SkeptiCamps are open, participatory events that focus on engaging people with scientific and skeptical thinking. We encourage each attendee to offer a short talk on a topic related to science or skepticism, but giving a talk is not required to participate. At the very least we ask that everyone be actively engaged, asking questions during the talks.

This page is the main informational and registration page for SLC SkeptiCamp 2010. This is an interactive document that you are encouraged to edit.

edit When and where is the event?

When: Saturday October 16th, 10:00am - 5:00pm (time subject to change as details solidify)
Where: To be determined, see the discussion page to add your thoughts or let us know you've got a good venue.

edit Participation

edit Register to attend!

This is the official sign-up page for this event. There is no cost to attend.

edit Instructions to register

We strongly encourage you to offer a talk, but you are not required to do so to participate. See the "Participate by giving a talk" section below for details on signing-up.
You're welcome to include details of your Twitter, Facebook, blog, podcast, etc. alongside your name.
Edit the list below to add your name.
Once you've added your name, please promote your participation in this event (in your blog, Twitter, Facebook, word-of-mouth, etc.) directing people to this page.
If you're not comfortable editing wiki markup, that's okay. Feel free to send your registration details to skepticampSLC@gmail.com and someone will make sure you're added.

edit Registered participants

To add your name (individuals only please!), email skepticampSLC@gmail.com, or simply click the 'edit' link to the right and add yourself to the end of the list.
Note: if you RSVP 'yes' on the Facebook or MeetUp event page, the organizers will be checking from time to time and adding your name (first name, last initial) to this list. 'Maybe' RSVPs will not be added here.

Patrick Orlob (lead organizer) - @porlob (twitter), Salt City Skeptics (blog)
Amanda Finlayson (co-organizer)
Rachel Anjeweirden(co-organizer) - @raychelthepixi (twitter)
Ryan Shaw (Science enthusiast, Sith lord) - @darthbender
Alex Griffin - @notthemarimba (twitter)
Stephanie Novak - @rebelgrrl (twitter)
Darrell Moore
Shaun R (via Facebook)
John O (via Facebook)
Richard R (via Facebook)
Corinne B (via Facebook)
David McKean
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here
Your name here

edit Participate by giving a talk

As SkeptiCamp is about sharing knowledge, we strongly encourage each participant to offer a short talk on a topic related to science or skepticism (though giving a talk is not required to participate.)

edit Instructions to sign-up to speak

This is an open event. Anyone is welcome to sign-up to offer a talk.
You choose your topic, but please provide a descriptive title.
IMPORTANT: ensure you have added your name under the Registered Participants above.
If you plan to offer a talk, indicate your name below along with your potential talk topic (if known)
Indicate a 15 or 30 minute time block.
Optional: Indicate whether you want your talk to happen "Early", "Middle" or "Late" in the day.
If you're not comfortable editing wiki markup, that's okay. Feel free to send your talk details to skepticampSLC@gmail.com and someone will make sure it's added.
More information about scheduling will be available once the venue/date/times are nailed down.

edit Registered talks

To add your talk click the 'edit' link to the right and add it to the end of the list.

Patrick Orlob - "Skepticism Basics: What it is and why it matters" - 30 minutes - early slot
Alex Griffin - "TBA" - length TBA - any slot
your name and descriptive talk title here
your name and descriptive talk title here
your name and descriptive talk title here
your name and descriptive talk title here

edit Participate by helping with resources & logistics

In addition to giving a talk, you're encouraged to help with logistics or resources. Below are a few examples of what you can provide, resources that we must have are in bold, while other items would be a great addition to the event. If you can provide a resource or logistical support, add it to the "registered support" section below.

Some support items you can provide include...

