Are you attending your first WordCamp? What a coincidence, we’re throwing our first WordCamp! Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your WordCamp D.C. experience:
Tip 1:
There’s more going on than you think. Sure, we’ve got great talks going on during each of our speaker tracks, but don’t forget the Hallway Track, otherwise known as the interactions that go on in the public area. Network with peers or get an answer to a question you just thought of. You’ll find other attendees and speakers alike are very approachable!
Tip 2:
Say “thank you”. WordCamps would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and the help of our volunteers. So stop by the sponsor tables and thank them for their support and shake a volunteer’s hand.
Tip 3:
Bring a sweater or hoodie.
(Wat?!?)
Trust us, even if it’s 90+° outside (which is likely), Carnegie Library has ample air conditioning, as do many of the hotels, restaurants, museums, and other buildings you’re likely to visit during your time here.
Tip 4:
Bring a “swag bag.” We’re going to be giving you a tee shirt, and so will a sponsor or two. Maybe some Legos. And pens. And stickers. Sponsors are always creative in the swag they bring to WordCamps, so make sure you have a handy way to carry all those goodies.
Tip 5:
Get out and about in D.C. If you’re from out of town, make sure you schedule some time to see the sights. Check out the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall (all of which are free admission); say “Hi” to our pandas at the National Zoo (also free admission); ride one of the sightseeing buses; hop on the Metro and stroll around Arlington National Cemetery. There’s a ton of non-WordCamp activities to check out. We promise a post or two about DC coming soon!
Are you a seasoned WordCamp veteran? Share your top tips in the comments!
These suggestions are very good, I have spoken at other WordCamp and WordPress events and ppl forget to pack the simplest things they did not think to bring.
I’m going to write one soon on a list of things I learned to bring with me.
Wm
My Quest To Teach
#myquesttoteach – Google
If you’re attending solo, don’t be afraid to talk to strangers. We’re all WordPress nerds and share that as an interest, so it’s amazingly easy to strike up a conversation.
Great tip!