In the exclusive interview with Kevin Brennan, “the first one among the best ones” of WordCamp Calgary 2019, we have highlighted this year program, talked about a trend of content as one of the leading subjects of WordCamp sessions globally, about Gutenberg revolution, etc. Enjoy!
Please, introduce us shortly with WordCamp Calgary…
This will be our 7th WordCamp Calgary! We host the event at historic Fort Calgary which makes for a fun juxtaposition between the old and the new of a tech conference. We’re expecting 130 attendees, 20 speakers, and a dozen volunteers.
The event has three streams; Content, Design and Development. We’re also having KidsCamp back this year to bring WordPress to the next generation of website designers and developers.
How many people are in your team? Do you cooperate with other WordCamps!?
We have six people on the organizing committee this year. There aren’t too many WordCamps close by to Calgary but there are members of our committee who participate in WordCamp US.
Sponsors? Canadian agencies and companies are responding in a good way!? What’s your opinion on WordPress Global Community Sponsorship Program!?
We have many great local sponsors this year. Conference costs are going up and we wouldn’t be able to do it without there help.
The Global Community Sponsorship Program is a godsend as well. It’s a great starting point for any committee putting together a WordCamp. The amount you need to raise can be daunting so it’s nice to have a base to start from.
It seems that WC Calgary program this year is not focused so much on development subjects as it is on the content!?
Content can be a tough nut to crack for designers and developers. As much as you can design a great site or code a clean design if the content is terrible it doesn’t really matter.
We’ve tried to balance the three streams (Content, Design and Development) as much as possible though so there’s something for everyone.
Is there anything you will like to highlight as the especially interesting part of this year program?
KidsCamp is going to be a highlight again. Last year was the first year we tried and it was a success. This year we have more kids coming to learn what you can do with WordPress and it’s exciting to see what they come up with.
I know last year the adult attendees were inspired by their enthusiasm in creating their very first website.
Please, give us your opinion on the actual development of the WordPress platform? Do you believe that Gutenberg is getting us to an explosive development of the WordPress ecosystem?
WordPress took a huge leap forward with Gutenberg. It’s going to take some time for everyone to catch up with that leap but once we’re all there it’s only going to get better. I could have done without Gutenberg being release right before Christmas but that likely has to do with my planning as anything.
What would be your message (or advice) to the organizers of WordCamps all over the world?
Find great volunteers. A good committee of volunteers will carry the load together and make for a great WordCamp. Start as early as possible.
Everything takes longer than it should and life gets in the way, so leaving yourself extra time to find speakers, sponsors and sell tickets is welcome.