How to Rock a WordCamp Even if You Are a n00b

This is a primer for people who might never have been to a WordCamp, or are interested in enhancing their WordCamp experience.

Transcript

1. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com How to Rock a WordCamp Even if You’re a Total n00b
2. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com OK… THE IMPORTANT STUFF ABOUT ME What I Am What I Am Not • Overly Serious (aka “disclaimers”) (At Anything) • Opinionated • Father of Two (But Lately Five) • Husband of One • WordCamp Milwaukee Co-Organizer • WordPress Fanatic • Attendee at Over 20 WordCamps • Part of the ServerPress, LLC Team • A Very Creative Presentation Slide Maker • An Expert
3. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com My First WordCamp How my first tattoo was the word “Sucker” written on my forehead
4. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com For the Geographically Challenged
5. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com • 6 Hour Flight (Each Way) • $350.00 Airfare • TSA (Need I Say More?) • California Traffic ——————————————— TOTALLY WORTH IT! Some Quick Math
6. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com Anatomy of a WordCamp WordCamps generally encompass the following (in no specific order): •Learning •Teaching •Volunteering •Networking •Socializing
7. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com OVERHEARD @WordCamps
8. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com “My Brain Hurts!”
9. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com “I would love to contribute but have nothing to give”
10. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com “Where are the booths?”
11. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com “These people are so smart and I feel SO inadequate
12. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com How to Rock WordCamp in 14 E-Z Steps
13. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com Skip a Session or Two STEP 1 (or three or four)
14. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com Ask Questions STEP 2
15. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com STEP 3 Remember That it’s a Community Event… Not a Convention
16. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com Don’t Be Afraid to Leave a Session STEP 4
17. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com Small Camps Can Be As Invigorating STEP 5 As the Big Fancy Camps
18. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com STEP 6 And Friendship is Magic Twitter is Your Friend
19. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com STEP 7 Don’t Be Intimidated
20. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com STEP 8 Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Tracks
21. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com STEP 9 Don’t Sit By Yourself at Lunch -Carrie Dils
22. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com Seriously. . . STEP 10 Meet People! DO IT!!!
23. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com STEP 11 If There is an After Party… GO!!!!
24. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com STEP 12 Volunteer
25. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com STEP 13 HAVE FUN!!!!!
26. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com STEP 14 Stay in Touch (and Stay Engaged)
27. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com Conclusion aka: Quick-Reference Guide (aka: Cheat-Sheet)
28. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com Overheard @WordCamps • These people are so smart and I feel inadequate • Steps 2 (Ask Questions), 3 (It’s a community event), 7 (don’t be intimidated), 9 (Don’t Sit Alone @ Lunch), 10 (Meet People), 11 (Go to after party) • My brain hurts • Steps 1 (Skip a session or two), 4 (Don’t be afraid to walk out), 8 (Switch tracks), 10 (Meet people), 13 (Have Fun) • I would love to contribute but I have nothing to give • Steps 2 (Ask Questions), 10 (Meet people), 12 (Volunteer), 14 (Stay in touch and stay engaged) • Where are the convention booths? • Step 3 (Remember that it’s a community event and not a convention)
29. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com EXTRA CREDIT
30. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com A Few Ways to Make Your WordCamp Experience Even BETTER! •Thank the Organizers •Thank the Volunteers •Thank the Speakers •Thank the Sponsors •Fill Out Satisfaction Surveys
31. @MarcBenzak @DesktopServer http://www.serverpress.com The End Contact Info: Marc Benzakein marc@serverpress.com @MarcBenzak http://www.serverpress.com Slides can be found at: http://bitly.com/TXDM2p