If you’ve never attended a WordCamp before, but you’ve heard about it, you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about. I did too when I first learned about WordCamp. It was 2014 and I saw something about it online somewhere. The concept looked interesting but I really didn’t think that there would be any benefit for me to attend. If I look back over the last 2 years of my WordCamp attendance I can truthfully say that WordCamp has become the ‘work’ related highlight of my year.
1. You get to meet some amazing people.
The thing about WordPress people is that they are generally the friendliest and most helpful individuals you’ll ever meet. I can recall endless conversations with people at WordCamp, over a variety of topics. As a freelancer you are often stuck inside your own sphere of influence and the ability to get out, meet other like minded individuals and share stories and ideas is such a great way to recharge and renew for the year ahead.
2. You will learn something new
I’ve only been to three WordCamps, but every time I go I learn something new. There are so many great speakers from different walks of life who use WordPress in so many different ways, that it can sometimes be difficult to determine which talk to go to. I usually spend the week before the event planning out my schedule so I am sure to be in the right track to hear the talks I am most interested in.
3. Stuff we all get
Who doesn’t like free stuff? Over the past two years my SWAG collection comprises a few coffee mugs, T-shirts, moleskin notebooks, a cap, a bag, some stickers, plenty of USB’s and quite a few pens. I still use the notebook I got from WordCamp Cape Town 2015 when I meet clients or need to write something down.
4. Eat, drink and be merry
WordCamp aims to be the most cost-effective event in the tech calendar. For only R500 you get to enjoy two days of talks and workshops, a great breakfast and lunch spread each day as well as coffee and tea breaks. There’s even an after party where you can round off the event with some style.
5. Connect
I’ve made quite a few connections at each WordCamp. More often than not this has also leads to client work, as those people I meet remember that I am a freelance WordPress developer. So when they or someone they know is looking for a WordPress professional, its usual for them to reach out to someone they’ve already met.
Honestly, if you use WordPress, are thinking of using WordPress or just want to know what all the fuss is about WordPress, I highly recommend attending WordCamp Cape Town this year.