What better way to end 2017 than attending WordCamp US (WCUS) in Nashville and bringing together 10 WebDevStudios (WDS) teammates for a memorable bonding experience? Nothing! There’s no way better than that.
The last weekend of November (and the first weekend of December) was spent networking, sharing, laughing, and getting informed at WCUS. A lot happened, more than can be conveyed in a single blog post. But, here are some highlights.
Shayda Torabi joined WDS.
You read that right. Fulfilling the role of Director of Marketing, Shayda joined our growing team and made it official with an appearance at WCUS. It created quite a buzz, with our Twitter announcement of her arrival liked 49 times and re-tweeted 14 times. (P.S., we’re hiring! Check out this WDS job opening.)
The city of Nashville was amazing.
From food to live music to hockey, Nashville provided us with such a great experience.
“The city of Nashville couldn’t have been any better as a host,” says Business Development Manager, John Hawkins, who attended a hockey game with Backend Developer, Jeremy Ward, and Creative Lead, Cameron Campbell. “The venue was spacious, allowing for easy access to private conversations, while still having darn near everybody in the entire WordPress community all within shouting distance. The access to great food and entertainment all within walking distance was a fantastic perk.”
Cameron agrees, adding, “Nashville was the perfect town for WCUS. It had something for everyone–good food (hello, hot chicken!) drinks, fun attractions and of course, killer live music!”
“WordCamp US is a magical time of year, because I get to connect with my colleagues and people from all across the WordPress community,” explains Jeremy. “This year, I enjoyed walking all around the great city of Nashville, and taking in an NHL game with a small group of fellow hockey fans, and making new friends thanks to the vast amount of events sponsors and organizers who take the time to put together this event. I hope I’ll have an opportunity to go again next year!”
We met some great people, including each other!
“I truly enjoyed WordCamp US this year,” says Cristina Holt, Account Manager. “I met some very amazing individuals within the WordPress community and had an opportunity to collaborate with WDS-ers in person! Good food, good music, good people and WordPress… what else could you ask for?”
The event itself was spectacularly organized.
Registration was a breeze. Helpful volunteers were plentiful. Sessions were well-timed and super educational. And State of the Word was riveting, with a live demo of Gutenberg. The organizers of WCUS did an impressive job of putting together such an extraordinary event.
“WCUS this year was magical,” Client Strategist, Jodie Riccelli, gushes. “I really enjoyed the sponsor area because it was a big space to gather and chat with everyone. Also, being remote workers, getting to spend time with your team is always awesome. Thanks to all the companies that threw really great parties, to the WCUS organizers for creating a special event, and to Nashville for feeding our souls with music!”
The parties were fun!
WP Engine hosted a party (of which WDS was a sponsor) and the official after-party at Adventure Science Center was very entertaining and even educational. Cameron sums up our WCUS experience in the perfect way, saying, “It was the best WordCamp I’ve been to and can’t wait for next year!”
Neither can the rest of us. See you back in Nashville for WCUS 2018.
