WordPress Community Proposes Draft for 2024 Global Community Sponsorship Program
The WordPress Community team has recently proposed a draft for the 2024 Global Community Sponsorship Program. This program aims to support volunteer-organized local events by providing free or low-cost access for attendees. It also helps companies streamline their sponsorship contributions across multiple events with less administrative overhead. However, it is important to note that flagship events such as WordCamps Europe, Asia, and the US are not included in this program.
One significant change in the proposed draft is the increase in fees for all three sponsorship packages: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. These packages offer varying degrees of visibility at in-person WordPress events. Comparing the fees from 2023 to 2024, we can see an increase across the board:
– Gold: $130,000 (2023) to $145,000 (2024)
– Silver: $95,000 (2023) to $115,000 (2024)
– Bronze: $80,000 (2023) to $90,000 (2024)
The previous two years’ programs did not include funding for WordCamps due to the unpredictability of hosting in-person events during the pandemic. Many organizers opted for virtual events instead. However, in 2023, WordPress events are ramping back up again. Isotta Peira, an Automattic-sponsored community contributor, mentioned that the number of in-person events has increased by 60% compared to 2022. The introduction of Next Gen events is expected to further fuel the program’s growth into 2024. Currently, 15 pilot events have been confirmed for the new format, with 11 of them scheduled for 2023.
Peira also highlighted the success of the Meetup Reactivation project, which led to 270 dormant Meetups hosting events again. As a result, there are now 729 WordPress Chapter Meetups in 107 countries, with over 500,000 members globally. In the first seven months of 2023, the WordPress Community has already held 27 WordCamps, and another 29 are scheduled before the end of the year.
The proposal showcases several statistics that demonstrate the strong resurgence of community events:
– 36 local WordCamps held in 2023 to date, with 25 more scheduled before year-end
– 173% increase in WordCamps since last year: 60 WordCamps anticipated in 2023, compared to 22 in 2022
– 729 meetup groups across 107 countries
– 507,796 meetup group members program-wide
– 2,998 meetup events scheduled in 2023 to date, with over 340 more scheduled through the end of the year
This increase in events is a direct result of the Community team’s efforts in 2023 to reactivate dormant meetup groups, bring back in-person WordCamps, and evolve the WordCamp program to accommodate new event types.
For companies interested in supporting WordPress’ burgeoning events program, they can get involved for 2024 by emailing support@wordcamp.org before November 30, 2023.
In conclusion, the proposed draft for the 2024 Global Community Sponsorship Program aims to provide support for volunteer-organized local events and streamline sponsorship contributions. With the increasing number of in-person events and the introduction of Next Gen events, the WordPress Community is experiencing a strong resurgence. Companies interested in supporting these events can join the program by contacting support@wordcamp.org.
