WordCamp Asia, one of the three flagship WordCamps, is set to take place in Manila, Philippines, from February 20 to 22, 2025. With the new deadline for speaker applications extended to September 8, 2024, aspiring speakers now have more time to submit their proposals for this prestigious event.
The organizing team has planned five session formats for speakers to choose from. These include Lightning Talks, which are 10-minute presentations without a Q&A session, Panel Discussions/Fireside Chats lasting 60 minutes, Long Talks (Individual) that allow 30 minutes for the talk and 10 minutes for Q&A, Joint Talks (Two Speakers) with the same time allocation, and Workshops that can range from 90 minutes to half a day.
To ensure inclusivity and diversity, the organizers aim to feature approximately 60% local (Asian) speakers and 40% non-male speakers. This initiative aims to provide a platform for individuals with different perspectives and experiences to share their stories, regardless of their level of expertise. The organizing team believes that every speaker has something valuable to contribute, and their stories have the power to inspire and empower others in the WordPress community.
To further support potential speakers, especially those from underrepresented groups, the organizers have introduced the Underrepresented Speaker Support Initiative. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers by providing assistance to speakers in need. Those who require support can reach out to asia-speakers@wordcamp.org for more information.
In addition, potential speakers can benefit from the 60-minute workshop created by the WordPress Diverse Speaker Training group. This workshop aims to equip speakers with the necessary skills and knowledge to present effectively. Furthermore, joining the Slack channel #diverse-speaker-support in the main WordPress Slack allows speakers to connect with other individuals from marginalized and underrepresented groups, fostering a sense of community and support.
For those interested in applying to be a speaker at WordCamp Asia, it is essential to visit the official WordCamp Asia website or contact the organizers directly. Additionally, the organizing team is also seeking volunteers, sponsors, emcees, and media partners for the event.
WordCamp Asia presents a unique opportunity for WordPress enthusiasts to share their knowledge, experiences, and stories. By participating in this event, speakers have the chance to inspire and empower others in the community, encouraging them to embark on their own WordPress journey, take on challenging projects, and contribute to the community in their own way. With the extended deadline for speaker applications, there is no better time to seize this opportunity and make a lasting impact on the WordPress community.
