• conferences
• digital humanities
• new media
• unconferences

Over the past few years, the Center for History and New Media has been helping to organize a series of "unconferences" called THATCamp ("The Humanities and Technology Camp.") These unconferences are based on the idea that some of the most productive work of conferences happens in the hallways and in more informal gatherings. With this in mind THATCamp is based on conversations and not the delivery of papers. They are "lightweight" and are paid for, in part, by attendee donations.

The structure of the conference is decided when everyone arrives, and applications do not include a paper proposal. Instead, applicants explain why they want to attend and explain current projects on which they might like to collaborate. In addition, some THATCamps include a "Bootcamp," which is a series of workshops that teach concrete tools or skills. These workshops are designed for beginners, and the hope is that attendees leave with something new to tinker with. THATCamp Chicago is planning a Bootcamp that may include workshops on Processing and Omeka.

I am currently helping to organize THATCamp Chicago, and I urge anyone with any level of interest in "the digital" or "the humanities" to apply. I think this is an exciting model for conferences, and I'm looking forward to being a part of THATCamp Chicago.

• Jim Brown's blog