WordCamp has always been the highlight of my WordPress year. While its great to meet, greet and work with fellow WordPressers (that’s what I call ya’ll) WordCamp is always that little something special. This year was my first as both part of the organising team and lead organiser and it was fun to see how it all gets put together. I hope that you have as much fun attending it as I did at my first WordCamp in 2015. As such, I thought it might be a good idea to take a look at what you can expect from your 2 day WordPress conference.
Still haven’t bought your ticket? What are you waiting for?!
1) The simplest registration process
As soon as you enter the River Club, our registration team will be on hand to get you registered and give you your attendee card. Thanks to some updates to the process this will be as simple as giving our volunteers your name and them marking you as attended. If you booked your tickets after 3pm on Tuesday we may have to write your name on your attendee card, but once that’s done you are in and you can start enjoying the conference. Keep an eye out for the venue maps and schedules which will be up downstairs and upstairs, to indicate where everything is happening. Food is upstairs, so go and grab some coffee, a morning snack and chat with fellow attendees, or find the Swag room and stock up on your free stuff.
2) Amazing workshops and talks
I looked at the full schedule earlier today and I have to say, we have some amazing talks this year. I wish I could split myself in three and attend all three tracks on Thursday. From automated marketing funnels all the way to WordPress APIs, I think you would find it hard to not find something to attend. Friday’s sessions are an exciting mix of stories from both new WordPress users to people who have built their livelihood on WordPress. We even have a great international mix from not only other continents but speakers vising from other African nations. I’m really looking forward to hearing how WordPress changes peoples lives across our world.
3) Great food
If you have attended the River Club for any conference before you know that their food is always amazing and plentiful. What I also like is that the food is served buffet style, so there is ample opportunity to grab a plate and have an awesome chat with a fellow conference attendee.
4) Awesome coffee
We know how much you like good coffee and this year we have a dedicated barista available for your coffee requirements. If you’ve never tasted a Truth cappuccino, you are in for a treat. I just hope our barista is up to the challenge of serving 200+ coffee connoisseurs.
5) Enjoy the relaxing and well equipped venue
The River Club is an awesome conference venue. If the weather is good you can enjoy a seat outside next to the pool, knock a few golf balls around and just generally relax in true Cape Town style. We even have a dedicated ‘chill’ area for those who need a little quite time to check up on their emails. The River Club has also upgraded it’s wifi network recently, so we should have no connectivity interruptions. (A reminder, torrents are still not allowed) and we’re making sure there should be ample plugs and extensions for those who need power.
6) Free stuff
Who doesn’t like free stuff. While our sponsor swag is slightly down from previous years, I am sure there will be something you can enjoy from the swag selection. The official WordCamp t-shirt returns this year and we’ve decided to try something different out design wise. We hope you like it.
7) Capture the moment
We’ve managed to secure a photographer for both days to capture the spirit of WordCamp as well as a videographer for the second day’s talks. On day 2 (Friday) we will also have a BrandRocket kiosk in the swag room, allowing you to use the #wcct2017 #hashtag to Instagram, Tweet or WhatsApp a photo from your mobile with the WordCamp branding. (Please, no photos of your cats or children!)
9) Mid conference meetup.
For those who don’t have to go straight home, or who want to wait out the traffic for a while, we’ll be having an informal meetup at the Slug n Lettuce after the workshops on day 1. Grab a coffee, drink or beer at the bar and join us for a nice post day 1 chat.
8) After Party
What would a conference be without a bit of an after party. If you can stay we’ll be having drinks and snacks (and some music) at the venue from about 5:15 on Friday. It’s a great way to unwind and relax after the conference.
See you all there!