My friend Alfredo and I had the opportunity to attend the recent WordCamp US 2024—an unforgettable experience brimming with connections, inspiration, and learning opportunities within the WordPress community.
Held in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, from September 17-20 at the Oregon Convention Center, WordCamp offered invaluable networking, insightful sessions on SEO, accessibility, and AI, as well as the chance to connect with fellow WordPress enthusiasts and industry leaders. Here’s a look at the friendships forged, knowledge gained, and Portland’s unique charm that made this event truly memorable.
What is WordCamp?
For newcomers to WordPress, WordCamps are community-driven conferences that explore all aspects of the platform. These events unite WordPress enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds—developers, designers, bloggers, business owners, and more—offering opportunities to learn, network, and exchange ideas.
WordCamp events are hosted worldwide, with local, regional, and flagship WordCamps happening annually in major cities. WordCamp US is one of the largest, with thousands of attendees each year.
Past events have attracted over 2,000 attendees in cities like San Francisco and Nashville, and smaller, local WordCamps have popped up in cities across 65+ countries. The event is backed by WordPress’s open-source community, making it accessible to everyone, with ticket prices often remaining under $50 to keep it affordable for all.
Forging Connections: Cultivating Friendships and Strengthening Our Community
One of the best parts of WordCamp is the people. It’s incredible to meet others who share a love for WordPress, from developers and designers to business owners and bloggers. Whether you’re a WordPress newbie or a seasoned pro, everyone here is part of a welcoming and supportive community. I met some fantastic people this year—each with unique stories, perspectives, and tips to share. Conversations flowed easily, and I left feeling like I’d made friends, not just connections.
WordCamp truly brings out the collaborative spirit of the WordPress world, and if you’re looking to expand your network or find like-minded folks, there’s no place like it.
Sponsors and Swag: Small Gifts with Big Value
Let’s talk about the sponsors for a moment. WordCamp wouldn’t be the same without their support. Sponsors like Bluehost, Hostinger, WPEngine, Yoast, and WooCommerce—to name just a few—not only make these events possible but also bring extra excitement with their interactive booths and fantastic swag. I came away with a handful of memorable goodies: fun stickers, pins, reusable totes, t-shirts, tumblers, and even freebies from the Elementor brand. These items create lasting memories of the powerful tools that are part of the WordPress ecosystem. And let’s not forget the discounts you can snag just by being part of the event!
There were also some cool tech gadgets, like the vintage WooCommerce camera (I’m looking forward to figuring out how to develop old Kodak roll films with it). The swag may be a small part of the event, but it’s a lasting reminder of the support and dedication of WordPress partners.
Conference Highlights: Key Insights from the WordCamp Sessions
The real heart of WordCamp lies in the sessions, and this year did not disappoint. Here’s what stood out to me:
Matt Mullenweg’s Keynote
Matt’s keynote always brings a crowd, and this year he dove into some fascinating topics about WordPress’s direction and future. He covered the new Gutenberg updates, a vision for WordPress’s role as a global publishing platform, and exciting advancements in open-source tech. Hearing his insights and passion for the platform reminded me of why I love being a part of this community—it’s always evolving, and there’s always something new on the horizon.
The Power of AI in WordPress
AI is transforming the digital landscape, and WordPress is no exception. Several sessions highlighted how AI tools are being integrated with WordPress to improve everything from content creation to customer service. One session, in particular, demonstrated AI-based plugins that can streamline content recommendations, automate customer responses, and even enhance SEO. It’s exciting to see how AI can elevate WordPress sites while saving time and improving user experience.
Conferences
Accessibility
Accessibility was one of the central theme this year, and for good reason. The sessions covered practical steps to make WordPress sites more inclusive, from accessible themes and plugins to best practices for alt text and keyboard navigation. WordPress’s commitment to accessibility aligns with its mission of democratizing publishing, making it possible for everyone, regardless of ability, to access content seamlessly.
Conferences
- Democratizing Accessibility: Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker
- Enhancing WordPress Accessibility: Tools, Techniques, and Real-World Solutions
Portland, Oregon: The perfect host city
Portland was an incredible backdrop for WordCamp this year. Known for its quirky charm, eco-friendly vibe, and amazing food scene, Portland felt like a natural fit for WordPress enthusiasts. Between sessions, we explored some of the city’s famous coffee shops, enjoyed delicious food trucks, and took in a bit of nature with a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden. There’s a sense of creativity and warmth in Portland that complemented the spirit of WordCamp beautifully. If you ever get a chance to visit, don’t pass it up!
Personal takeaways and next steps
Reflecting on my time at WordCamp US 2024 (WCUS), I feel energized and inspired. The people, sessions, and setting all combined to create a memorable experience, and I’m leaving with a notebook full of ideas for improving my WordPress projects. Whether it’s implementing new SEO techniques, adopting accessible design practices, or exploring AI tools, there’s a lot I’m excited to dive into.
If you’re thinking about attending WordCamp in the future, my advice is simple: do it. The insights, the networking, and the sense of community make it worth every moment. Plus, you might just fall in love with a new city along the way.
I will share the link for the next primary WordCamp 2025 so you can schedule it in your company’s calendar or plan to attend by yourself ✈️.
- State of the Word (Tokyo) on December 16, 2024, 2025’s
- WordCamp Asia 2025 in Manila
- WordCamp Europe 2025 in Basel, Switzerland
- WordCamp US 2025 in Portland, Oregon!
Ready for the next WordCamp? Join the Community!
WordCamp is a must for anyone in the WordPress space. It’s more than just a conference—it’s a celebration of a community that’s passionate about open-source tech, growth, and connection. Whether you’re a developer, business owner, or WordPress enthusiast, there’s a place for you at WordCamp. Hope to see you there next year!
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