My Experience at WordCamp Europe 2024 in Turin

wceu 2024 showing all attendees and participants

My Experience at WordCamp Europe 2024 in Turin

Hello everyone! I’ve attended numerous WordCamps, starting with my first one in Utrecht, Netherlands in 2009. Since then, I’ve attended quite some WordCamps and participated in WordCamp Torino as a volunteer last year. Today, I’d like to share my experience at WordCamp Europe 2024, which took place from June 13 to 15 in the beautiful city of Turin, Italy.

The Build-Up: Excitement and Preparation

When I first heard that WordCamp Europe 2024 was going to be held in Turin, I was thrilled. My work is based in Amsterdam and I work partly remote from the hills around Turin! How convenient. The WordPress community in Turin is fantastic. I love going to their Meetups. And of course, Turin is a wonderful city with a rich history and culture. The thought of being part of the event in a city close to my heart was incredibly exciting.

In the months leading up to the event, I attended a Meetup in Amsterdam where I spoke with Wendy, a seasoned WordPress event organizer( @dolgelukkig ) During our conversation, she suggested that I participate as an MC (Master of Ceremonies) at WordCamp Europe. The idea intrigued me. Although I had volunteered at events before, I had never taken on the role of an MC. It seemed like a fantastic opportunity to contribute in a new way and to challenge myself.

Volunteering as an MC and Registration Wrangler

With the decision made, I signed up for two volunteer roles: a registration wrangler on Contributor Day and an MC for one of the sessions on the first day of WordCamp. Contributor Day is a special day dedicated to giving back to the WordPress project. Volunteers from all over the world come together to contribute in various ways, from coding and design to community building and support.

As a registration wrangler, I was part of the Welcome Team, responsible for greeting participants, checking them in, and providing them with all the necessary information and materials. The energy was palpable from the moment the doors opened. Seeing so many people, all passionate about WordPress, gathered in one place was truly inspiring. The day was filled with networking opportunities, and I had the chance to meet and chat with people from all over the globe. It was a fantastic way to start the event, setting the tone for the days to come.

My role as an MC was significantly more challenging. I had one afternoon shift, during which I had to introduce six different talks. This required thorough preparation. I needed to study the speakers’ bios, familiarize myself with their presentations, and ensure that I could provide relevant and engaging introductions. Additionally, I had to be ready to provide general information about the event, such as the schedule, program highlights, code of conduct, and information about the sponsors.

Despite the preparation, the actual task of being an MC was daunting. It demanded quick thinking, clear communication, and improvising. Reflecting on the experience, I can say that it was somehow exhausting. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, even a bit overwhelming at times.

WordCamp Europe: A Celebration of Community

The main event of WordCamp Europe was spread over two days and featured a packed schedule of talks, workshops, and networking opportunities. The range of topics covered was impressive, catering to everyone from developers and designers to content creators and business owners. With 3 tracks to choose from, there was something for everyone, regardless of their level of experience with WordPress.

One of the standout aspects of the event was the quality of the presentations. I gained valuable insights that I can apply to my work. My favourite session was Building custom post types with blocks by Magdalena Paciorek

As an MC, I had the privilege of introducing some of these speakers. I hope I did that job well. One comment: I should have mentioned the water bottles for the speakers. (Sorry for that @KatieKeith ). It was a learning experience for me.

The venue itself was another highlight. Lingotto congress center. What an enormous space. The local WordPress team did an excellent job together with the tourism board of Torino. Chapeau! The food was a particular delight, featuring a variety of Piemontese specialities made from high-quality local ingredients. It was a wonderful way to experience the culinary delights of the region while enjoying the conference.

Networking and Community Building

One of the most valuable aspects of WordCamp events is the opportunity to network and build relationships within the WordPress community. Throughout the three days, I had countless conversations with fellow attendees, sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and exchanging ideas. So good to see so many women taking part, on stage and as attendees.

The WordPress community in Turin is particularly vibrant. I have attended several Meetups in the city and have always been impressed by the enthusiasm and passion of the local community members. Being part of WordCamp Europe in Turin allowed me to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new people who share my love for WordPress.

Reflections and Future Involvement

Looking back on my experience at WordCamp Europe 2024, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and accomplishment. It was a fantastic event, impeccably organized, and filled with positive energy. The opportunity to contribute as a volunteer, both as a registration wrangler and as an MC, was incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to give back to the community that has given me so much over the years.

While the role of an MC was challenging, it was also a valuable learning experience. It taught me the importance of preparation, clear communication, and the ability to think on my feet. Although I’m quite sure not to take on the role of an MC again, I will do more volunteering work at future WordCamps. The sense of community and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals make it so special.

In conclusion, WordCamp Europe 2024 in Turin was an unforgettable experience. It showcased the strength and vibrancy of the WordPress community and provided a platform for learning and networking. I am proud to have been part of it and look forward to future WordCamp events. If you are considering attending or volunteering at WordCamp, I highly recommend it. It’s an experience that will not only enhance your skills but also enrich your professional and personal life.

WordCamp Europe 2024

Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience. I hope it inspires you to get involved with the WordPress community and explore the many opportunities it offers. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newcomer, there is always something to learn and contribute. The WordPress community is welcoming and supportive, and I am very grateful to be a part of it. See you in Basel, next year!!

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