WordCamp US 2023 Community Summit: A Gathering of WordPress Contributors
This year’s WordCamp US is set to be an exciting event for WordPress enthusiasts and contributors alike. In addition to the main conference, there will be a Community Summit taking place on August 22-23, 2023, in National Harbor, Washington, DC. This invitation-only event will bring together contributors from various teams to engage in important discussions and collaborations.
The Community Summit has a rich history of providing contributors with the unique opportunity to meet face-to-face and discuss crucial topics. It has been six years since the last summit was held in Paris, France in 2017, making this year’s event highly anticipated.
One of the key goals of the summit is to ensure diversity and inclusivity among attendees. To achieve this, previous organizers have implemented a travel assistance program to remove financial barriers for those who wish to attend. This year, the 2023 Community Summit travel fund is generously providing $48,000 in travel assistance. Sponsors such as Automattic, A2 Hosting, Elementor, and Weglot have contributed to this fund, enabling 38 attendees to benefit from roundtrip transportation and hotel stays.
In order to foster a safe and inclusive environment for collaboration, attendees have been reminded about the non-attribution guideline. This guideline allows for open discussions without attributing comments to specific individuals. It creates a space where contributors can freely express their thoughts and ideas without fear of personal repercussions. While discussions, photographs, recaps, and summaries can be shared, they must adhere to the non-attribution guideline.
The schedule for the Community Summit has been published and it promises to be packed with engaging sessions. There are 26 discussion topics that will encourage cross-team collaboration and address important aspects of the WordPress project. Some of the topics include the criteria for delaying the upgrade of foundational tech, understanding contributor leadership roles, refining Five for the Future for a robust WordPress community, accessibility in the WordPress project, open source participation in global legislation, and backwards compatibility in Gutenberg. These sessions will provide contributors with the opportunity to delve deep into these subjects and work together towards finding innovative solutions.
The Community Summit is not only a platform for discussion but also a place to build relationships and strengthen the WordPress community. Contributors from different teams will have the chance to connect with one another, share their experiences, and learn from each other’s expertise. This networking aspect of the summit is invaluable as it fosters collaboration and encourages the growth of the WordPress project.
As the first summit in six years, the 2023 Community Summit holds great promise for the future of WordPress. It is an event that brings together passionate contributors who are dedicated to improving and advancing the platform. The discussions and collaborations that take place during the summit will shape the direction of WordPress and contribute to its continued success.
If you are a WordPress contributor or enthusiast, the Community Summit is an event not to be missed. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals, learn from industry experts, and contribute to the growth of WordPress. The travel assistance program ensures that financial constraints do not hinder participation, making it accessible to a wide range of contributors.
Mark your calendars for August 22-23, 2023, and join us at the National Harbor in Washington, DC for the WordCamp US Community Summit. Together, let’s shape the future of WordPress and create a thriving and inclusive community.
