BarCamp Philly runs on one idea: whoever shows up are the right people. That only works if you can actually get in the door, enjoy sessions, and take a break when you need one. This page covers what the admin collective has in place for October 17, 2026 at Huntsman Hall, what you can ask for, and what a volunteer-run event like ours aspires to but can’t promise yet.
Getting into and around Huntsman Hall
The event takes place at Huntsman Hall on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, home of the Wharton School. Penn publishes a PennAccess map for Huntsman Hall (PDF) showing accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms, and the Huntsman Hall facilities page has the address and building details.
All-gender restrooms are available in the venue and across Penn’s campus. Penn’s All Gender Restroom Map (PDF) shows where to find them.
If you use a wheelchair, a mobility device, or a service animal, you’re welcome. All of the spaces reserved for this event are fully accessible. Email info@barcampphilly.org ahead of time if you’d like help planning a route.
A quiet room
A designated quiet room will be made available for anyone who needs a break from noise, crowds, or screens. It’s a low-stimulation space, so please keep conversations outside it. Ask at registration or any volunteer in a BarCamp shirt and they’ll point you to it.
Sessions and assistive technology
Because BarCamp Philly is organized entirely by volunteers, live captioning and ASL interpretation at talks aren’t something the collective can provide. What it can do is make room for the tools you already use. Session leaders are asked to welcome attendees using their own live-captioning apps, hearing devices, screen readers, and other assistive technology. Sit wherever you can experience each session the best; nobody will mind if that’s the front row.
Presenters, a few requests: say out loud what’s on your slides, keep text large enough to read from the back, and store your deck in the cloud so it loads on the classroom system without a scramble. You’ll find more in How to Lead a BarCamp Philly Session.
Food
The morning spread is a continental breakfast. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are part of it. Although our vendors work hard to prevent cross-contamination with potential allergens, we cannot guarantee how the food was prepared or transited beyond its suitablility for a general audience.
Names, pronouns, and photos
Optional pronoun stickers are available at registration. The admin collective expects everyone’s name and pronouns to be respected as stated, and that expectation is written into the SafeSpaces Policy.
Lanyard colors tell people how you feel about being photographed or recorded: green means go ahead, yellow means ask first, red means please don’t. Pick the one that fits, and honor other people’s choices in return. The full explanation is on the Guidelines page.
Masks and health
Masks aren’t required, and anyone who prefers to wear one is welcome to. That preference is respected, no questions asked.
Cost
Tickets are priced low on purpose, and there’s an early-bird window every year. If the ticket price is still a barrier, email info@barcampphilly.org. Donations from the community exist specifically so that cost keeps nobody out.
How to ask for something
The best time to ask is before the event, so there’s time to sort it out. Email info@barcampphilly.org with what you need and someone from the admin collective will get back to you. On the day, any volunteer in a BarCamp shirt can help or find someone who can. If something didn’t work for you, say so afterward. The list on this page grew out of feedback from past attendees, and it will keep growing the same way.
Related policies
Guidelines · SafeSpaces Policy · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · What is an unconference?
Last updated August 2026.