I am really sad that I won’t make it to BarCamp this weekend. I have really gotten a lot out of the event the past two years. But this is my Saturday to work at the newspaper, and my editor is out of town so I couldn’t swap out with him.

If you aren’t familiar with this event, it’s a free technology conference, where just about anyone can sign up to speak. That sounds like a recipe for self-serving or really boring content, but it’s not. The event turns out to be fun and really, really informative.

It costs nothing to attend, and there are often freebies or a meal paid for by corporate sponsors. The first year I went, the goodie bag included an iPod accessory which I couldn’t use but which I sold on eBay for $35. (Actually, one of my brothers sold it for me.)

As for the name, the first such event was held at a hotel bar (in Canada, IIRC) by people who hadn’t been able to get into a more-structured conference being held nearby. Today, BarCamps are held all around the world, and are often centered around some sort of large nightclub where you can transition from the day of content into a night of entertainment.

Two years ago, Nashville’s first BarCamp was held at the legendary Exit/In. Last year’s, however, was a BarCamp in name only, held in meeting rooms in the bowels of the Sommet Center. This year, they’re going back to the bar setting at the Cadillac Ranch on Broadway.

I’m sure some of my online friends will be there; have a great time.