The WordCamp Orlando crew is hard at work as we close in on the end of August. Take a look at where we are with the camp planning to date:
Website – Launched!
The website launched to coincide with our speaker selections and ticket sales. While there is still a bit of work to do, the goal with the site was to get the most important information easily accessible while still invoking our theme.
Inclusion – Boosted!
WordCamp Orlando strives to ensure that every person who wants to attend can do so and feel comfortable through out the entire event. To that end, WordCamp Central is assisting us in reaching more people by providing us the tools to accommodate more attendees with unique needs. When you purchase a ticket, you will be asked if you require any assistance to enjoy the conference. It is our hope that we will be able to bring WordPress knowledge to people of all abilities.
Additionally, you will be asked to alert us to any life-threatening allergies. We love food and we want to make sure everyone can enjoy their lunch breaks!
Finally, this will be the first year that we are featuring gender-neutral bathrooms. We are working with our venue to make sure every person has a safe place to take care of themselves.
Speakers – Selected!
As with every year, we get way more submissions than we have time to feature, and as difficult as it is, we had to turn away several amazing topics. Our speakers are selected in a blind voting system where the organizers see only the titles and descriptions of the talks submitted. Our crew selects based on topic requests we receive throughout the year at our Meetups, as well as what is most requested in our help forums, and what we as WordPress professionals believe to be the most relevant and helpful content for our attendees.
Schedule and Sessions – Posted!
While everything is subject to change, the general schedule and sessions are posted. We hope that attendees will feel empowered to switch between tracks, as we try to create a schedule that has something for everyone. It’s highly encouraged that you try out a new topic or sit in on a session that is outside your comfort zone – you might learn something amazing or meet someone who can boost your WordPress career!
Sponsors – On Their Way!
Our sponsor board is filling up fast, but we still have spots open for you or your company to showcase your amazing WordPress services and products! Check out our sponsorship page for more information on what sponsoring can do for your company. If you’re not up for a company sponsorship, consider a Space Peep Microsponsor Ticket.
And speaking of tickets…
Tickets – Released!
You spoke, we listened. Due to popular demand, we are now offering the workshop tickets separate from the weekend ticket. The price for three days remains the same, but now those who can only attend on Friday can do so without having to commit to the whole weekend.
Another new ticket option for 2018 is the KidsCamp Combo ticket that covers the cost of a child and one parent/guardian for the Saturday KidsCamp. This also comes from feedback in years past where parents couldn’t attend the Sunday sessions wanted the option for just the KidsCamp.
Of course, we encourage you and your child to continue the learning for the whole weekend, and parents who can attend Sunday should still grab a weekend ticket and take full advantage of the Happiness Bar to get further one-on-one help for their child’s new website!
What’s Next?
In September we will be working on finalizing the Workshop schedules, releasing the information on our after party venue, and promoting our ever-growing list of amazing sponsors!