos to Zillow for hosting beer with bloggers right next to the REBC location. They would have had a huge turnout for that anywhere they located it, but they chose to support our efforts and I think that speaks to their commitment to working within the RE.net. Drew, Dave and everyone else at Zillow, You Guys Rock!
July 27, 2008 — 9:35 am
daniel martin says:
righteous event! Look for RE BarCamp Denver coming late November – already got the location!
July 27, 2008 — 6:43 pm
Heather Elias says:
Would have loved to have gotten to REBarCamp earlier in the day, but even being there for most of the afternoon was fantastic. Loved the mix of folks that were there, and the energy and excitement. Most looking forward to the next one. Thanks so much!!!!
July 28, 2008 — 5:23 am
Brad Coy says:
Jeff – You get what you give. Thanks for bringing it.
David – I have the preliminary wish list for 2009 and a mike boom and a step ladder are already on there.
Steve – We’d talked briefly once on the phone and it sounded unlikely you’re going to make it to SF. So glad you made the trip down. Great meeting you.
Teri and everyone else watching along – Thanks for your continued support and inspiration. It’s incredible to see what happens when you put an idea like this to work and have people show up and really blow you away with what they have to share. There are many voices out there in Real Estate that don’t blog or care to and have lot’s of great proven methods to share. Build a forum and provide permission to speak up. This blog is catalyst for that whole premise — take that spirit offline.
July 29, 2008 — 12:52 am
Brad Coy says:
Nick – Thank you sir for your participation. Great to see you again.
Mike Price and Daniel Martin – Keep blazing the trail. This event only sets the pace.
Roberta – Funny how silly little things like power are always looked over. We must have been caught in the architecture to fuss over such details. The lesson learned after a couple of events is “shwag” might want to be handed out in the form of Corporate branded power strips next time. Great to meet you.
Mark – We had many in attendance like you and Jeff Brown who came to the city exclusively for REBarCamp (not overlooked.) This could have easily been passed over by a lot of people, instead we had a variety of participants from inside and out of our industry join in. Special thanks my friends.
Bill and Heather – For some reason (they say fog) a lot of flights were delayed. We ended up having to have someone man the door all day long. So glad you both ventured up Market St. to join us.
It looks like beyond SF, REbarCamp has some wings. Let it fly, just keep the spirit alive. The t-shirts, trading cards, stickers, and even free lunches are very cool things but they don’t amount to squat unless folks are going to bring their A-game and participate. We had the best of both worlds here with unexpectedly outstanding results. I have asked a few people who participated in sessions to give specific results to share in a later post. Maybe that’s something I can get put together soon.
July 29, 2008 — 1:26 am