What is an “unconference” and why use this format?

An unconference is a participant-driven conference where the attendees post what they would like to present or discuss on a community board with allocated time and room blocks.  Once the schedule has been assembled, the conference commences with participants selecting what talks they wish to attend.

The unconference format avoids high conference fees, participant exclusion, and sponsored presentations. BIL has opted for this format to ensure that anyone can participate, that no single agenda or point of view takes precedent and that the environment provides a participatory platform in which to share and engage.

Furthermore, because the talks are recorded as videos and published online, the conference has an impact far beyond its walls, and the speakers, attendees, and facility enjoy publicity that lasts long past the event itself.