Facebook Developer Garage

From Facebook Developer Wiki

[edit] Facebook Developer Garage History

Immediately following the Platform launch at the f8, Facebook Developers Conference, on May 24, 2007, informal, community driven, developer events began emerging around the world. In an effort to support the ecosystem, the events, and the developers involved in them, the concept of the Facebook Developer Garage was conceived.

[edit] Philosophy

Facebook Developer Garages are just like they sound – a place to explore, get gritty, tinker, experiment, and test out ideas for Facebook Platform. Being in the Garage is all about participating, getting your hands dirty, and exploring fresh ideas and solutions. Garages should encourage community involvement and incorporate presentations by participants.

[edit] Attending a Garage

As of December 2008, Facebook has supported more than 100 Garages in over 45 different cities on six continents. Facebook Developer Garages have taken place all over the world: from San Francisco to Nairobi to Tokyo and back to London. The Facebook Developer group is a global community.

You can find events in your area with the Garage Calendar; be sure to RSVP to the event on Facebook event to reserve your spot. Also, you can locate a Local Developer Group in your area to connect with local Developers. Facebook Developer Garage attendance can be limited because of venue restrictions, so please commit as early as you can. Most importantly - come ready to participate!

[edit] Recurring Garages

Facebook Developer Garage in Venice - Italy- subscribe by Facebook- Subscribe by Eventbrite
London Developer Garage - Click here to for more info on the monthly meet-ups
Facebook Developers Colombia - Complete information about the group
FacebookCampToronto4 / Facebook Developer Garage - 4th Toronto Event
Facebook Developer Garage in Egypt

[edit] Hosting a Garage

Through the establishment of robust regional developer communities, Ambassadors should help developers build richer social experiences on Facebook, empower users to share and make the world more open and connected. Being a Facebook Developer Garage Ambassador in your community is a unique opportunity to affiliate with Facebook and act as a liaison between us and the group of developers engaged in your region. Facebook entrusts you to act in the best interest of your Developer Community by organizing and executing thoughtful and timely events with the latest Platform information.

We’re always looking for new, excited Ambassadors to host a Garage within their community. Any Facebook Developer can host or help out at a Facebook Developer Garage. Please contact Facebook to get started. If a Garage has already taken place in your area, we’ll be happy to put you in touch with the existing Ambassador.

Facebook is here to offer support! Check out our new Garage-In-A-Box documentation and submit this contact form and we'll help you get started.

What we can help with:

Facebook Swag
Event Distribution to Local Developers
In some cases a live video conference with one of our Platform Engineers by request and if available (in some cases, in-person attendance by a member of Facebook’s Platform team may be possible)
Posting to our Garage Calendar
For more Information please check out our Garage-In-A-Box documentation.

[edit] Garage Reimbursement

If you'd like more information on how to obtain your Garage grant, please see our Garage Reimbursement Guidelines.

[edit] Sponsors

This year, Intel is working with Facebook to further support the Facebook Developer Garage program. Over the course of 2009, they will be supporting 25 Developer Garages worldwide. Learn more about the launch of their sponsorship.

If you are a VC, technology company or any other group interested in offering financial or non-financial support or if you are a Garage Host looking for support please check out Sponsors.