Self-Organized Space

The folks behind the BIL Conference prefer to call themselves “Un-Organizers” as they gather participants and supporters for a unique event planned for February 7th and 8th in Long Beach, California. BIL is described as “…an open, self-organizing, emergent, arts, science, society and technology conference,” and for the second year in a row, at least 450 participants will gather to share their ideas, passions and solutions in an open-minded, egalitarian and adaptive environment.

The force behind the donation-funded “Un-Conference” is the participants themselves – anyone can show up and give a talk (though it’s recommended that would-be speakers sign up ahead of time in order to allow for an inclusive schedule). Last year, lectures included Garrett Lisi’s revelations about Fundamental Particle Physics and Lexi Bright and Jonathan Sheffi’s talk on Social Bonding. This year’s list includes lectures ranging from “Creating the University of the Future,” to “Fertility Awareness Method Crash Course” and “Greed, Power, and the Sex-Life of Naked Pixels.”

The BIL website includes a blog with updates and a link to the event’s wiki, and asks readers to submit their ideas and input regarding the conference and the website itself. There's a page with guidelines on how to organize your own BIL.

The most recent post by un-organizer Todd Huffman informs us that the conference has reached its intended capacity, but that more space will become available as sponsorship continues, which means that you can make room for yourself and others by making a donation.

Second Annual BIL Conference

February 7th and 8th, 9 am – 5 pm

California State University, Long Beach