We want you to make the most out of WordCamp Brisbane so here are some tips to help you do just that. The following information is particularly important if this is your first WordCamp and even ‘old hands’ will find it useful.
Remember you can always ask us questions in person at the conference or via the comment box below.
What should I expect from WordCamp Brisbane?
WordCamps are local, volunteer-run, not-for-profit conferences designed to embrace open source software and foster WordPress community for all levels of WordPress users.
WordCamp Brisbane brings together local and national developers, designers, SEO gurus, marketing people, artists, writers, business owners, IT consultants, enthusiasts and of course newcomers, to network, brainstorm and share their knowledge.
Your mission is to have fun, learn new things and make some new friends and/or business contacts.
How can I prepare? What should I bring?
Dress for comfort.
The venue is air conditioned so bring a warm top in case the air-con is a bit chilly. You will be sitting down for 30-40 mins at a time so comfort rules supreme. Dress is casual – you will see lots of people in t-shirts and jeans – or if you want to look a little more businessy then smart casual is fine.
Bring a small bag or backpack.
You’ll need somewhere to store your water bottle, extra top, and business cards as well as your fav tech devices or even a pen and writing pad!! There’s some good swag (freebies) to be had at WordCamps but fortunately one of our wonderful sponsors is providing swag bags to carry it in.
Keep personal items close-by at all times.
WordCamp Brisbane is at QUT and we don’t have sole use of the campus – there will be other people about the place. 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. If you need to nip out, ask a friend or colleague to keep an eye on your stuff or go to the registration desk and find a volunteer or organiser to watch over it for a few mins.
Please be aware that there is no WiFi.
You probably know how to tether or hotspot your phone to your laptop if necessary – if in doubt, ask a friend or volunteer for help.
Bring battery backups for tech devices.
There are some power outlets at the seating outside the rooms but you might like to bring a battery backup “just in case”.
Update your social media accounts.
Time to update your profiles, pics and current info on all your social media platforms. The networking keeps happening long after WordCamp so be ready
Read the attendee list.
Have a look over the attendee list to see who else is coming to WordCamp Brisbane. There might be someone you know, or someone whom you would like to meet. You might read their blog, listen to their podcast or have common interests.
Review the schedule before the conference.
Peruse the conference schedule and mark your “must” or “maybe” sessions. Don’t stress if two ‘musts’ are on at the same time – the sessions are all being recorded and will be available to attendees not long after WordCamp finishes so you won’t miss out. When trying to decide which to attend in person, go to the one that you have the most vital questions about.
Be a little adaptable.
You may get into a great discussion at lunchtime and not want to finish the conversation to attend the next session. No problem! Like mentioned above – the sessions are being recorded for you to view later so feel free to chat away.
Plan to go to the After Party.
This is where you unwind after a long day of listening and learning. Talk is usually less “techy” and more social and fun.
You’ll have a chance to have deeper conversations with new friends and enjoy being part of the WordPress community.
Come with Issues and Questions.
At WordCamp there will be dedicated volunteers to help answer your needs. If they can’t help you directly themselves, they will know who can.
Most of all – relax, be yourself, soak up the atmosphere and have a great time.