WordCamp Phoenix 2014

WordCamp is, indubitably focused on everything WordPress but there are so many little nuggets offered that even if you don't have a WordPress site, you will definitely be able to get something out of it.

It is a little bit hard to conceive of, but there are still many people who, not only don't use Wordpress, but they don't even know what it is. WordPress is a free web hosting service. It is the most popular blogging system with over 60 million sites on the web. You can start a site on either WordPress.com or WordPress.org. The former allows you to set up a blog as part of the wordPress community. They do all the legwork and you can just create. WordPress.org is a little different. You can download the (free) software but you are doing your own hosting. You would need to ourchase a domain (address) to park your WordPress site. A ".org" site allows you more autonomy but is also more work. Also, If you are interested in monetizing your site, you must have a ".org" vs. a ".com"

The WordPress developers designed it to house multiple plugins offering users and developers many opportunities. Because WordPress is a free and open source, it relies on peer support. In 2006, WordCamp was created as a way to share all the amazing programs to use on your WordPress site. I have had the opportunity to attend two WordCamp conferences. I have come back richer in knowledge and more motivated in spirit both times that I attended. You can read about my experience WordCamp Phoenix 2013 here.

At seminars like this, networking is a given. There are many people who attend strictly for that reason. Since you are meeting so many people,it is a good idea to organize and jot down notes on each business card or brochure you take. I also recommend that you go over them at the end of the conference. With the amount of information at this conference, you will likely get confused if you don't. Make sure that you have plenty of business cards with you!

Imagine, if you will, a room filled with more than 750 individuals, including webdesigners, coders, bloggers, business bloggers and hosts. These are the people who make a typical WordCamp.They all get together several times a year, in several different cities and countries to educate the masses (or those who want to learn!) everything WordPress. It is an exchange of ideas and information for anyone from the extreme beginner to the experienced professional. It is a fun filled, invigorating, yet relaxed atmosphere. You can come and go as you please. There are multiple charging stations in the lobbies and lecture halls. This is one place where texting and tweeting are welcomed, in fact, encouraged. There is a "Rockstar Bar" in the lobby throughout the conference, as well as vendors. The Rockstars consist of experienced WordPress users or developers, who are there to help you with any problems or questions about your site.

This year's $50 ticket bought admission to all 3 days of WordCamp and included a t-shirt, a messenger bag, 3 meals, 2 after parties and more than 30 sessions to choose from, ranging from beginners to advanced. You could attend a class on monetizing your blog, web design or learn from experts, like Elisa Camahort, Co-Founder of Blogher on how to make your site known!

You could rub elbows with and attend seminars taught by experts in the field like Elisa Camahort, Co-Founder of Blogher.

This years WordCamp ticket bought all of the above, an enormous amount of education, resources, a whole lot of swag and invaluable networking!

It takes a lot of planning and organizing to host a WordCamp event. They begin a year in advance and involve many different talented people to insure a successful experience for everyone. In the video below, many of the speakers and organizers are part of the WPwatercooler, which is a 30 minute WordPress talk show, where they discuss anything WordPress.

This was my second WordCamp. Many of the same organizers were there, as well as new faces and new companies. I found it fun and interesting to be able to wander as I chose, speak to people for ideas and trouble shoot. In fact, my site "crashed" while I was there and I while I was able to utilize the skills of the Rock Stars to help me get it up and running, I also had the option to go to host site, GoDaddy, where they had me up and running in no time! The truth of the matter, is that I purposely tested the plugin while I was there because I knew that I had all the resources there to help me. IIf you would like to learn more about websites, blogging, designing, etc or just need a boost of energy, highly recommend you attend a WordCamp. You don't have to have a WordPress hosted site to attend but it may convert you!