I remember walking into my first WordCamp feeling a bit intimidated. I thought it was just for super-technical developers and worried I wouldn’t fit in.
But within minutes, I was chatting with a blogger, a small business owner, and a designer. I quickly realized this was a place for everyone who loves WordPress, no matter their skill level.
That welcoming spirit is what makes WordCamps so special, and it’s why our team has attended so many over the years. In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what these events are and why you should consider going.
I’ll cover everything from what to expect during the event to how you can find one near you.
Quick Summary: What is a WordCamp?
A WordCamp is a community-organized conference for all WordPress users, from casual bloggers to expert developers. I’ve found the top three reasons to attend are to learn new skills, network with fellow users and professionals, and contribute to the amazing WordPress community.
- The WordCamp Experience: An Infographic Overview
- What Is a WordCamp?
- Who Should Attend a WordCamp?
- What Are The Benefits of Attending a WordCamp?
- What Is WordCamp Like? Schedule and Activities
- How to Attend a WordCamp
- Can You Attend WordCamp Online?
- Participating in and Supporting WordCamp Events
- Frequently Asked Questions About WordCamp
- Additional Resources for Learning About WordPress
The WordCamp Experience: An Infographic Overview
We’ve created a detailed infographic to give you an overview of what to expect at WordCamp events.
From key benefits and participation tips to highlights of the global WordCamp community, this visual guide covers it all.
Please click to view the full infographic or continue reading the text version below.
What Is a WordCamp?
A WordCamp is a casual, locally-organized conference covering everything related to WordPress.
Here’s a quick recap:
- History: The first WordCamp was organized in 2006 by WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg in San Francisco.
- Global Reach: Since then, over 1,000 WordCamp events have been held in more than 65 countries across six continents.
- Flagship Events: While most WordCamps are local, there are three major annual flagship events: WordCamp US, WordCamp Europe, and WordCamp Asia.
- Organization: They are non-profit, volunteer-run events supported by the WordPress Foundation, which helps keep them accessible and affordable.
At WPBeginner, we are proud to sponsor WordCamps worldwide. We believe it’s a great way to support the community that has given us so much.
Who Should Attend a WordCamp?
WordCamps are designed to be inclusive and offer something valuable for everyone, regardless of their skill level or experience. We love seeing such a diverse group of people at every event.
- For Beginners: You can learn how WordPress works and get inspired for new projects. It’s a great place to discover how to start a blog or build a website using powerful tools like SeedProd.
- For Business Owners: You can find practical ways to grow your online presence. WordCamps offer insights into how you can use WordPress to make money online.
- For Students: You can learn about the technology behind WordPress. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet experienced developers and get advice on building a career in WordPress.
- For Advanced Users & Developers: You can explore new techniques, security best practices, and performance strategies to improve your WordPress sites and skills.
What Are The Benefits of Attending a WordCamp?
Attending a WordCamp offers many advantages for anyone interested in WordPress.
Based on our team’s experience, here are some of the key benefits:
- Learn from WordPress Experts: Gain valuable knowledge directly from seasoned professionals and active community members through various talks and sessions.
- Discover Career Opportunities: Network with companies and find job openings. Many WordCamps feature a job board with listings from top WordPress businesses.
- Network with the Community: Meet and connect with other WordPress users, developers, and entrepreneurs. We’ve seen countless collaborations and friendships start at these events.
- Meet WordPress Companies and Discover Tools: Talk with the people behind popular premium WordPress plugins and services, and discover tools that can help you grow.
- Improve Your Coding Skills: Participate in development-focused tracks and get advice from experienced coders, whether you’re a pro or just starting your journey.
What Is WordCamp Like? Schedule and Activities
If you’re wondering what happens at a WordCamp, here’s a quick look at what you can expect. We’ve attended and spoken at many events, from small local meetups to large international conferences.
Each one is unique, but they all share a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. Larger events like WordCamp US or WordCamp Asia offer a massive dive into the WordPress ecosystem, while smaller local camps are great for more personal connections.
Here are some of the key activities you can expect at most WordCamps:
- Expert-Led Sessions: Inspiring talks and workshops from WordPress experts covering a wide range of topics.
- Networking Opportunities: Dedicated time to connect with other attendees, share ideas, and build professional relationships.
- The “Hallway Track”: Some of the best conversations happen in the hallways between sessions. It’s an informal but incredibly valuable way to meet people and exchange ideas.
- Sponsor Booths with New Tools: Explore booths from top WordPress companies and discover new products and services.
- Free Swag: A favorite for attendees of all ages. You can collect fun t-shirts, stickers, and other freebies from sponsors.
- Contributor Day: A special day where attendees can give back to the WordPress project. You don’t need to be a coder; you can contribute by helping with documentation, translations, marketing, design, and user support. It’s an inspiring way to get involved.
How to Attend a WordCamp
Getting to a WordCamp is easy, and most events are beginner-friendly, affordable, and open to everyone.
