Belfast Open Data Camp: what a positive experience
The most recent Open Data Camp UK was held in Belfast this weekend. As an OD Camp newbie, I’d heard about it from much experienced campers Ric Roberts and Bill Roberts (or the ‘Linked Data Kings’ as someone described them to me on Saturday) but didn’t really know what to expect. So here are a few of my impressions, which I hope will be useful in encouraging you to come along to the next one if you’re reading this and have never been.
Infectious energy and enthusiasm
This was a weekend. And not just any weekend, a weekend at the start of half term. So when people give up their free time and show up as supercharged as this on a Saturday it’s infectious. I didn’t meet one person who wasn’t genuinely interested in data, which was awesome.
A welcoming environment …
I was new to all this and didn’t know lots of people there before I went. But the unconference style of the camp led itself to a huge range of pitches so I steeled myself, pitched a session and was fortunate enough to lead one of the first sessions up. And I’m so glad I did! We had a really good discussion on the different roles, skills, dependencies and blockers involved in getting the most value of out data as possible (a spin off idea from Ric’s data value chain post). So a BIG thanks to the group of engaged, insightful, experienced bunch of people who came to it.
Inspiring People, Stories and Expertise
The range of pitches, and sessions, was huge. From open data platform ‘fight club’ to open data horror stories , the ideas kept coming and the pace was great. On a personal note, I was particularly engaged by listening to Edafe Onerhime, Angharad Stone, Sian Thomas, Suzanne McLaughlin and the considered, enthusiastic stuff they had to say. But that really was just the tip of the iceberg. To catch up on all the pitches and sessions, head to the OD Camp homepage.
A well organised and well-fuelled event
A lot goes into running events like this and the pace of the day was really well thought out. A welcoming, explanatory session set an inclusive tone for the day ahead and there was a high level of involvement from everyone: organisers, people who pitched and led sessions and people who showed up and contributed to sessions. And, personally speaking, the cake was a needed injection of sugar to keep energy levels up so thanks for that.
People at an Open Data UK Camp really care about data and are happy to share, debate and learn from others. So if you’re wondering whether to give up a day or so of your weekend for the next one, I’d recommend it.
Swirrl have been sponsors of Open Data Camp since it first started out in February 2015.
