Episode 597 WordCamp US: Community, Connections, and Conversations With Cami MacNamara
Show Highlights
The source is a podcast episode from “The SDM Show” where host Rob Cairns interviews Cami MacNamara about her experiences at WordCamp US, a conference for the WordPress community. They discuss various aspects of the event, including the city of Portland, the value of networking over attending every presentation, and specific talks and afterparties. The conversation also touches on the accessibility of the venue, suggestions for improving future WordCamps, and the importance of community and mentorship within the WordPress ecosystem. The episode concludes with MacNamara sharing information about her own venture, “Web Designer Habits,” and expressing appreciation for the friendships forged through such events.
Show Notes
The WordCamp US Experience
This episode of Rob Cairns’ podcast features a conversation with Cami MacNamara about her experience at WordCamp US in Portland, Oregon. Cami shares her insights on the event, the city of Portland, and the value of attending a WordCamp.
WordCamp US Location: Portland
Cami describes Portland as a “small town” with great food, shopping, and architecture, but also a noticeable homeless population. She notes that for those living in the Pacific Northwest, it’s an easy trip, but for others, it can be a bit of a travel hassle with connecting flights. Despite this, she found the city to be a great vacation spot and the hotel they stayed at was reasonably priced. Cami and Rob both agree that these issues are common in major cities.
The True Value of WordCamps
Cami and Rob discuss the primary reason for attending WordCamp isn’t just for the talks, but for the “hallway track.” This is where attendees spend their time networking, catching up with old friends, and meeting new people. They both agree that this community aspect, including connecting with plugin developers, agency owners, and fellow freelancers, is the true value of the event. Cami highlights the accessibility of industry leaders like Brian Gardner and Bud Krauss, who are approachable and willing to share their knowledge.
Notable Talks and Speakers
While the “hallway track” was a priority, Cami did attend four talks during the three-day conference. Her favorites included:
- Michelle Freschett: A talk on building a resume and business habits.
- Bud Krauss: A talk about his visual disability and how it impacts his experience on the web. This talk was particularly impactful, helping Cami and others understand accessibility from a personal perspective.
- Danny Sullivan (Google): A talk that Cami found very good and informative.
- Nathan Ingram: A talk about scoping projects and interviewing clients to provide accurate estimates.
Rob and Cami both point out that all three of the favorite speakers are podcasters, and Rob has had them on his show multiple times.
The Importance of Afterparties and Community
Cami attended several afterparties, including a rooftop party and the Elementor party, which featured karaoke. She also participated in an informal drag bingo event at her hotel. She and Rob discuss the importance of these social gatherings for making connections and building long-lasting relationships. The discussion also touches on the value of co-working sessions and the generosity of companies like Rocket.net and Hosting.com that host these events.
Looking to the Future
Rob and Cami talk about the location for next year’s WordCamp US in Phoenix, Arizona. Cami plans on attending, as it’s a direct flight for her, and she’s already agreed to volunteer. They also discuss the timing of the event, with Rob noting that the end of August is a difficult time for many due to school starting. They both hope for a more convenient time slot in the future. Cami also plans to attend other events, like PressConf and Some Comp.
Advice for First-Timers
Cami shares her personal experience of being nervous to attend her first WordCamp in 2012. She emphasizes that the WordPress community is incredibly welcoming and that attending is a great way to grow your network and friendships. She encourages veterans to sign up for the WP Buddy Program to help first-timers feel more comfortable.
Wrap Up and Where to Find Cami
Rob and Cami conclude the episode by sharing how WordCamps have helped them build lasting friendships and support systems. Cami’s advice for listeners is to attend a WordCamp to meet new people and grow your business. You can find out more about Cami and her work at webdesignerhabits.com, where she shares weekly tips for running a web design business. Rob highly recommends her newsletter, noting that the tips apply to anyone who runs their own business.
PocketCasts
Radio Public
Spotify
Stitcher
Apple Podcasts
Amazon Music
