What's a Rebar Camp? I had never heard of this term until I attended the DAR State Convention in Dover. I monitored a Social Media class so I could learn all the things I didn't know about blogging and twittering, Facebook, Linked In, Active Rain and the list goes on. I joined a small group of attendees at break time, and I was asked, "Are you going to the Rebar Camp?" So this is what I found out:

If you've ever gone to a technology training session and quickly surmised that you knew as much as or more than the speaker, a real estate BarCamp, or REBarCamp, may be for you. A BarCamp is a free, user-generated conference; attendees plan the agenda on site and make presentations. Sponsors pick up the tab. The first REBarCamp was conceived by AgentGenius.com writer Andy Kaufman at the 2007 Real Estate Connect Conference. Kaufman and blogger Todd Carpenter (now the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS^®' Social Media Manager) organized the "unconference" to coincide with Real Estate Connect 2008. They were hoping for 30 or 40 attendees; they got closer to 200. In 2009, practitioners held REBarCamps in about 20 cities, and more-including the first virtual REBarCamp which was held on November 17th.

Various folks say that the REBarCamp experience was the best conference they had ever attended. There are many veterans who have learned more from REBarCamp than they have from years of attending traditional conferences.

The next REBarCamp will be held in New York City on January 12, 2010. Here's the schedule:

REBarCamp NYC is going to be located at the Marriott Marquis, Times Square. The room for REBarCamp NYC is the Marquis AB. It is the same room for Blogger's Connect on Wednesday, for those of you attending that as well.

Now that you know where it is, you probably want to know when to be there. REBarCamp NYC registration will begin at 9 a.m.. Here is the planned schedule:

9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.	Registration and networking/socializing
9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.	Introduction and planning of sessions
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.	Session 1
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.	Break
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.	Session 2
11:45 a.m. - 12 noon	Break
12 noon - 12:45 p.m.	Session 3
12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.	LUNCH (generously sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate)
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.	Session 4
2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.	Break
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.	Session 5
3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.	(or so) MORE sharing/networking/socializing

During each 45 minute session, we should be able to have 2 simultaneous presentations/discussions going on at the same time, if need be. That should allow us to have plenty of great content for everyone. At the very least, there are going to be 5 presentations/discussions that you are NOT going to want to miss.

And don't forget, the fun doesn't stop with REBarCamp NYC! From 6-8 p.m. is another prime networking event, Beer With Bloggers. Beer With Bloggers is the regular kickoff before Inman Real Estate Connect gets underway. Beer With Bloggers is ultra convenient this year, as it is also located at the Marriot Marquis. Join everyone for drinks and socializing at the 8th Floor Atrium of the Marriott. It is going to be a don't-miss event, for sure. So now that you know where it is, and what is going on, you have no excuses to miss what is sure to be an awesome event to get your 2010 off on the right foot.

Thought you might like to learn about a free conference!

See you next week!

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