Digital projector
Securing a space for the event
Event A/V setup and support
Audio recording
Live-blogging
Podcasting
Simple refreshments (drinks, fruit, etc.)
Lunch
In-kind Sponsorships from local businesses (for food, t-shirts, etc.)
Event marketing and promotion
countless other ways - use your imagination!

edit Registered support

To add your talk click the 'edit' link to the right and add it to the end of the list. If you're providing multiple kinds of support, please list each individually.

lead event coordinator - Patrick Orlob
projector screen - Patrick Orlob
support item and your name here
support item and your name here
support item and your name here
support item and your name here
support item and your name here
support item and your name here

edit Links

@SLCSkeptics on Twitter follow for up-to-the-minute details on SLC SkeptiCamp.
@SkeptiCamp on Twitter - follow the daily tip feed as well as news of other events globally
Salt City Skeptics - the primary sponsor of SkeptiCamp Salt Lake City
#97 of Skepticality - reviewing Atlanta's first SkeptiCamp
Articles, Essays and Reviews of other SkeptiCamp events
Skepticamp Colorado - a recent successful SkeptiCamp, great ideas to ~~steal from~~ be inspired by for your talk
Ignite Salt Lake - Check out IgniteSLC on August 18 for a taste of some aspects of what SkeptiCamp will be like

edit Promotion

SkeptiCamp depends on you to help spread the word. You can help by promoting SkeptiCamp Salt Lake City on social networking sites. If you're a Twitter user, use the hashtag #skepticampSLC to keep up with what others are saying about SkeptiCamp.

edit Files

You can help promote SkeptiCamp Salt Lake City by using the banner images or vertical sidebar below on your website or blog. If you'd like the original SVG artwork to modify as you see fit, drop a line to skepticampSLC@gmail.com and we'll send it along.

edit FAQ

edit What the hell is SkeptiCamp?

SkeptiCamp is an "unconference" based on the BarCamp model of user-generated conferences. That means everything at Salt Lake City SkeptiCamp will be provided by you, the attendees. That includes the talks and presentations, the venue, food and refreshments, and maybe extras like t-shirts or whatever else you can come up with.

edit Huh? You want me to what now?

It's not as scary as it sounds. Do you have passion for or expertise in a topic? Do you have an interest in something and want to challenge yourself with researching or investigating it? Well, now's your chance to do it and show what you find in an informal event. There's no panel to "approve" your talk. Just edit the registration list above and add your name to the list (or email skepticampslc@gmail.com and we'll add it for you).

edit What topics are available to present on?

Whatever you like. As long as it's vaguely related to skepticism or science, it's fair game. Topics with a local bent are particularly welcome, but not required.

edit Presentation content and tips

See Session Ideas to get a flavor of what topics are in scope.
If you're offering video clips, please keep them brief, as this is an interactive event.
No abusive, dangerous or disruptive behavior (or content) will be tolerated. The MC (or other organizer) will cut your talk short and kick you out at their discretion.
The SkeptiCamp format relies on interaction as quality control. You must take questions during your talk.
Move your main points to the start of your talk in case you run out of time due to questions and discussion.
Most presentation formats are welcome, and attendees will appreciate creative and innovative presentations!
That said, PowerPoint and similar programs are ubiquitous. So are bad PowerPoint presentations. The Seven Deadly Sins of PowerPoint is a good place to start. After previous experiences, Czarina Rachael asks that particular attention is paid to sins #4 and #6.
While you can safely assume your audience is science literate (for the most part) don't be too quick to assume individuals are non-religious or identify as skeptics.
The schedule will be strictly enforced by the time keepers, so make sure your presentation will fit in the time you've signed up for!
If your session will require an unusual setup (such as for a hands-on demonstration, etc.), contact the scheduling czars at skepticampSLC@gmail.com.

edit What if I don't want to present?

Though you're still encouraged to push your own boundaries and present, there are plenty of other ways you can help. The idea is to keep SkeptiCamp costs as close to $0 as possible, so you can help by arranging for a location (back room of a restaurant, conference room at a library, university classroom), lending a projector, providing simple refreshments, marketing the event, doing A/V stuff, making t-shirts, or finding "sponsors" wiling to provide some of those things.

edit Okay. I can do that. How much will it cost to attend?

$0. But you're encouraged to provide content or support as noted above.

edit When is it? And where?

Saturday, October 16. Where? Don't know yet. That's up to you!

edit What next?

After you've registered to attend to help out, join in the discussion at the Talk page. Check out the Organizing a SkeptiCamp Event for ideas and thoughts.

Remember: this isn't just an event that you're attending, it's your event. Help make it what you want it to be!

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