WordCamp Denver 2017 Recap

WordCamp Denver 2017 was a blast.

We couldn’t have asked for a better conference, and want to thank our organizers, speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for making it so great!

Here’s how the weekend went down:

SATURDAY

Keynote

Zack Katz talked about both the history and the future of WordPress. We started the conference with our minds absolutely blown with what’s to come.

Not to mention, the BEST song ever. We’re still doing the WordPress Wiggle!

Morning Talks

We wish we could recap EVERY single talk here, but that would take all day. Every speaker did an amazing job, and we couldn’t be happier!

On track one, we kicked off with Nathan Ingram sharing what he wished he knew when he started freelancing. Erin Flynn followed, telling her story about how she raised her web design rates. Pamela Herrmann taught us how to create and tell our brand story. And then Amber Hinds and her adorable daughter took the stage to talk about work/life balance.

On track two, Tricia Akins helped us get more done in less time (we could have used that when organizing the conference!). Mendel Kurland taught us what to do after the post is written. Phylecia Jones shared how to create a membership site in just 60 days. And Sherri Renner dropped some tips on virtual accessibility.

Lunch

With that much learning in one morning, we were HUNGRY.

We took lunch outside, and many made use of the picnic blankets we got as swag. It was amazing to see all the groups, discussions, and interaction going on. We’re hoping lots of attendees got to reconnect with old friends and make new ones!

Afternoon Talks

After lunch, track one hosted several townhalls. The first was our website takedown townhall, where attendees were given live feedback from our experts, Patrick Rauland, Diane Whiddon, and Cecily Crout.

Following, we had an expert discussion on matching themes with projects, featuring Kevin McKernan, Mike Selander, and Amber Hinds.

Wrapping up the day on track one, we discussed the business of web design with Miles Kailburn, Nathan Ingram, and Erin Flynn.

Back on track two, the talks continued with Maddy Osman teaching us how to write a kick-ass blog post. Kenn Kelly then shared how to sell products on WordPress. Diane Whiddon wrapped us up by helping us write a non-sleazy sales page.

We all gathered for closing remarks, then retreated for a break before the after party.

After Party

Free drinks AND tacos? Yeah. We know how to throw a great party!

We loved this venue because everyone was able to mix and mingle, and chat with each other, all while eating delicious tacos.

It was the perfect ending to a fantastic day.

SUNDAY

Workshop day! While only a half-day, Sunday was designed to be hands-on so that attendees could leave with new skills.

And it was awesome.

Attendees were able to learn everything from business skills to advanced WordPress. Here’s what we covered:

• Site SEO checkup with Maddy Osman and Mendel Kurland
• Flexbox with Tim Blodgett
• Defining, mapping, and automating your business processes with Christopher Hinds
• 5 Things you can do to get more traffic to your blog with Tracy Malone
• Making your first WP plugin with David Hayes
• Let’s learn Git with Dwayne McDaniel
• Take back the say with WP-CLI with Ryan Kanner
• Learn Vanilla Javascript with Zac Gordon
• How to create and intro packet with Erin Flynn
• Content Personalization with Michael Newman
• Advanced WP features for users/bloggers with Gordon Seirup
• Building a theme with Kevin McKernan
• How to attract clients with better branding with Diane Whiddon

The workshops were truly amazing, and gave a great opportunity to learn new skills.

We believe in ending early on Sunday, so around noon we wrapped up, said goodbye to all our friends, and closed the doors on a successful WordCamp.

Thank you again to everyone who made WordCamp Denver 2017 such a huge success!