In a previous post, I wrote about the 2015 WordCamp Rhode Island coming up in September. Well, it is here! Today, Friday, September 25, 2015 is the first day of the two-day event.
Since that post, I’ve been talking up the WordCamp when networking in person and socializing on the web; tweeting about it and mentioning it on LinkedIn and Facebook, encouraging WordPress enthusiasts to attend. Lots of first responses were: “What is a WordCamp?”, so, let’s clear that up.
What is a WordCamp?
WordCamp Central explains it very simply,
“WordCamp is a conference that focuses on everything WordPress.”
That’s true and the “techie” part of me has heard all that it needs to hear!…BUT Al Davis, freelance web developer and writer for Torque, WP Engine’s online magazine, helps me understand WordCamps in a way that makes me want to attend AND encourage others to attend.
“WordCamps are open to everyone with an interest in WordPress regardless of ability, and that’s an important piece to remember. WordCamps are attended by many different people: from those who’ve just discovered the software, to those who make a significant living working with it. They all gather together under the same roof with a common goal in mind: to learn and to help others learn.
I didn’t say it as elegantly, but, that is exactly what I was thinking in my responses to the 2015 Rhode Island WordCamp organizers’ questions.
2015 WordCamp Rhode Island
Okay, so this type of WordPress learning experience is going on right now at New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. It was put together by a small group of WordPress-centric professionals who worked tirelessly over the last three months to make it happen. While a WordCamp is fun and relaxing to attend, it is a ginormous logistic challenge and my hat is off to the logistics team![genericon icon=star]
We had a walk-through at NEIT Wednesday, and while the coordination stress was at an all-time high, I got *jazzed* all over again just thinking about the buzz when the attendees arrive, the classrooms fill with speakers and audience, and WordPress enthusiasts are getting individual help at the Happiness Bar. Yeah, you remember why you volunteered and you smile into one of those quiet moments.
It is Friday already, and you may have missed today’s events. That’s okay. There are 15 sessions planned for tomorrow, not including the Opening Remarks and Keynote address.
Some of the WordPress workshop topics are:
- Child themes, Designing WordPress Websites
- Ten Tips to Make WordPress Your Friend
- Internationalization/Localization Functions
- Tracking Meaningful Moments on your Website
This is a great opportunity for you to learn and connect with like-minded folks. The value way exceeds the $20 admission fee! WALK INS accepted, although you can still register here!
See you tomorrow my WordPress friends!
UPDATE: Upon re-reading this, I notice it ended on a ‘salesy’ note. My intention was to let you know that this WordCamp is truly a special event. It is an exciting day for the organizers, sponsors, speakers and attendees. I got caught up in my WordPress enthusiasm, and don’t want you to miss out. 🙂