Athens, June 2023 - This year, WordCamp Europe has been home to the famous Greek capital. This edition, which also celebrates the 20th anniversary of CMS, brought together more than 2545 web experts, professionals and/or enthusiasts from 94 different countries.
Back to a particularly successful event!
At the heart of the event
Contribution Day: a perfect start
The Contribution Day, which took place on the eve of the WordCamp, brought together 658 volunteer participants, including four members of the Be API team: Nicolas, CTO of the agency, Clement, developer plugin, Anne-Marie, project leader, and myself, Alizée, responsible for communication. We were present at the Polyglot tables, dedicated to translation, and WP CLI, dedicated to the command line interface.
This day allows experienced contributors to put their expertise into practice and offers newcomers a smooth introduction into the WordPress universe. Specially reserved tables for beginners were available to familiarize them with the contribution process.
Participate in this day dedicated to « giving back » is a unique opportunity to contribute to improving the platform that is at the heart of our business. It is a dive behind the scenes of WordPress and the opportunity to enjoy a first day in « small committee » before the official launch of the WordCamp.
A programme adapted to all audiences
The WordCamp Europe opened the next day. On the programme: two days rich in conferences and workshops covering all aspects of CMS, ranging from technical topics related to development to accessibility, referencing, marketing, and much more.
Regardless of your area of expertise or technical level, adapted presentations have been proposed, reinforcing the principles of inclusiveness and sharing within the ecosystem.
The diversity of stakeholders is also noteworthy. Renowned experts and contributors shared their knowledge, while new speakers brought a wind of freshness and innovation. Special mention in Tycho de Valk, 16-year-old speaker on stage to tell us about the perspectives of the Alpha generation on WordPress – that is, people born after 2010 (nothing).
Sponsors at the meeting
It is impossible to evoke the WordCamp without mentioning the sponsors of the event. This year, they surpassed each other to offer original and immersive animations.
Visiting the stands is an essential experience, offering the opportunity to interact with representatives of large companies in the sector, discover new offers and establish potential partnerships.
Sponsors help create a dynamic atmosphere combining communication and entertainment. One will remember the animation « Cap-catcher » at the Elementor stand and the immersive video game offered by Ionos.
Their financial support allows the organizers to set up a large event while offering affordable tickets, unlike other tech events where tickets can be very expensive. In return, sponsors enjoy exceptional visibility on site.
The international WordPress community
A federating effervescence
WordPress, propelling more than 40% of the web, benefits from the energy of thousands of people within its ecosystem. And nothing is worth the experience of a WordCamp to grasp its entire dimension.
The enthusiasm and effervescence that emerge from these international events are truly unique. Each organizational detail is carefully designed to ensure the well-being of participants. The joyful reunions of the former members and the warm welcome of the new ones create a friendly atmosphere that lasts throughout the event.
Incarnation of common values
The WordPress community is distinguished by its ability to embody the fundamental principles of CMS. In this way, WordCamp Europe has been able to fully fulfil its mission by promoting inclusiveness, collaboration, sharing, well-being, mutual aid and innovation.
Through strong messages and concrete actions, the organizers and volunteers have created an event that plunges us into the very heart of WordPress's DNA: an indispensable element to strengthen the feeling of belonging, and this even at the international level.
WCEU: a must for Be API
A window on innovation
Appointments such as WordCamp Europe are unique opportunities to stay at the forefront of web innovations, especially those related to WordPress, in a constantly evolving sector. The expert-led conferences and discussions allow us to explore advances in development, design and security on the platform.
New features, good practices and strategic advice are shared, providing participants with a valuable perspective on the evolution of CMS and its ecosystem. The opportunity for Be API, as a specialized WordPress agency, to strengthen our expertise and enrich our offers to offer ever more efficient and sustainable solutions to our customers.
The power of networking
Also, one of the most valuable aspects of these gatherings is the opportunity to maintain a strong relationship with other professionals in the sector. Discussions and workshops are privileged opportunities to interact with our peers, meet new actors and discover new approaches.
The WordCamp is also an opportunity to bring together partners at dedicated evenings, parallel to the main event.
Our Be Apistes were able to find our VIP WordPress partners during an evening organised by them.
An important moment to discuss trends, changing usages and issues, and how best to meet market demands.
In conclusion, it was a very successful 2023 edition, combining the power of an international tech event with the inspiring energy of the WordPress community. Thanks to the organizers and volunteers for their work and their commitment, and visit next year in Turin, Italy for the next WordCamp Europe!
