How To Get the Most Out of WordCamps or Other Conferences – WPCAST003

In this episode, we discuss how to get the most out of networking and conferences, particularly our experiences attending and speaking at WordCamps.

The Changelog

* Doug:

* Biggest hosting client

* Spoke at WordCamp Philly

* Presentation: Optimizing WordPress Performance

* David:

* Traveled to Scotland

* Met Rob Walling (@robwalling, Startups for the Rest of Us)

* Met David Kelly (@dvkly, Shareflow)

* Attended WordCamp Hamburg

* Thanks everyone for the 5-star reviews!

The Core

* Being a speaker:

* Networking becomes different, higher level with speakers and sponsors.

* Networking before the event (i.e. speakers’ dinner).

* Less about selling your stuff, more about access to interesting people.

* Prepare beforehand:

* Pick your sessions early.

* Find out what the speakers look like.

* Research what the speakers and sponsors do.

* What are you going to say? Prepare your “elevator pitch.”

* Business cards reduce friction (recommendation: Moo).

* How to approach the conference:

* Hallway conversations are often more valuable than the sessions.

* You don’t have to attend all the talks.

* Pick the talks that appeal the most, and be flexible with your schedule.

* Happiness Bars – go to get help with your site (or volunteer to give help).

* The value is in connecting with people.

* It may be worth staying out late, and missing the morning sessions.

* Networking advice:

* Ultimately, you will get better with practice.

* Be specific, it makes for a better conversation starter.

* Sponsors:

* Talk to representatives of some of the bigger name sponsors.

* Discover new companies/products.

* If you sponsor, have a representative at the sponsor table.

* WordCamp website (and schedule)

Tips & Tricks

* BonesWP

* Starter theme.

* HTML5, Mobile-First starter theme using Sass.

* Black Studio TinyMCE Widget

* Free plugin.

* Text widget with a Visual Editor.