We want you to make the most out of WordCamp Manila! Whether it’s your first time or you’re a conference veteran, it’s always a good idea to review how to prepare. We’ve gathered the best tips from to help you prepare!
What is WordCamp?
Let’s review! WordCamps are local, volunteer-run, not-for-profit technical conferences designed to embrace open source software and foster WordPress community in an educational setting for all levels of WordPress users.
At WordCamp, you can dive into the world of WordPress, discussing and learning in a friendly community of like-minded individuals.
What should I expect from WordCamp Manila?
Getting to meet and learn from other WordPress users face-to-face is one of the main reasons people attend WordCamps.
At WordCamp Manila, you’ll be with fellow web developers, bloggers, designers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and educators from all over Metro Manila, the Philippines, and from other countries as well. Attendees range from the novice who is brand new to WordPress, to the savvy WordPress power user, to advanced designers and developers who make their living with WordPress.
It’s a great time to have fun, learn some new things and make some new friends and/or business contacts.
How can I prepare? What should I bring?
Bring a valid ID. When you arrive at iAcademy Nexus, we’ll need your valid ID for security reasons, along with your WordCamp ticket in your phone. No need to print your ticket on paper. (Save the trees!)
Dress appropriately. Our venue is in the excellent new campus of iAcademy Nexus, so we recommend you come in smart casual. Denim jeans and your favorite WordPress shirt would be a good choice. Session rooms will be enclosed and air conditioned, so a light jacket would be helpful if it gets a little chilly for you.
These are not allowed at the venue: plunging necklines, sleeveless shirts and sando, see-through clothing, graphic tops with inappropriate messages, shorts, slippers, and sandals. As a sign of respect, please do not wear caps and hats inside the rooms.
Bring a small bag or backpack. There’s usually some good swag at WordCamps. They aren’t unlimited, though, so it’s best to be prepared for a secure place to store them. Plus this is where you’ll put your pen and paper, gadgets, and your new WordCamp shirt.
Bring your water bottle. Help save the environment by bringing your own water bottle, reusable straw, and fork and spoons! There will be water and coffee in the venue but food and open liquid containers will not be allowed in the main auditorium.
Keep personal items close-by at all times. WordCamp Manila’s venue is a school campus that is used by students and other contacts of iAcademy. We don’t want anything getting stolen or broken and making your weekend unforgettable for all the wrong reasons so please don’t leave your bags, wallet or tech unattended.
Bring fully-charged devices, battery backups, and extension cords. For safety reasons we will not be able to provide sockets right by your chair, but we will have a charging station at one side of the conference room. So make sure that you bring your devices fully-charged and bring backup batteries as well. You can also bring your own extension cord or adapter.
How can I make the most of WordCamp?
Arrive early to sessions. Plan to arrive a few minutes before a session starts and sit close to the front. You’ll make the speaker feel at ease, you’ll have an easier time seeing what’s on the screen, and the day will generally go more smoothly!
Challenge yourself. Go to at least one talk that is out of your comfort zone. You may feel that your skill level is too low for a session but you may be surprised at some of the things you learn and take away to investigate later. Embrace track cross-over; being a developer doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy and learn from a session on design or blogging. The reverse is true, as well.
Take sparse notes. Remember that you’re here to have fun and enjoy the conference. Don’t scratch down everything the speaker is saying or you’ll miss the whole essence of the talk. Slides and session videos will be available later on WordCamp.tv so you can always go back and watch or review the talk. Write down just the key ideas and questions that you might ask during the Question&Answer time. You can also take note of speaker details, name, company, Twitter handle etc so you can connect with them online.
Come with questions! After every session, there will be time for questions and answers. Take the opportunity to ask your burning question so that other folks can learn as well! If you’re too shy to come up to the mic, you can tweet your question with the hashtag #WCMNL2018 and our hosts can ask it for you.
Introduce yourself. Turn round and say “hi” to folks seated near you. They will be your buddies for the next several hours. Introduce yourself and ask them what brought them to WordCamp. You may end up creating a new friendship or business colleague. Connect with them online so that you can continue exchanging ideas. You can browse the attendee list to see who else is coming to the WordCamp. Chances are you may use their product, read their blog, listen to their podcast or have a common interest in isaw.
Use the hashtag. During the conference the #WCMNL2018 hashtag will get very busy! Keep an eye on it on Twitter for updates, announcements and commentary from other attendees. Read about speakers and retweet what others post. Follow speakers so you can tag them as you mention their talks and share gratitude for their willingness to speak along with funny and helpful quotes.
Share your experience. Take lots of photos & videos. One of the fun aspects about WordCamps is looking through all the photos and video snippets that get posted on social media. Share photos of you and your day, from selfies to swag! Be sure to tag the people and companies represented and share how you feel. Follow up with a blog post or capture moments of your day with a live or follow up video.
Talk to speakers and sponsors. Feel free to approach the speakers and sponsors. Everyone is at the event because they love WordPress and want to share. They all want to help you with WordPress.
Say “Hi” to the organisers. It takes a lot of time and energy to pull off a successful WordCamp. Remember that organisers are not getting paid for doing this so tell them about your WordCamp experience; sessions you liked and new stuff you learned. Make their day by saying hi and showing your appreciation. Maybe you would like to help out at the next WordCamp Manila or are thinking of starting a meetup near your location. Share your thoughts with the organisers.
If you have more suggestions on making the most of your WordCamp Manila experience, we’d love to hear it! See you there!