Drupal Camp Vancouver

{NOTE: This wrap-up post was emailed to the Drupal Camp Vancouver attendees and cross-posted at Vancouver Drupal Group for posterity and community sharing goddness - daveo}

THANKS MUCHO

We're a few days past Drupal Camp Vancouver and we, Dave, Dale and Ariane your earnest organizers, want to say "Thanks!" to everyone who sponsored, volunteered, presented, and otherwise helped out to make DCV08 a enjoyable and beneficial event. The vibe and the knowledge sharing resulted in some outstanding collaboration and compelling networking for sure.

As for me, I wanted three things for DCV08: 1) eco-friendly t-shirts; 2) a party with free beer; and 3) to fly up Dmitri the 12-year old Drupalist for the event. While the special guest didn't happen, the success of the Fearless City code sprint (http://www.drupalcampvancouver.org/node/81) made up for it. I feel leaving a legacy of volunteer-ism and activism using open source software is an important precedent to set. So as Meatloaf is wont to sing, "Two outta three ain't bad."

WHAT'D YA THINK?

I briefly considered sending out an "exit survey" to gauge opinions and help plan for next year, however the reality of other job tasks got in the way. Instead, please blog about what worked for you. What didn't fly? Highlights? Disappointments? Suggestions? Motivations? Don't keep 'em inside! Share your opinion on any related topic (venues, food, talks, etc.) for the collective benefit. Tag your posts "dcv08" or "drupalcampvancouver" to maximum handiness.

The Drupal community proved, once again, it has heart!

Drupal Camp Vancouver brought together sponsorship from Building Opportunities with Business, stewardship from the Fearless Project (Fearless City), and knowledge/energy/expertise from Drupal Camp Vancouver attendees in an evening that was part code sprint, part barn raising. And there were even door prizes provided by VONIC and FreeTheNet.ca.

Under the leadership of Scott Nelson, Drupal Campers geeked for good at Delicados on Friday evening after Drupal Camp presentations. Scott reported the next day that this work took the site from alpha to beta as well as providing some great ideas around ongoing project management and site operation. We can't wait to see the changes moved from dev to production.

Here's an account of the evening from Lorraine Murphy, aka raincoaster, a local blogger and Fearless Project blogging coach:

So, and it may be superfluous to announce, I'm from the Downtown EastSide. And the Downtown EastSide, as you may or may not know, is one of the most artistic, yet most fatal, regions of the country and even, if you are large-minded, the world. And the Code Sprint, which event this is, is designed to use the brainpower of people who are not in the Fearless City demographic, to help people in the Fearless City Demographic.

After a short intro by Scott, the techie leader, and Stephen, the design side leader, and Irwin, the project leader, we split into rough and amorphous groups along the useability/code geek lines, although it turns out there's a great deal of overlap of which it seems that I alone am aware and thus I keep it to myself lest it complicate things.

PROGRESS!

Did you miss Drupal Camp, a presentation you wanted to see, or discover that your notes missed some important detail?

Many of our presenters have made their slides and examples available on the net. We've created a Presenter's Notes page to track them in a single, convenient place.

Scott Nelson/Google Maps Integration photo by heyrocker on Flickr.

Tonight is the night for the Drupal Camp Vancouver Kick-off Party! As mentioned in the attendee email, all registered DCV'ers receive a ticket for a free drink (beer, wine, cocktail)! To score your ticket, find me (Daveo) near the door {I'll wear a hat with my name on it like in the photo clue above.}

Non-registrants are invited to attend but probably won't get a free drink (unless they have a really good story) BUT we can all enjoy camaraderie while snacking on tasty appies starting at 7PM.

Here's the menu to get ya drooling

• Vegetable spring roll
• Phyllo prawns
• Baked Saffron Oysters
• Yam Fries
• Smoked Salmon Crostini

See ya there at 7PM! and be sure to look for the magic hat of drink ticket goodness.

Photo of DaveO at SXSW by Bre Pettis on Flickr.
Photo of Flux bistro by Roland on flickr.

Fearless City is sponsoring a Drupal Camp code sprint starting at 6pm, right after Drupal Camp on Friday. It's conveniently located at the Delicados Café which is in the same block as the Wosk Centre. Don't worry about trying to catch a bite to eat before you get there, food is provided (though you're on the hook for your own drinks).

Come and "jam" with fellow creatives, both technical and non-technical, from 6pm to 9pm. There's activities for right and left brainers, er, themers and coders, alike! The plan is for coders to focus on methods for adding mobile content and themers to focus on the creation of a mobile-friendly black-on-white theme. Don't worry about your skill level, everyone can participate.

The Fearless Media Project facilitates community participation in the creation of media and community dialogue on issues relevant to people in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) of Vancouver.

For more information, contact Steve Nelson.

Saying No is lame - As Dale pointed out the other day, Drupal Camp Vancouver is sold out, in fact we are beyond sold out. Your humble organizers were a bit surprised at how fast the 90 slots filled up. We've added a few more spaces for sponsors and volunteers bringing the total up to capacity.

This means we've had to tell some people "NO" which frankly sucks since everyone should be able to attend but really, the space is maxxed out despite the interest.

Not Registered? Come party anyhow! So, if you missed the sign-up ... what can we tell ya? Who knew. To make it up to the folks whom cannot squeeze in, please come down to the DCV kick off party to mingle (and gripe) with us. If you find me (daveo) and use the code word "Belgium" you might get a free beer to assuage your lament.

Can't Make it to DCV?
Last minute cancellation? Please let us know so we can add folks who are eagerly and patiently sequestered on the waiting list.

Wanna get on the list?
To be honest, your chances are pretty slim but to give hope in this moment of despair, please send your name, etc. via the contact form.

Three Free Beers photo by matason on Flickr

Several of the Drupal Camp Vancouver Sponsors are hiring web developers, themers, programmers etc. You can see an (developing) list at the DCV Job Board.

You'll also notice a few companies who will host tables the DCV Job Fair at the Wosk Centre on Friday during the Lunchtime break. Bring your resume and your best smile and go home with a fancy new job!

Note: any other sponsors seeking a notice or a table at the job fair, please submit via the contact form.

Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, the DrupalCamp kick-off party is a go! The venue is Flux Bistro in Gastown and kicks off at 7PM on Thursday May 8th.

What's more, each registrant receives a magic ticket for a free drink plus abundance of tasty canapes to nosh upon whilst chatting with your Drupal colleagues.

Addresses: 162 Water Street (Googlemap) - http://www.fluxbistro.com.

Be sure to say thanks and get to know the DVC Sponsors many of whom are hiring and exhibiting at the job fair Friday at Lunchtime.

After much deliberation and consternation, the Drupal Camp Vancovuer auditing committee met in semi-secrecy and crafted this stunning line-up for two packed days of edu-tainment. The three-track fiesta features an all-star line-up of Drupal gurus, pioneers, and experts from many facets of web development. You are the critical ingredient so bring your questions, politeness, and curiosity.

Here's the Drupal Camp Vancouver Sessions Schedule including links to each of the presenter's pitches and info.

It's a classic goods news/bad news scenario, we're now at capacity.

It's wonderful to see so much interest that we sold out before May. It's sad that we're not able to accommodate everyone who wants to come.