Q: What are WordCamps?

Essentially, WordCamps are conferences for WordPress users by WordPress users. WordCamps are community-organized conferences all about WordPress. These local conferences are paid for and organized by local communities of WordPress users. The first WordCamp happened in San Francisco back in 2006 and was organized by one of the original WordPress developers, Matt Mullenweg. Around 500 people attended the one-day event. And, from there, WordCamps spread across the United States and the world. Now, there are WordCamps held on every continent, except Antarctica. Because they are locally-organized, some WordCamps are bigger than others. Some are one-day events while others span multiple days. For example, WordCamp US is still organized in a local community, but it tends to attract a much larger group from various regions and tends to be a bigger, multi-day conference. All WordCamps follow similar guidelines and operate on similar principles. Established guidelines can be found at WordCamp.org and the main principles match those of the WordPress Foundation . Because they are community-organized, each WordCamp will differ slightly based on the communities that produce them. However, all WordCamps provide sessions from speakers about how to use WordPress more effectively. Sessions can range from topics like theme development, plugins, and advanced techniques to SEO, business use, beginner tips, and more.

Question 1

What are WordCamps?

Accepted Answer

Essentially, WordCamps are conferences for WordPress users by WordPress users. WordCamps are community-organized conferences all about WordPress. These local conferences are paid for and organized by local communities of WordPress users. The first WordCamp happened in San Francisco back in 2006 and was organized by one of the original WordPress developers, Matt Mullenweg. Around 500 people attended the one-day event. And, from there, WordCamps spread across the United States and the world. Now, there are WordCamps held on every continent, except Antarctica. Because they are locally-organized, some WordCamps are bigger than others. Some are one-day events while others span multiple days. For example, WordCamp US is still organized in a local community, but it tends to attract a much larger group from various regions and tends to be a bigger, multi-day conference. All WordCamps follow similar guidelines and operate on similar principles. Established guidelines can be found at WordCamp.org and the main principles match those of the WordPress Foundation. Because they are community-organized, each WordCamp will differ slightly based on the communities that produce them. However, all WordCamps provide sessions from speakers about how to use WordPress more effectively. Sessions can range from topics like theme development, plugins, and advanced techniques to SEO, business use, beginner tips, and more.

Question 2

Who are WordCamps for?

Accepted Answer

WordCamps are for anyone who uses WordPress or is considering using WordPress. WordCamps can be a great local resource for brand new bloggers, photographers, authors, realtors, professional WordPress developers, business owners who want to learn more, marketers, consultants, nonprofits, and more.

There are usually different tracks that cater to beginners and advanced users as well as developers and business owners. So, there are normally several sessions for everyone regardless of your experience and how you use WordPress.

Question 3

What Should You Expect From a WordCamp?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve been to a WordCamp before, then you probably have a pretty good idea of what to expect from one. If you’re a first-time attendee, you may want to have a better idea of what to expect before you go. Although there may be slight differences between individual WordCamps, you can expect all of them to be about WordPress.

A WordCamp is generally a friendly, open, and community-minded environment where you can attend sessions to learn, have conversations with other WordPress users, network, and even get some technical assistance with any WordPress questions or obstacles you may be having.

They’re meant to be low-key, cost-effective conferences that are affordable to attend while also offering a lot of value. Coffee/breakfast and lunch are usually provided. You can also expect to have a variety of speakers and sessions available and even some workshops. So, you’re bound to find several sessions that are relevant to you.

You’ll want to be prepared to take notes, have some great conversations, and learn something new. And, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to make sure you have some room in your bag for some WordCamp perks, if they are available, and any extra swag from the sponsors.

Many WordCamps also have after-parties at another local haunt. You’re not required to attend, but they are an option and can be a lot of fun!

Question 4

How Can You Find a WordCamp Near You?

Accepted Answer

If you’re curious about WordCamps near you, you can check out the schedule on WordCamp Central. In addition to the list of upcoming WordCamps around the world, you can also scroll or click down on the WordCamps pinned to the map to find out which ones are closest to you and when they are occurring.

Question 5

How Can You Contribute to Future WordCamps?

Accepted Answer

If you’re in love with WordCamps after attending your first one, there are plenty of ways you can contribute to future WordCamps:

1. Attend More WordCamps

Continuing to attend your local WordCamp and also attending others that are near you can be a great way to continue to contribute to them and help them thrive.

2. Organize or Host a WordCamp

If the closest WordCamp requires a bit of travel, you can work to host and organize a WordCamp for your local WordPress community.

3. Volunteer at a WordCamp

Another way to contribute to future WordCamps is to sign up to be a volunteer. Since these events are community-organized, volunteers are a big help in getting them set up and making sure they run smoothly.

4. Apply to be a Speaker

Sessions are a huge part of WordCamp and sessions need speakers. When the Call for Speakers comes out for a WordCamp near you, consider applying to be a speaker.

5. Become a Sponsor

Sponsorships play a big role in helping to make WordCamps happen and keep ticket costs affordable for the community. If you’re a business owner or work for a business that thrives by working with WordPress, consider becoming a sponsor for future WordCamps. Not only will your business get a shout-out and some visibility, but you’ll also be contributing to a great event for a great community.

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