TransparencyCamp is an "unconference" for opengov, an event where, every year hundreds of people gather to share their knowledge about how to use new technologies and policies to make our government really work for the people—and to help people work smarter with our government.

 As an "unconference," TransparencyCamp emphasizes the important contributions that each and every attendee brings with them into the sessions, workshops and conversations that are a part of this event. In fact, attendees (yes, all of them) are engaged in the process of making the schedule for the conference (AKA “the wall”) with the organizers and are encouraged to step up and lead sessions themselves. To learn more about unconferences in general, hop to our Unconference Tips page.

TransparencyCamp was started by the Sunlight Foundation in 2009. Since then, the event has grown dramatically in scope, scale and concept. In 2011, we launched two programs that are integral to TransparencyCamp as you see it today: The TCamp Scholarship Program and TCamp International Program, both of which lower the barriers to participation for attendees from around the country and the globe. For a roundup of our past Camps, head to our Past Camp Archive.

Previous TCamps created a lot of productive, amazing results, including some big name projects such Code for America, CityCamp and CrisisCommons in the U.S. and Transparência Hacker in Brazil. But some of TCamp’s greatest achievements occur at the individual level: attendees leave TransparencyCamp with new insight into their work, concrete plans to improve their communities, and new connections that strengthen the network of people working for greater government transparency.

Check out some highlights from TransparencyCamp 2013.

Large Room with people listening to a speaker at TransparencyCamp

Two people chatting at TransparencyCamp

TransparencyCamp 2014: Friday May 30– Saturday May 31 at George Mason University Arlington Campus

TCamp 2014 is our seventh camp—and sure to be our best. On May 30 and 31, with the help of the George Mason University School of Public Policy, we will take over their Arlington Campus for an epic meeting of the minds. TransparencyCamp veterans and newbies alike are welcome and encouraged to attend!

To get the sense of what discussions and ideas you can expect from TransparencyCamp, check out the Brainstorm page and jump in the conversation on Twitter with #TCamp14.