Top ten things to know about TCamp

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Greetings TCamper!

We are excited that you are coming to TransparencyCamp this weekend! Here are all the ten things you need to know to be a savvy camper. If you want to know more, head to our website: TransparencyCamp.org.

If you are not one of the 620 people that purchased tickets this year, we will have a streaming google hangout at: http://snlg.ht/tcamp2013hangout. Streaming begins at 10am and will continue at least to 11 each day.

1.  When is TCamp ?

  • Saturday and Sunday, May 4th – 5th
  • Registration begins at 9AM on Saturday.
  • Conference starts at 10AM — sharp! — each day.

2. Where is TransparencyCamp?

         The Marvin Center – 3rd floor

         The George Washington University

         800 21st Street NW

         Washington, DC 20052

  • Closest Metro is Foggy Bottom on the Blue and Orange lines. Check our website for more transportation options.

  • There will be weekend track work on May 4-5 at the end of the red line. Busses will replace trains at: Takoma, Silver Spring, Forest Glen and Wheaton.
  • On May 4, there will be track work on the end of the green line. Busses will replace trains at:  Southern Ave, Naylor Road, Suitland, Branch Ave.
  • Visit the Metro website to learn about track work and travel options.

Here is a map that will take you from the Foggy Bottom metro to TCamp and then to our Saturday night happy hour @ McFaddens. (Map link: http://bit.ly/11FHm0Q)

View George Washington University in a larger map

3. Other activities/parties/good times around TCamp:

  • FRIDAY, MAY 3,

    • Open Gov Hub Open House– From 9 to 5 Friday, May 3, visit OpenGov Hub for their Open House.

    • Mapbox Happy Hour- Sign up here for the community kickoff to Transparency Camp Friday May 3, 6:30 at the Mapbox garage.

  • SATURDAY, MAY 4,

    • Open Gov Sandbox- This is an opportunity for attendees to get feedback on their contributor guide documentation and learn best practices in attracting new contributors to their project. Featuring volunteers from OpenHatch, Sunlight, and others.

    • Look for the booths on the 3rd floor of the Marvin Center during TCamp.

    • Sunlight Happy Hour- After a long first day of TCamp, unwind with your fellow campers at McFaddens, located at 2401 Pennsylvania Ave NW. Arrive at 6pm for lite fare and drink specials.

  • MONDAY, MAY 7,Look for the booths on the 3rd floor of the Marvin Center during TCamp.
    • Citizen Advocacy Day – Sign up here if you would like to visit your member of Congress and speak to them about transparency. Your voice makes a difference!

      Photo source: Wikipedia Photo source: Wikipedia

 4. How does the schedule work?

  • The morning starts with some lightning talks and highlights, but the rest of the schedule will be set by you!

  • Once we get going on Saturday, you can submit sessions via your laptop or smartphone at TransparencyCamp.org. We will have a few extra computers on hand, so don’t worry if you don’t have an internet-enabled device.

  • To see the schedule (once live), head to “The Wall” or check out our schedule page: http://transparencycamp.org/schedule/2013/

  • You can also get the schedule via SMS on your phone. Text “?” to 202-817-CAMP (that is 202-817-2267) to get started.

5. Will there be food?

  • We serve coffee, light breakfast and an awesome food truck lunch on both Saturday and Sunday. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options will be available for lunch.

6. What should I bring?

  • You do not need to print your ticket, just remember your name!

  • A bottle of water and chargers for your electronics are good ideas.

  • If you’re planning to use a projector during a presentation, please bring your own adaptor. Every room will have a projector, but we can’t promise we’ll have the right adapters for your computer.

  • A sunny attitude!

7. Should I tweet/post/write about TransparencyCamp?

  • Absolutely! Use #TCamp13

  • Questions? Tweet @TCampDC.

8. Will there be Internet?

  • Yes.

9. What should I wear?

  • Anything that makes you feel comfortable! TCamp is a come-as-you-are environment. If that means jeans, sandals, ties or pearls to you, then so be it. Most people dress casually.

10. Still have questions?

  • Check out http://transparencycamp.org/ for what you seek or, during Camp, feel free to talk to anyone wearing a “Camp Counselor” t-shirt, hit up the Information Desk, or tweet your question to @TCampDC.

Look forward to seeing you on Saturday either in person or online — and a special thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event awesome:

Google.org, The George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs, GaggleAMP, Governing, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Eventbrite, Granicus, Watchdog.org, The Original U.S. Congress Handbook, New Organizing Institute, Open Hatch, Forum One Communications and Github!

Rock on,

Lindsay, Laurenellen and Team TCamp