A WordCamp is an informal, affordable event that focuses on how to use WordPress web software. It’s organized by a local WordPress community for the people who use WordPress or who want to learn more about it.
Who attends
Attendees range from new or casual users to core developers. That’s because a WordCamp usually offers something for just about everyone. It’s about learning, sharing and getting to know others.
Who you’ll find
At a WordCamp you’ll likely find new bloggers, learners looking for help, WordPress development experts, consultants, first-rate presenters, Happiness Bar specialists and employees of Automattic, the company behind WordPress. You’ll also likely find graphic designers, writers, editors and social media professionals—including a few who are looking for some extra work.
What happens
You attend sessions to listen, learn and occasionally contribute. You find answers to your WordPress-related questions. You make new acquaintances if you are so inclined. And you can take part in our Networking Get-together if, like most people, you enjoy that sort of thing. It’s no secret that WordCamps can bring together individuals who become friends and business associates.
Not about money
WordCamps operate under planning guidelines set out by WordCamp.org, and each WordCamp is approved by WordCamp Central.
They’re not about money. As WordCamp Central points out, “WordPress-based conferences organized as money-making opportunities are not approved to use the WordCamp name.”
Yes, you pay to attend a WordCamp. But most of the event’s costs are covered by sponsors. Without sponsors we couldn’t hold a WordCamp.
And any surplus isn’t treated as profit for the organizers who, like the speakers, are volunteers. Any surplus is used to benefit the WordPress community—to fund meetups or next year’s WordCamp, or it’s contributed to the WordPress Foundation to fund other community events.
Then and now
The first WordCamp took place in San Francisco in 2006. Since then some 583 WordCamps have taken place in 67 cities in 48 countries on six continents. Today, WordPress powers more than 75 million sites on the web.
