WordCamp is a conference focused on WordPress. In fact, WordCamps are scheduled weekly in cities around the world to hopefully reach as many WordPress users as possible.
For those who are new to WordPress, and haven’t built a website, or perhaps they have a static site, and need a better solution, WordCamps offer the opportunity to learn if WordPress is a good solution for them.
Attendees can sit in on presentations that have topics that range from basic user to power user, social media, business, designer, and developer. Some WordCamps offer a question booth or room, also known as the Happiness Bar, so attendees can ask volunteers about topics. Some of those topics can be:
- Choosing the right theme
- Choosing the right plugin
- Setting up a new WordPress install
- Troubleshooting WordPress
- Search engine optimization advice
- Sharing ideas on plugin development
- Blog advice
- Design advice
- Social media advice
… and much more!!!
WordCamp is non-profit, and inexpensive. For a 1 day event, a ticket can be $20! Some 2-day events can be $30 to $40! The reason why tickets are so cheap is because the conference is usually funded by businesses that have WordPress related services. These businesses have also given back to the community and are happy to see the WordPress community thrive. It’s also an opportunity for them to connect with WordPress users in order to improve their products.
Aside from getting to learn more about WordPress, attendees can network in person. For some, it might even mean meeting their favorite blogger or business!
Each WordCamp is different in its own way and reflects it’s community. For example, maybe WordCamp Kansas City might be more interested in developer topics one year, and WordCamp St. Louis might be more user related. Their interests will reflect in their chosen topics for the event.
Each speaker that is chosen has to meet requirements laid out by WordCamp Central in order for the event to stay in the best interest of the WordPress community. Also, WordCamps try to pick from within their own community. Of course, they do pick a few WordPress “rockstars”, but they generally look within the community first to try to make it fair and let local talent shine. All sp
WordCamps are run by a team of volunteers dedicated to giving back to their community. They spend countless hours communicating and arranging the event so that when the actual WordCamp happens in their city, it runs well. They make no money on this. In fact, the organization team and speakers are all volunteers. No money is paid to any of them, because, again, WordCamps are non-profit.
Attendees usually are treated to a breakfast or lunch (in some cases both), and some freebies (or swag) from WordPress companies (usually the sponsors). Also, the WordCamp organization team usually puts together an after party to allow a fun setting for attendees to network, and to enjoy the hosting city.
According to WordCamp Central, there have been 346 WordCamps in 172 cities as of December 2014. Those 172 cities were in 48 countries and in 6 continents! The schedule for upcoming WordCamps is always changing and updating.
Have you been to a WordCamp? If so, what is your favorite WordCamp experience?
Waiting for a WordCamp campaign in my country…
Hello Nile, I did read about this on the FB Group wall earlier and found this very interesting. I have never heard of WordCamps before today though, but I do think this would be a great way to learn. It is definitely cheap enough.
Great share my friend, Thanks Chery :))
One more benefit of using WordPress!
This is why people like WordPress so much. There is a solution for almost everything!
Dheeraj
Hi Nile,
great overview of Word camps.
It is good to read that they are low cost.
I like the name ‘Happiness Bar’.
It would be nice to go to one, next time it happens in New Zealand.
Thank you for sharing this!
Cheers,
Yorinda
Hi Nile,
Thanks for explaining WordCamp. I’ve heard you mention it around Facebook, but didn’t know exactly what it was all about. I thought it was all techie stuff. But I see here, each one is different. For the price, it is sure worth the money!
Thanks for explaining this. I went over to check the site and it’s amazing! No wonder why you love it so much.
-Donna
Thanks for explaining about Word camp, it looks like they are very cool and especially that you can ask questions and also network with other people. If I did attend one I wouldn’t miss the party for anything.
I have attended WordCamp before and wanted to attend it in San Francisco this past October; however, my schedule presented a conflict.
Nile, Thanks for explaining the benefits of attending a WordCamp event. I am going to see when they are coming to Los Angeles so I can go. I am always interested in learning new ways to make my WordPress site better.
Wow! This these WordPress camps sound awesome! Wish I had known about them a few years ago when I was just starting out. But it does sound like some of them may also address topics useful to someone with an established blog, right? I’m going to see if any are offered in my area and I will be sure to share this helpful resource with others needing to start a blog. Thanks!
Thanks for the info on WordCamp! I looked it up and it looks like the last one that was organized in Houston was back in 2010… gotta see if there is more recent stuff as I am eager to connect and network with other bloggers and entrepreneurs. In fact, I shall look into that now!
I didn’t think there would be any WordCamp close to me, but when I looked it up on Google I found there was one in Edmonton just over a year ago! Edmonton is only an hour away from us, so maybe I’ll be able to attend one the next time it’s here.
Hello Nile,
I like the concept of WordCamps – events focused on WordPress. Sounds awesome! Though I have never attended any WordCamp, but I bet they must be an amazing experience. For someone totally new to WordPress, WordCamp can be a weird term, but the truth is it’s simple.
WPBeginner’s infographic on WordCamp is a great one, it illustrates all there is to know, IMHO.
Anyways Happy Christmas and New Year!
😉
hi…..
this information is very used full and informative for WordCamp !
thanks®ards
rishtonkasansar.com
Wordcamp sounds like a great resource. I’m fairly new to blogging and wordpress so it looks like it would be very helpful. I hope to be able to attend in the future.
wow! Its a great opportunity for the new wordpress developer. But We are upset cause we are deprived of this opportunity. I wish I could get a chance to attend this program.