Sure, there are some seasoned WordCamp veterans out there, but maybe this is your first WordCamp or even your first big conference. You may be coming as a speaker, sponsor, volunteer, or attendee, and we’re sure you’ve got some questions.
Perhaps you’re not sure if a session matches your current skill level, or you’re on your own and feel a bit overwhelmed.
We want you to make the most out of WordCamp Sydney, so here are some tips and information to help you do just that. Remember, you can always ask us questions in person at the conference or via the comment box below.
What is WordCamp, and what should I expect from WordCamp Sydney?
WordCamps are local, volunteer-run, not-for-profit technical conferences designed to embrace open-source software and foster the WordPress community in an educational setting for all levels of WordPress users.
These “camps” are created so you can dive into the world of WordPress, discussing and learning in a friendly community of like-minded individuals.
WordPress Sydney brings together local and national developers, designers, SEO gurus, marketing people, artists, writers, business owners, IT consultants, enthusiasts and, of course, newcomers to network, brainstorm and share their knowledge.
Your job is to have fun, learn some new things and make some new friends and/or business contacts.
How can I prepare? What should I bring?
- Dress for comfort.
The venue is enclosed and air-conditioned, so a warm top would be helpful if the air conditioning is too chilly. You will be sitting down for 30-40 minutes at a time.
If your primary goal is creating business contacts, perhaps dress smart casually. You’ll unlikely see anyone in a business suit or shirt and tie. WordCamps are a bit laid-back, so you’ll see plenty of t-shirts, shorts, and jeans—perhaps even some onesies. - Meet up with somebody.
This may be your first time at a big conference, and you may be a bit nervous. Why not sign up with a friend and come along together?
You can watch the #WCSyd hashtag and reach out to some people in the conversation. Ask to meet them at the conference registration desk on day 1.
Make it fun by challenging yourself to make 10 new contacts over the weekend! - Bring a small bag or backpack.
There’s usually some good swag (freebies) to be had at WordCamps. It goes pretty quickly and you may run out of pockets to store them if you’re not fully prepared.
Plus you’ll need somewhere to store your water bottle, t-shirt, all the business cards (yours and theirs) as well as your fav tech devices or even a pen and writing pad!! - Keep personal items close by at all times.
WordCamp Sydney is held at the University of Technology Sydney, and students use the venue. We don’t want anything getting stolen or broken and making your weekend unforgettable for all the wrong reasons, so please don’t leave your bags, wallet or tech unattended. If you need to nip out to the loo or elsewhere, ask a friend or colleague to keep an eye on your stuff while you are gone or pop out to the registration desk and find a volunteer or organiser to watch over it for a few minutes. - Bring battery backups for tech devices.
The conference room desks have power sockets so you should be good for recharging devices. Maybe bring an extension adapter if you have multiple devices and at least one battery backup for the “just in case”. - Read the attendee list.
Have a look over the attendee list to see who else is coming to WordCamp Sydney. Chances are you may use their product, read their blog, listen to their podcast or have a common interest in craft beers or onesies. - Review the schedule before the conference.
Have a good look through the conference schedule and mark down your “must” or “maybe” sessions. Build in time for your “hallway track.” This is an unofficial opportunity to collaborate on ideas with other attendees while sessions you may not be interested in are in full swing. - Use X / Twitter.
During the conference, the #WCSyd hashtag will be very active. Follow it for updates, announcements, and commentary from other attendees.
Read about speakers and retweet what others post. Follow speakers so you can tag them as you mention their talks and share gratitude for their willingness to speak, along with funny and helpful quotes. - Go to the After Party.
It’s a great chance to unwind and chillax after a long day of listening and talking. Talk is usually less “businessy” and more social and fun.
You’ll find new friends and go deep in conversation (and possibly song) in a way that can’t happen between traditional sessions. It’s a time to let your hair down and enjoy being part of the WordPress community. - Come with Issues and Questions.
Every WordCamp has a group of dedicated expert volunteers charged with answering your needs. At WCSyd, we call this the Happiness Bar, and we guarantee to make you smile, even if we can’t find you a quick fix.
How can I make the most of WordCamp?
- Arrive early to sessions.
Plan to arrive a few minutes before a session starts and sit close to the front. As well as making the speaker feel at ease you’ll have an easier time seeing what’s on the screen especially if the speaker is diving into code! - Challenge yourself.
Go to at least one talk that is out of your comfort zone. You may feel that your skill level is too low for a session but you may be surprised at some of the things you learn and take away to investigate later.
Embrace track cross-over; being a developer doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy and learn from a session on business management or copy-writing. The reverse is true, as well. - Take sparse notes.
Remember that you’re here to have fun and enjoy the conference. Don’t try to memorise everything the speaker says, or you’ll miss the whole essence of the talk.
Jot down “Aha” moments and things you want to look up later. Slides and session videos will be available later on WordPress.tv, so you can always go back and watch or review the talk. Write down speaker details, name, company, X handle, LinkedIn profile, etc, so you can connect/follow them and ask them questions after the conference. - Introduce yourself.
Turn round and say “hi” to your conference chair buddies – those people sitting next and around you. Introduce yourself and ask them what brought them to WordCamp. You may end up creating a new friendship or business colleague. - Connect with people.
If you’re a business card person, bring plenty along to offer others. Take plenty, too.
If you’re more of a social media animal, offer to connect with people on LinkedIn and follow them on Twitter. - Listen out for new tools.
Some of the speakers we have at WCSyd are seasoned WordPressers. They’ve been doing it for a long time. Listen to the types of tools, processes, software, services, plugins and other stuff they use.
Even if one of their recommendations saves you time, money, or hassle, it will have been worth the investment. - Talk to speakers, organisers and sponsors.
Feel free to approach the speakers, organisers, and sponsors. Everyone is at the event because they love WordPress and want to share.
They all want to help you with WordPress. - Don’t eat alone.
Lunch can be an excellent opportunity to meet someone new and compare notes about what you’ve both seen and learned so far at the event. More from Chris Lema.
Share your experience
- Take lots of photos & videos.
One of the fun aspects of a WordCamp is looking through all the photos and video snippets posted on social media.
Share photos of you and your day, from selfies to swag! Be sure to tag the people and companies represented and share how you feel. Follow up with a blog post or capture moments of your day with a live or follow-up video. - Express gratitude!
People love to be thanked on social media and through email. Do what works for you, but remember that WordCamp Sydney has many sponsors, contributors, organizers, and volunteers who dedicate their efforts to your behalf. Make their day by showing your appreciation. - Reconnect with people.
Keep track of who you met and solidify the interaction on social media or with a phone call or email referencing how you met in the weeks to follow WordCamp.
Things and people transition pretty fast in Australia and if too much time passes, you may be forgotten. - Say “Hi” to the organisers.
It takes a lot of time and energy to pull off a successful WordCamp. Remember that organisers are not getting paid for doing this so tell them about your WordCamp experience; sessions you liked and new stuff you learned.
Maybe you would like to help out at the next WordCamp Sydney or are thinking it would be neat to run one where you live. Share your thoughts with the organisers.
Have more suggestions on making the most of your WordCamp Sydney experience? Comment below with tips and tricks you recommend.