The conference is just a few days away (holy!). We want to prepare you for all the WordPress and web topics you can handle. Read on to see how you can get the most out of WordCamp Halifax:

 

1) Make sure you have Breakfast, but we’ll take care of the rest

Yes, there will be coffee and tea.

Yes, your ticket includes a catered lunch. And afternoon snacks. And more snacks at the Afterparty.

But meet us halfway and come with breakfast already in your belly. Lots of good brain food and whatnot 😉

 

2) No need to print off your ticket: come as you are!

We’ll handle all the registration details, just show up and tell us your name. Our friendly volunteers will hand you your own personalized badge. Please note that tickets are not available at the door, so buy yours before 4pm this Friday.

Registration starts at 8:00am. Opening remarks begin at 8:45am but if you’re late, we’ll have registration available all day. We’ve got you.

Also, you do not need to bring your laptop in order to get the most out of WordCamp. Some developer sessions may be beneficial to have one to follow along, but it’s not required. Sessions are lecture-style in nature, not workshops. A laptop is great if you want help at the Happiness Bar (more on that later), and there are lots of outlets in the main lobby area to charge your devices.

 

3) Bring a pen… to write in this adorable notebook!

Presenting this year’s official WordCamp Halifax Swag: the notebook! Aint it neat? This little booklet features dotted paper. Perfect for taking notes, doodling… or both. Made by Scoutbooks, designed by Jason Ballantyne (who also designed our logo).

Sessions cover everything from basic how-to’s right up to business and marketing subjects. So there’s bound to be a thing or two you’ll want to take a note of!

 

4) Check out the swag table and stuff your pockets

When we started WordCamp in Halifax last year, people didn’t believe the swag was free.

“Seriously, I can take just take these? No strings?”

Please. Take it all.

That’s right! We’ve got a boatload of amazing swag from our sponsors. From socks to pins to water bottles. Tons of WordPress stickers as well to adorn your laptop or phone. Snag one of the limited edition 15th Anniversary sticker sheets if you can.

You don’t even need to bring your own bag to put it all in. Cus… well, there’s bags-as-swag, too.

 

5) Plan out all the sessions you want, or just wander in as you need

We know sometimes you go to a session and turns out it’s not for you. That’s ok! We encourage you to step out (quietly) and go to another session – no hard feelings. We want you to get the most out of our programming.

All sessions are recorded and posted to WordPress.tv as well. So even if you miss one, you’ll be able to catch it later. The videos are processed by volunteers, so it will take some time  for them to be available. We recommending attending in person for the best experience 😉

 

6) Visit the Happiness Bar – to get help, or help out

Running most of the day, the Happiness Bar is located in the room where you register. This is where you can get help from friendly volunteers with your website woes. You’ll get the best results if you can access your site via your laptop, tablet or phone.

Anyone is welcome to help at the Happiness Bar, too. If you think you can solve an issue, give a critique or offer your own experiences to other attendees – go for it! There’s no such thing as one WordPress expert that knows it all. Happiness Bar is the foundation of WordCamp: showing the people behind the platform.

 

7) Don’t be afraid to network…

Our earlier post discussed how freelancers/small biz can make the most of WordCamp. But that goes for anyone: now’s the time to tell strangers about your website. What you’re all about. How you can help others. What you need to succeed. There’s plenty of space to socialize at the Happiness Bar and on the 2nd floor, so take advantage.

 

8) … and save some energy for the Afterparty

Once we wrap up at 5pm, the WordPress energy continues on the main level. Our Afterparty is from 5:30-9:00pm. Take some time to relax and socialize with other attendees and speakers. No, there won’t be a dance floor, but we guarantee you’ll end your WordCamp experience on a high social note.

Also, there will be complementary nibbles and drinks for you to enjoy. Just our way of saying ‘thanks’ for another fantastic event.

 

If you have any other questions about WordCamp, please don’t hesitate to email us at wordpresshalifax@gmail.com