{"id":1351,"date":"2016-08-27T22:00:22","date_gmt":"2016-08-28T05:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/?p=1351"},"modified":"2016-08-27T23:35:32","modified_gmt":"2016-08-28T06:35:32","slug":"making-the-most-of-wordcamp-los-angeles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/making-the-most-of-wordcamp-los-angeles\/","title":{"rendered":"Making the Most Of WordCamp Los Angeles"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It doesn\u2019t 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/schedule\/\">speaker schedule<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/location\/\">after party location<\/a>. Perhaps you are wondering if you\u2019ll find a topic that matches your skill level or maybe you aren\u2019t quite sure what to bring. Making the most of WordCamp Los Angeles requires only two components: <strong>a ticket<\/strong> and <strong>the desire to WordPress<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-1170\" src=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/files\/2016\/08\/WCLAX-Attendee.png\" alt=\"WCLAX-Attendee\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/WCLAX-Attendee.png 300w, https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/WCLAX-Attendee-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-1171\" src=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/files\/2016\/08\/WCLAX-Speaker.png\" alt=\"WCLAX-Speaker\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/WCLAX-Speaker.png 300w, https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/WCLAX-Speaker-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-1169\" src=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/files\/2016\/08\/WCLAX-Sponsor.png\" alt=\"WCLAX-Sponsor\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/WCLAX-Sponsor.png 300w, https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/WCLAX-Sponsor-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>What is WordCamp and What Should I Expect from WordCamp Los Angeles?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WordCamps are volunteer-run tech conferences built around the open source WordPress platform. These \u201ccamps\u201d 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\u2019s your job to create an unforgettable experience! <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How Can I Prepare? What Should I Bring?<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Dress for Comfort &#8211; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Keep in mind<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">that WordCamp Los Angeles is a professional networking event. Plan on polished, business casual and you\u2019ll fit right in. If you have questions on your attire, reference the WordCamp <a href=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/code-of-conduct\/\">Code of Conduct<\/a> to refrain from causing offense.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bring a Buddy &#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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\u2019ll have more new friends than you can track!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Bring a Small Bag or Backpack &#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> You\u2019ll find a ton of swag at these events, plus you\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Review the Attendee List &#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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. <a href=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/attendees\/\">Check the list<\/a>!\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Review the Schedule &#8211; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make note of your \u201cmust\u201d and \u201cmaybe\u201d sessions. Build time for \u201challway track\u201d into your schedule as this is an unofficial opportunity to collaborate on ideas with other attendees while <a href=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/schedule\/\">sessions<\/a> are in full swing.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Use Social Media &#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Follow the WordCamp <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/WCLAX?src=hash\">Twitter hashtag #WCLAX<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Plan on the After Party &#8211; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WordCamp LAX just isn\u2019t the same without it. Trust me, it\u2019s a time investment you\u2019ll want to make. You\u2019ll find new friends and go deep in conversation (and possibly song) in a way that can\u2019t happen between traditional sessions. It\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Come with Issues and Questions.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Every WordCamp has a group of dedicated \u201cexpert\u201d 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\u2019t find you a quick fix. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What\u2019s It Really Like? How Can I Make the Most of It?<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;text-align: left\"><b>Be Early &#8211; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Open Yourself to Learning &#8211; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Discover something new or build on what you already know. Take notes. Embrace track cross-over; being a dev doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t enjoy and learn from a session on business management or copywriting. The reverse is true, as well.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Note Taking vs. Scrambling to Keep Up &#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Take sparse memory-jarring notes and record your aha moments, the speaker\u2019s contact info and any shared urls that seem interesting to you. Type up a few quotes if you\u2019ll 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Speak Loudly &#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Burst Bubbles &#8211; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Reach out to those around you. You already know the tech crowd is filled with introverts (you may even be one). If you\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Connect Easily &#8211;<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> 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\u2019d like a few minutes of their time and then follow up. Bring your business cards, even if you think you won\u2019t use them. You don\u2019t want to be the one who is empty handed if the time to share arrives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Discover New Tools &#8211; <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">WordCamp talks are chock full of free recommended WordPress resources and \u00a0plugins. 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\u2019s a good fit for you.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I Love WordCamp Los Angeles &#8211; How Can I Share My Experience?<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/sponsors\/\">sponsors<\/a>, contributors, organizers and volunteers dedicated efforts on your behalf. Make their day by showing your appreciation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make sure you meet the <a href=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/organizers\/\">organizers<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-1359 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/2016.la.wordcamp.org\/files\/2016\/08\/SY150926_WordcampLA_0263-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"WordCamp Los Angeles - Making the Most of it!\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/SY150926_WordcampLA_0263-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/SY150926_WordcampLA_0263-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/SY150926_WordcampLA_0263-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/SY150926_WordcampLA_0263-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/SY150926_WordcampLA_0263-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/SY150926_WordcampLA_0263.jpg 1530w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It doesn\u2019t 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 &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/making-the-most-of-wordcamp-los-angeles\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"assistive-text\">Making the Most Of WordCamp Los Angeles<\/span>  <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15047831,"featured_media":1359,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[947826],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1351","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wclax2016"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/files\/2016\/08\/SY150926_WordcampLA_0263.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p78Wxo-lN","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1351","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15047831"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1351"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1351\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1371,"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1351\/revisions\/1371"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1359"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1351"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1351"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/la.wordcamp.org\/2016\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1351"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}