Inspired by Liam Dempsey’s post, I thought I, too, should write about what I’m looking forward to most about WordCamp US, now that it’s less than one week away.
Friends, Friends, Friends
WordCamp US is the largest annual gathering of WordPress professionals and practitioners in the world. I’m so fortunate that I’ve become involved in such an inclusive, welcoming, and helpful community. This is likely the only time this year I’ll get to see some of my best WordPress friends like Tracy Levesque, Mika Epstein, Brad Williams, and so many, many more. Expect a big freaking hug from me, folks!
Opportunities
This year, especially, as I’m trying to find my next career move, WordCamp US couldn’t come at a better time. It would be a fallacy to deny that WordCamp US is an enormous networking opportunity, with the best of the best in the WordPress community available to chat, share a drink, share a meal, or just get to know better. Again, the helpfulness and inclusiveness I mentioned above can be almost overwhelming.
Deep Knowledge
Oh yeah, there’s the sessions, too! While I was extremely fortunate to speak at last year’s inaugural WordCamp US, this year I get to sit back, relax, and absorb the knowledge that others are sharing. Lately, I’ve been trying to “go outside my comfort zone” when attending WordCamp talks, and I expect the trend to continue here. Instead of focusing on just developer-centric talks (okay, yes, I still intend to go to Nacin’s; that’s required viewing despite the lack of description), I want to attend more talks based on content, design, and other topics of which I know very little.
What are you looking forward to about this year’s WordCamp US? Let me know in the comments.
And if you don’t have your tickets yet, hurry! Time is running out.