5 Reasons You Should Attend Your Local WordCamp
After attending the inaugural WordCamp Jacksonville, I’m still reeling from all the great information I got and connections I made.
Even a few days later, I realize how important these types of conferences – and this community – can be…and if you’re anything like I was, you aren’t taking advantage of a great opportunity yet.
So what is WordCamp?
First things first, maybe you haven’t heard of WordCamp. (And that’s ok!)
WordCamps are WordPress-centered conferences for web geeks of all shapes and sizes: from web developers and designers to SEOs and social media professionals to copywriters and bloggers. (Here’s a great Infographic that goes more in depth about what WordCamps are all about.)
So now let’s get down to it…here are 5 reasons why you should attend your local WordCamp.
1. It’s inexpensive.
Let’s get over the cost issue right now, as it ends up being the reason most of us don’t attend large conferences. For most WordCamps, you’ll only pay about $30 – $40 for an entire weekend’s worth of content.
Compared to most other web conferences, that’s nothing.
Of course, when you’re attending your local WordCamp, you won’t have to pay for hotel or travel expenses. (When you’re traveling from afar, it’s something to consider.)
2. You’ll learn a thing or two.
(or twenty.)
I’ve gotten more than a handful of valuable takeaways at every WordCamp I’ve attended. (Because learning stuff at a conference is important, right?)
Even as a marketing person, I can gained insights into things I didn’t know, got lessons from beginner designer/developer talks, and more. For a designer or developer, there’s probably even more valuable information and specifics on topics you may not know much about yet.
3. You’ll be inspired.
Not only will you learn great content, but you’ll also be inspired and get motivated.
Think about it: you’re surrounded by a few hundred other brilliant WordPress users in your niche. How can you not get inspired by that?!
It’s important to keep up that momentum even after you get home. I’ve often heard that taken one or even two “to-do” tasks home from a conference is the best way to actually implement them. That way, you’re not overwhelmed with a 50-point to-do list.
4. You’ll make amazing connections.
Networking, networking, and more networking. If nothing else, that’s what you’ll gain from a WordCamp.
Consider how powerful an auditorium full of like-minded people could be. There are some who are local and others who have traveled from afar. Either way, you’ll establish great connections and even friendships by going to WordCamp.
What’s more is the more you go to, the more often you’ll see the connections you’ve already made!
5. If you don’t have a local WordCamp, you can organize one!
WordCamps are put on for WordPress users by local WordPress users. That means that if you don’t have a WordCamp near you, you can organize your own!
6. BONUS: You can expand your speaking portfolio.
I spoke at this first WordCamp Jacksonville and it was so much fun. It was my first time speaking at a WordCamp and the community was so inspiring and supportive, I can’t wait to do it again!
So what are you waiting for? Go find out if there’s a WordCamp coming up in your area!