Making the Most Of WordCamp Los Angeles

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It doesn’t matter whether you journey to WordCamp Los Angeles as an organizer, volunteer, attendee, speaker, or sponsor, you are sure to have some questions. You may be curious about the speaker schedule or after party location. Perhaps you are wondering if you’ll find a topic that matches your skill level or maybe you aren’t quite sure what to bring. Making the most of WordCamp Los Angeles requires only two components: a ticket and the desire to WordPress.

WCLAX-Attendee WCLAX-Speaker WCLAX-Sponsor

What is WordCamp and What Should I Expect from WordCamp Los Angeles?

WordCamps are volunteer-run tech conferences built around the open source WordPress platform. These “camps” are created so you can dive into the world of WordPress, discussing and learning in a community. WordCamp Los Angeles allows designers, developers, business owners, artists, writers, SEO and IT consultants and those new to WordPress to gather and brainstorm how they can use WordPress more effectively. This event is created to provide you with a unique WordPress opportunity in Los Angeles. It’s your job to create an unforgettable experience!

How Can I Prepare? What Should I Bring?

  • Dress for Comfort – Keep in mind that WordCamp Los Angeles is a professional networking event. Plan on polished, business casual and you’ll fit right in. If you have questions on your attire, reference the WordCamp Code of Conduct to refrain from causing offense. 
  • Bring a Buddy – Nervous about WordCamp? Arrange to meet a friend there or sign up with a friend. Watch the #WCLAX hashtag and reach out to those who post. Look for them when you arrive and grow your new connection in person. Too time consuming? Force yourself to meet 10 new people as soon as you arrive. In no time you’ll have more new friends than you can track!
  • Bring a Small Bag or Backpack – You’ll find a ton of swag at these events, plus you’ll need a place to put your water bottle, wallet, business cards, phone (for contact exchange and selfies), preferred tech device (tablets are less bulky) and backup power source.
  • Review the Attendee List – Read about the people who will be there. You may discover you use their products, read their blog, or have something else, such as a love for schnauzers in common. Check the list! 
  • Review the Schedule – Make note of your “must” and “maybe” sessions. Build time for “hallway track” into your schedule as this is an unofficial opportunity to collaborate on ideas with other attendees while sessions are in full swing. 
  • Use Social Media – Follow the WordCamp Twitter hashtag #WCLAX to see last minute changes, 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. 
  • Plan on the After Party – WordCamp LAX just isn’t the same without it. Trust me, it’s a time investment you’ll want to make. You’ll find new friends and go deep in conversation (and possibly song) in a way that can’t happen between traditional sessions. It’s a time to let your hair down and enjoy being part of the WordPress community. Plus, the photo booth memories will remind you of the fun you had forever.
  • Come with Issues and Questions. Every WordCamp has a group of dedicated “expert” volunteers slated to help answer your needs. At WCLAX we call it the Happiness Bar and we guarantee to make you smile, even if we can’t find you a quick fix.

What’s It Really Like? How Can I Make the Most of It?

  • Be Early – Show your session speaker that you are interested by getting to class before it starts and sitting close to the front. Smile and help the speaker to feel at ease, knowing they can count on a friendly face in the crowd.
  • Open Yourself to Learning – Discover something new or build on what you already know. Take notes. Embrace track cross-over; being a dev doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy and learn from a session on business management or copywriting. The reverse is true, as well.
  • Note Taking vs. Scrambling to Keep Up – Take sparse memory-jarring notes and record your aha moments, the speaker’s contact info and any shared urls that seem interesting to you. Type up a few quotes if you’ll be writing a recap post. The key here is to capture the essence of the session and learn how you can enhance your current process.
  • Speak Loudly – Most speakers have time for questions, use this chance to go deeper. Taking notes makes it easier to ask a related question and stand out from the crowd.
  • Burst Bubbles – Reach out to those around you. You already know the tech crowd is filled with introverts (you may even be one). If you’re willing to take a chance and introduce yourself to your seatmates, you will find that you have a lot in common with most people in the room.
  • Connect Easily – This is your chance! If you have been wanting to meet a speaker, vendor, or another audience member, WordCamp Los Angeles is an ideal place to make small chat or seek clarification. Speakers often provide time for one-on-one conversation after their talks. Get in line or send a tweet letting the person know you’d like a few minutes of their time and then follow up. Bring your business cards, even if you think you won’t use them. You don’t want to be the one who is empty handed if the time to share arrives.
  • Discover New Tools – WordCamp talks are chock full of free recommended WordPress resources and  plugins. Chances are that anything mentioned has been well-vetted by those in attendance, so make a note to try it out and see if it’s a good fit for you.

I Love WordCamp Los Angeles – How Can I Share My Experience?

  • 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.
  • Express gratitude! People love to be thanked in social media and through the mail. Do what works for you, but remember that WordCamp Los Angeles has many sponsors, contributors, organizers and volunteers dedicated efforts on your behalf. Make their day by showing your appreciation. 
  • Keep track of who you met and solidify the interaction in social media or with a phone call or email referencing how you met in the weeks to follow WordCamp. Things and people transition pretty fast in Los Angeles and if too much time passes, you may be forgotten.
  • Make sure you meet the organizers while at WordCamp Los Angeles so you can thank them in the months that follow WordCamp Los Angeles. These people gave of their time, talents and energy to create an unforgettable weekend for you. Help them understand how they have made a difference in your life and share the value of the weekend with others who may benefit in years to follow. 

WordCamp Los Angeles - Making the Most of it!

Have more suggestions on making the most of your WordCamp Los Angeles experience? Comment below with tips and tricks you recommend so we can see you putting them into play on September 10-11, 2016.