How to Rock a WordCamp Even if You Are a n00b

@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
http://www.serverpress.com
@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
How to Rock a
WordCamp Even if
You’re a Total
n00b

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
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

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
My First WordCamp
How my ﬁrst tattoo was the word “Sucker”
written on my forehead

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
For the Geographically Challenged

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
• 6 Hour Flight (Each Way)
• $350.00 Airfare
• TSA (Need I Say More?)
• California Trafﬁc
———————————————
TOTALLY WORTH IT!
Some Quick Math

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
Anatomy of a WordCamp
WordCamps generally encompass the following (in no speciﬁc order):
•Learning
•Teaching
•Volunteering
•Networking
•Socializing

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
OVERHEARD
@WordCamps

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
“My Brain Hurts!”

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
“I would love to contribute
but have nothing to give”

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
“Where are the booths?”

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
“These people are so smart
and I feel SO inadequate

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
How to Rock
WordCamp in
14 E-Z Steps

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
Skip a Session or Two
STEP 1
(or three or four)

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
Ask Questions
STEP 2

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
STEP 3
Remember That it’s a
Community Event…
Not a Convention

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@DesktopServer
Don’t Be Afraid to Leave a Session
STEP 4

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
Small Camps Can
Be As Invigorating
STEP 5
As the Big Fancy
Camps

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
STEP 6
And Friendship
is Magic
Twitter is Your Friend

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
STEP 7
Don’t Be Intimidated

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@DesktopServer
STEP 8
Don’t Be Afraid to Switch Tracks

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@DesktopServer
STEP 9
Don’t Sit By Yourself at Lunch
-Carrie Dils

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
Seriously. . .
STEP 10
Meet People!
DO IT!!!

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
STEP 11
If There is an After Party…
GO!!!!

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
STEP 12
Volunteer

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
STEP 13
HAVE FUN!!!!!

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@DesktopServer
STEP 14
Stay in Touch (and Stay Engaged)

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
Conclusion
aka: Quick-Reference Guide
(aka: Cheat-Sheet)

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
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)

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
EXTRA
CREDIT

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
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

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@MarcBenzak
@DesktopServer
The End
Contact Info:
Marc Benzakein
[email protected]
@MarcBenzak
Slides can be found at: http://bitly.com/TXDM2p

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How to Rock a WordCamp Even if You Are a n00b

How to Rock a WordCamp Even if You Are a n00b

Marc Benzakein

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