Instructions for Tech Campers |
Things you MUST DO before Tech Camp
There are REALLY IMPORTANT THINGS you need to do before you leave for VALA Tech Camp - why not do them today?New Information – PLEASE READ!
REMINDER – Please bring a fully charged LAPTOP and charger to Tech Camp; and no, we don’t mean an ipad or similar device. Why are we asking you to do this? A laptop will ensure an optimal user-experience.
A charging table will be available at the rear of each of the rooms to charge your devices if required.
CATERING – our catering provides for vegetarian and gluten-free options only. If you have a severe food allergy, please advise the Secretariat at kim@vala.org.au prior to 5.00pm on Tuesday 11 July and we will do our best to cater for your needs. Please note that the venue CANNOT ACCEPT individual dietary orders on site.
REGISTER FOR WIFI ACCESS – Delegates MUST register for the venue’s guest Wi-Fi access on their own devices prior to the event. Please click HERE for full Wi-Fi instructions for Tech Camp 2017.
- Wi-Fi registration is valid for the duration of Tech Camp and will require delegates to reconnect each day using the same Conference Code (see attached).
- Please read the William Angliss Centre’s Terms and Conditions for Internet Usage Policy when registering.
HACKY HOUR INFORMATION
To ensure that delegates come prepared, here’s a ‘heads-up’ on how the Hacky Hour process will work:
All delegates will receive an index card at the registration desk on arrival which are to be completed and handed back to the registration desk prior to lunch break on Day 1. Delegates are asked to write their name and responses to three questions on their index card, as below:
- What do you want to learn?
- What do you want to do?
- What can you teach?
Project teams will then be allocated based on similar or like responses, which will be announced at the beginning of the Hacky Hour session. There will be scope for some movement of delegates and for individuals to work on their own projects if they prefer.
Read the Docs
It’s really important that you read all the information on this page and anything VALA sends to you by email - don’t skim read as you will miss something important!
Download Software
Some workshops require specific software to be installed on your laptop. Make sure you have the relevant software for the workshops you think you might want to attend. See the list of workshops, software and links on the Camp Speakers page.Register for Day Zero Workshops
Get the most out of your Tech Camp experience by registering for one of the two workshops on Day Zero, Wed 12th July. There is no additional cost to participate in a Day Zero Workshop. For full details go to:-
- Workshop #1 – FOLIO at https://portal.vala.org.au/day0_workshop1
- Workshop #2 – AARNet at https://portal.vala.org.au/day0_workshop2
Photography and Video Recording
VALA Tech Camp 2017 will be supported by video recording and photography. The footage and images may be published by VALA during Tech Camp and in future promotional material, including on the VALA website.
If you feel strongly about withholding your authority for VALA to use any footage or images in which you appear, please inform the Secretariat at kim@vala.org.au prior to 9.00am on Wednesday 12 July 2017, using the Subject: VALA Tech Camp – withhold use of image. You are encouraged to remove yourself from situations where filming is obviously underway, if you do not want your image to appear.
Tell your friends
Make sure you tell everyone on Twitter and Facebook that you are going to VALA Tech Camp and use the hashtag #VALATechCamp
How to get the most out of Tech Camp
What to bring
- A laptop and charger - many workshops, and some Hacky Hour projects, will require you to have a laptop that you can install and run software on. Ensure that the necessary software is installed before you get there (see above). Preferably you will also have admin/root access to the laptop as well.
- Warm clothes - you will be in Melbourne in the middle of July. It’s a bit ...fresh.
- Lunch and/or cash - lunch is not provided at VALA Tech Camp. You will need to either bring a packed lunch or join your fellow Campers at a local lunch spot (see below).
- A positive and collegial attitude.
Be prepared
You’ll have the chance to opt in to Workshop sessions and to work in groups on Hacky Hour projects, so before you get there it would be good to think about what you want to get out of Tech Camp, and about what you can contribute. What are your skills and interests? Do you have a wicked problem that you want to solve?
Be inclusive
VALA Tech Camp is an inclusive event where all attendees should feel intellectually challenged but otherwise safe and comfortable. Tech Camp is covered by VALA’s Code of Conduct, which applies to all attendees including Campers, organisers, speakers, and presenters.
VALA will have Duty Officers assigned at all times during VALA Tech Camp, and will not tolerate behaviour that makes attendees feel unsafe, intimidated, discriminated against, harassed, or bullied. The Code of Conduct applies in all VALA Tech Camp spaces including during Hacky Hours, associated social events, and online. Ask for permission before posting quotes or photographs of other people on social media.
Please ensure you have read and understood the Code of Conduct before you arrive, and do not hesitate to contact the VALA Secretariat or Duty Officers should you have any questions or concerns.
How to get there
VALA Tech Camp will be held at the William Angliss Institute Conference Centre, Level 5, Building A, 555 La Trobe St, Melbourne. Car parking in the Melbourne CBD is limited and expensive. We strongly recommend that you catch public transport to VALA Tech Camp. The nearest train station is Flagstaff, only one block away, and trams and buses are plentiful - see the PTV website for all your public transport options - there are many.
Where to eat
Tea and coffee will be available on arrival on Day 1 (Thursday) from 10.00-10.30am, with light refreshments during scheduled morning and afternoon breaks.
Breakfast will be available on Day 2 (Friday) from 8.00 – 8.30am, with regular tea and coffee breaks to keep you going during the day.
Lunches are not provided, and Campers are encouraged to brave the elements, stretch your legs and sample some local cafes and eateries. You will be provided with some lunch recommendations at registration. Or you are welcome to bring your own paperbag lunch and eat on the balcony.
What to do after Tech Camp
- Tell everyone on social media what a great time you had, using the hashtag #VALATechCamp
- Keep working on your Hacky Hour projects
- Find other projects on GitHub using the VALATechCamp and Code4Lib labels
- Share your learning with colleagues at work and in your professional circle
- Make awesome things!
- Stay in touch with friends you made on camp
- Register for VALA Conference 2018
Contact VALA here. 
www.vala.org.au Follow Us 
"VALA - Libraries, Technology and the Future Inc" is a non-profit organisation , PO Box 192 Port Melbourne VIC 3207.