It’s been three years since we’ve had a camp. -Matt Clancy, Lead Organizer of WordCamp Phoenix 2023
WordCamp Phoenix 2023 (WCPHX) made a memorable mark in late March in downtown Phoenix. This annual WordCamp has always been hailed as one of the more popular ones in the US but reluctantly went dark during the pandemic quarantine.
However, just as the phoenix symbolizes resurrection, WCPHX returned with great strength. The overall WordPress conference was well-organized and filled with impressive speakers and talks.
The credit goes to the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and of course, the speakers. These dedicated individuals kept the event vibrant and operating like a well-oiled wheel.
WebDevStudios (WDS) was a proud sponsor of WordCamp Phoenix 2023. Here’s a look at how our experience went.
The Talks
While travel and in-person networking are both excellent benefits of WordCamps, folks attend mainly for the talks. We call the event’s presentations and seminars “talks” for those new to these WordPress events. It’s a less corporate, stuffy term.
See, WordCamps aren’t like other tech conferences. They’re more informal, warm, and inviting. WCPHX did a great job this year of conveying that sentiment.
WordCamp talks usually vary to accommodate all levels of WordPress and technology knowledge. WordCamp Phoenix 2023’s talks included topics such as AI, social media, engineering, plugin development, website security, using blocks, how to become a WordPress developer, and how to become a better WordPress developer. There was a talk for everyone at WCPHX.
WDS Account Manager Laura Byrne presented a talk titled “The Art of the WordPress Pitch: Relationships and Sales.” In her presentation, Laura gave advice on client communication, discovering their needs, and providing the right web solutions.
Live Stream from WordCamp Phoenix 2023
WDS CEO Brad Williams took his weekly WordPress Friday (#WPFriday) show on the road and live-streamed from WordCamp Phoenix. Various WCPHX organizers, volunteers, speakers, and attendees joined Brad for impromptu interviews. You can watch that episode of #WPFriday below.
Networking
As stated previously, in-person networking is one of the most significant benefits of any WordCamp event. A new WDS hire, William Bay, attended WordCamp Phoenix and met his fellow WDS teammates for the first time. Because WebDevStudios is 100% distributed, it’s always a big deal when team members can mingle in person. It’s even more exciting to meet a new teammate.
There were many opportunities to make new acquaintances and reunite with old friends, from hallway chats to the official speaker-sponsor dinner to other dinners and parties hosted by various sponsors. WordCamps bring the WordPress community together in real life.
WebDevStudio WordCamp Phoenix 2023 Video
It’s one thing to tell you about our WCPHX experience, but it’s another thing to see it for yourself! Check out highlights from our time at the event in the video below. We can’t wait to return for next year’s WordCamp Phoenix.
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