The Future of WordPress Events: More Experimentation and Innovation
WordPress events have been a staple in the community for years, providing opportunities for users, builders, designers, and extenders to come together and learn from each other. However, in May 2023, the WordPress Community Team announced a major shift in the WordCamp format to promote adoption, training, and networking for professionals, leaving the flagship events to focus more on connection and inspiration. This change opens the door for more experimentation through varied formats, and the community has responded with enthusiasm.
In a recent update, the Community Team shared that progress on the discussions has generated 64 ideas with 59 organizers who are willing to follow up on their ideas. There are also eight pilot events that have been confirmed, and six of them will launch in 2023. These events offer a glimpse of what events could look like going forward.
Low-Cost WordCamp in Leipzig, Germany
The WordPress community in Leipzig, Germany, is planning the first-ever Low-Cost WordCamp for July 1, 2023. Organizers will host 90 attendees and keep costs low with no swag, no social dinner, and no after party. They will offer just one track of presentations.
The goal of this event is to motivate and help new and veteran organizers to create a lighter, impactful event that is low cost and requires less time, financial resources, and fewer organizers/volunteers. This event is an excellent opportunity for those who are looking to organize a WordCamp but are hesitant due to the financial burden.
WordPress Day in Sevilla, Spain
Contributors in Sevilla, Spain, are planning a “WordPress Day” on July 2, 2023, where the focus will be engaging 50 attendees in three different areas of contribution. The goal of this event is to bring new contributors to the community and retain them by organizing multiple events every year.
With these small numbers and limited goals, this effort could easily be organized as frequently as they anticipate. This event is an excellent opportunity for those who are looking to contribute to the WordPress community but are unsure where to start.
Scale Up Workshop in Tegal, Indonesia
The community in Tegal, Indonesia, is planning a “Scale Up” Workshop for October 22, 2023. A group of 50 participants will join in a 1-day training event that will expand their WordPress skills by “diving into the world of WordPress for enterprise.”
This event is an excellent opportunity for those who are looking to expand their WordPress skills and learn how to use WordPress for enterprise-level projects.
Other Approved Pilot Events
The three other approved pilot events for 2023 include a Rural event for small towns/villages, a WP for Publishers in Bangalore, and a Community Day in Rome, Italy, designed for WordPress community organizers, scheduled for September 29.
All of the confirmed events fall within the new purpose for WordPress events that the Community Team identified earlier this year. WordPress events spark innovation and adoption by way of accessible training and networking for users, builders, designers, and extenders. We celebrate community by accelerating 21st-century skills, professional opportunities, and partnerships for WordPressers of today and tomorrow.
Submitting Creative Ideas
Prospective event organizers who are inspired by the confirmed pilot events can submit their creative ideas via a dedicated form. The Community Team is still accepting pilot events for 2023 and is also scheduling into 2024.
Conclusion
The future of WordPress events is exciting, with more experimentation and innovation on the horizon. The shift in the WordCamp format allows for more creativity and flexibility, which will undoubtedly lead to more accessible and impactful events. The confirmed pilot events offer a glimpse of what’s to come, and prospective event organizers are encouraged to submit their creative ideas. The WordPress community is vibrant and growing, and events like these are essential for its continued success.