- Visit the Official WordCamp Central Website: Start by visiting the official WordCamp schedule to find upcoming events. You can search by location or date.
- Find a Local or Flagship Event: I recommend starting with a local WordCamp if one is nearby. If you’re open to traveling, consider a larger event like WordCamp US, WordCamp Europe, or WordCamp Asia.
- Purchase a Ticket Online: Once you’ve picked an event, go to its website to buy your ticket. Spots are often limited and can sell out, so it’s a good idea to book early.
- Review the Schedule and Plan Your Day: The event website will have the full schedule, venue details, and speaker lineup. You can decide which talks you want to see in advance.
- Arrive Early for Check-in: On the day of the event, we suggest arriving at least an hour early. This gives you time to check in, meet the volunteers, and find a good seat.
Pro Tip: To make the most of your day, I recommend bringing business cards for networking, a notepad for taking notes, and a portable charger for your devices. Most importantly, be curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Can You Attend WordCamp Online?
Yes, many WordCamps now offer online or hybrid attendance options. These became popular in recent years and provide a great way to participate remotely.
- How to Attend: Virtual events are usually streamed live via Zoom or YouTube. You can watch sessions, join Q&A chats, and often view recordings later on WordPress.tv.
- Cost: Online WordCamps are often free or much cheaper than in-person tickets.
- Availability: Check the official website for each event to see whether online or hybrid attendance options are available.
Participating in and Supporting WordCamp Events
WordCamp events thrive on the passion and commitment of the WordPress community.
Here are some of the best ways you can get involved and support these events:
- Attend an Event: Simply showing up is a great first step. You’ll learn, make connections, and become part of the local or global WordPress community.
- Volunteer Your Time: Volunteers are essential to making WordCamps happen. It’s a rewarding way to meet organizers and speakers behind the scenes.
- Speak and Share Knowledge: If you have expertise in a WordPress topic, consider applying to be a speaker. It’s a great way to help others and build your reputation.
- Sponsor an Event: Sponsoring a WordCamp helps keep ticket prices low and is a great way for businesses to give back to the community.
Frequently Asked Questions About WordCamp
Below are some of the most common questions we hear from our users about WordCamp.
How much does it cost to attend a WordCamp?
Tickets are very affordable, typically around $20 per day. This price often includes lunch, snacks, and official swag. If you are traveling, be sure to budget for your own transport and accommodation costs.
Can I attend a WordCamp even if I don’t use WordPress?
Yes. You can attend a WordCamp even if you don’t use WordPress or have never used it before. It’s a great place to learn.
What languages are spoken at WordCamp events?
At larger WordCamps, such as those in the US, Europe, and Asia, most sessions are in English. Smaller, local events may have talks in the regional language. The community is very inclusive and welcoming to all.
Where can I buy tickets for a WordCamp event?
You can buy tickets directly from the official website of the specific WordCamp you wish to attend. You can find a list of all upcoming events on the main WordCamp Central website.
How long does a typical WordCamp event last?
Most WordCamps last one or two full days, typically over a weekend. They include multiple talks and sessions with breaks for lunch and networking.
Is there food and drinks available during a WordCamp?
Most WordCamps include lunch, coffee, and snacks as part of the ticket price. To be certain, we recommend checking the official website for the specific event you plan to attend for details.
Can I organize a local WordCamp event?
Yes, you can volunteer to organize a local WordCamp. The WordPress Foundation recommends that you first gain experience by participating in or helping organize local WordPress meetups.
What is the difference between a WordPress meetup and a WordCamp?
Both are officially supported WordPress events, but meetups are smaller, more frequent local gatherings. There are hundreds of thousands of members in over 900 official groups across more than 100 countries. Think of them as mini-WordCamps for your local community.
Additional Resources for Learning About WordPress
I hope this article helped you learn all about WordCamp.
You may also want to check out these other guides to learn more about the WordPress community and its history:
- 25 Interesting Facts About WordPress (Infographic)
- The History of WordPress from 2003 – Today (with Screenshots)
- How WordPress Actually Works Behind the Scenes (Infographic)
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
Mrteesurez
I have never attended any of the Wordcamp programs since I started using WordPress. Thanks, I have seen the reasons why I need to participate and attend Wordcamp.
I will try to figure out new one in my area to attend. Thanks for your recommendation.
Lindsay Liedke
I recently went to my first WordCamp last December and it was incredible! There was so much to learn, so many new people to meet, and so much free stuff! I would definitely recommend going to one if you can. No matter your skill level, WordCamps have something for everyone!
Michael Terndrup
I would love to go
Tom Nguyen
I’m hoping to catch the next one in Atlanta, GA.
Rohit Palit
I’ll definitely attend a WordCamp when one is held in Kolkata.
Craig
I have to attend one of these some time soon. Such a good idea!
Chrisselle Mowatt
Such a great post. Many thanks for the info! I think I’ll definitely be going to the next one that’s close by!
Kian Ann
Cools. Looking forward to having one in Singapore.
Supposedly to come in July this year, but no news yet.