Some Quick Thoughts on EMF Camp 2026

I've performed a talk at the last three EMFs - so this time I decided to go purely as a tourist. It made things much more relaxing. No waking up from a stress dream that my laptop didn't work. No casually dropping my talk into every conversation to build up an audience. No queueing for the loos five minutes before going on. No adrenaline spikes or come downs. It was bliss!

After several volunteer shifts over the years, I also decided to be utterly selfish and do none this year. Again, rather nice being on the customer side of the bar without worrying that I'd cocked up someone's order.

Similarly, I had thought about doing an art "thing" or building something for the badge. In the end all I did was ask my friend Skylar to set up a shortcode so people could ring 26262 (BNANA) for an audio surprise.

To be clear - you should absolutely propose a talk, pitch an installation, and volunteer. It's a great way of experiencing the festival and giving back. But I was exhausted after a 6,379 Km Interrail journey and, frankly, wanted a change of pace.

Everyone has a different EMF. I mostly went to talks and looked at cool art. Some people were focussed on playing all the games. Some gorgeous people were just there to strut about in their amazing costumes. A few people delighted in showing off all their cool toys. It really is about seven festivals in one. I'm still bemused by some of the things - I've no idea what a challenge coin is, I'm hazy about how the various puzzles work, I didn't know about the cool musicians until it was too late.

Still, I came away physically exhausted and mentally refreshed - so a success!

What Worked

• We took our Walkie Talkies. So much easier to use Push-To-Talk rather than hoping a text was seen. Worked all the way across the field.
• I took lots of Thermal Images - and people seemed to like them!
• Handed out a million stickers for OpenBenches - and met several people who'd used and enjoyed the site.
• I hired an electric van to lug our stuff. It was…