If you’re new to WordCamp, you might be wondering just what to expect. Here are some tips and tricks to navigate you through WordCamp Albuquerque like a pro!
We suggest perusing the sessions before the day of the event to plan out your Saturday. The schedule is broken into four tracks: Developer, Designer, Business/Freelance and Getting Started with WordPress (Foundation Friday).
- The Developer Track tends to lean more towards heavier-lifting kind of code so it does require a foundation to understand the content.
- The Designer Track encompasses some code-based topics and also general design topics.
- The Business/Freelance Track covers topics that more generally apply to all people of all levels from various backgrounds.
- Friday’s Getting Started with WordPress Track is your bare-bones basics of WordPress in a format to get you up to speed.
When you arrive at WordCamp Albuquerque, you’ll check in at the registration table located just inside the entrance to receive your badge. Your badge is your key to getting into everything including the After-Party. WordCamp Albuquerque is at a new venue this year: the CNM Workforce Training Center, 5600 Eagle Rock Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM. Parking is available in the front and back of the building and is free. (see image)
If you’re attending the Friday sessions, Doors open at 8am, and we’ll have coffee available for you. The first session starts promptly at 9am, but we’ve structured Friday so that you can show up whenever we’re about to get to your level. Already have a site all set up and you know how to do the basics, but you’re interested in learning about getting more traffic and improving your security? Come around 10. Just want to learn about Google Analytics or setting up an online shop? Come after lunch. Check out the full schedule so you can figure out what matters most to you.
Saturday, January 20th is the main event and will start at 9am. Feel free to move from room to room during the day, picking the talks that appeal most to you. To really get prepared, you can print out a copy of the schedule in advance and circle your “can’t miss” presentations. Don’t miss the “hallway track,” either– WordCamps are a great place to network and meet people, so come prepared with business cards and a friendly smile. Lunch and snacks will be offered on site with vegetarian options also available. At the end of the day, there will be a little time off before the After-Party.
Don’t forget to check out the sponsor tables as well. #swag
The After-Party is a place to really get social. There will be finger foods and drinks available (all attendees will get two drink coupons, if your thirst is greater than that, there will also be a cash bar). All of the WordCamp Albuquerque organizers and speakers will be there and able to talk more casually than during the sessions. It’s a great place to solidify new connections and just relax and enjoy being in the midst of fellow WordPress lovers.
The fun isn’t over; Sunday, January 21 is Contributor Day! There is no experience necessary to participate. Contributor Day is a hands-on event where we all give back to WordPress. Maybe you want to spruce up some documentation, or maybe answer some questions in the forums, or maybe work on some code? Whatever it is, Contributor Day is the perfect time to do it. Snacks and coffee will be provided. Even if you aren’t comfortable working with code, you can still help out on contributor day by testing, providing feedback, etc.
Contributor day starts at 10am at FatPipe ABQ, 200 Broadway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM. You can stay however long you’d like, and we’ll venture out for lunch in Downtown Albuquerque at some point mid-day.
It is important to remember that WordCamp Albuquerque is an inclusive event. We expect everyone to:
- Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative.
- Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory or harassing behavior and speech.
- Be mindful of your surroundings and of your fellow participants. Alert conference organizers if you notice a dangerous situation or someone in distress.
- Participate in an authentic and active way. In doing so, you help to create WordCamp Albuquerque and make it your own.
Any intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory or demeaning conduct will not be tolerated. This policy carries through to the after-party as well. If you feel unsafe or harassed in any way, please reach out to any WordCamp organizer (we’ll have on RED WordCamp Albuquerque shirts).
We hope that you all have a wonderful WordCamp, and use this as an opportunity to grow and learn.
- If you have a question, ask it.
- If you have knowledge to give, share it.
- If you have a joke to tell, tell it.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
Yours in WordPress,
Alonso, Elaine, Sam, Ray, and Jamii