Hello Campers, 6 more days to go!!!

Given that this is the very first WordCamp Iloilo, it came as no surprise that 80% of attendees are first timers.  So, here are some tips to make sure you have a good time during WordCamp Iloilo, enough to attend again next year and the years after that.

If you’ve never been, attending a WordCamp or any tech conference for that matter, may seem intimidating. There will be a lot of people and a lot of things happening at the same time that it will be very confusing at first, don’t worry though because we’ve made it pretty simple for you to check session schedule. Plus, fitting in won’t be too hard, WordCamps are designed to be a friendly and safe environments for new-comers and old-timers alike and we follow a Code of Conduct and we require everyone from organizers, to speakers, sponsors and all attendees to follow the code strictly. If for some reason, you felt unsafe do approach a staff right away (WCILOILO staff will be wearing a blue WordCamp shirt).

We can give you tons of advice but it boils down to this main one: Talk to people. Anybody at all. Don’t be afraid to say hi.

Remember that all staff and speakers are volunteers, they are not paid for their time and effort. They are there because they genuinely want to help and support the local community so don’t be shy and say hi, let them know if there’s any problem or if you love the event, a simple “thank you” tweet (or in person) is enough. There will be famous people and you may get starstruck but WordCamp speakers are very approachable, we will be setting up a “Happiness Bar” where you can ask questions or say hi.

Happiness Bar?

The Happiness Bar is a super laid back place to ask any WordPress questions you may have. We may not know all the answers, but we will definitely help point you in the right direction. Speakers will be hanging out there after their sessions and volunteers will be manning the table (bar) in turns.

What to bring:

• A valid ID. Don’t print out your e-tickets, if you have your name on the Attendees List you’re good to go. We just need your valid ID so that we’ll know that you are who you say you are.
• Something to write with and to write on: Take down lots of notes, contact details – anything you can think of. Just don’t forget to bring something that you can write with and on.
• Business cards: There will be a chance for you to do some networking and if you don’t have a business card you might miss out on an awesome opportunity.
• Laptop or tablet: You can also use your laptop to take notes or if you have a WordPress problem you can bring your laptop/tablet to the Happiness bar (also known as Help Desk) and see if one of our staff or speakers can help you out. FYI: We might not be able to help you out but we will try our best to point you in the right direction.
• Mobile Phone: This is a no-brainer, how else will you take pictures of our awesome speakers and swags? A selfie? A groufie? Also, bring a power bank with you – this is a whole day event and will most likely drain out your phones.
• An open mind: You may be quite the top gun in your field but sometimes it may take someone’s point of view to help you learn more. Be willing to listen and ask questions when given the chance. It’s not cool to interrupt, we will have panel discussions that will give everyone the opportunity to ask any questions related to the speakers’ topics.
• Nobody likes a Negative Nancy or a Debbie Downer. The organizers and volunteers gave their valuable time and effort to make the event happen and being negative just because you expected something else will not help anyone. Try to make it fun for yourself, that way everyone will have their fun as well. Let’s be respectful and try to bring a little sunshine with you. If you don’t like the speaker or think that you are better, apply as a speaker next year just don’t be a downer and spread negativity – speakers are volunteers too and they are not paid, in fact they have to spend for their own travel and accommodation just so you can hear them talk about a topic they are passionate about. If something, anything at all, about the event leaves a bad taste in your mouth, leave a comment at the Happiness Bar (we’ll give you something sweet to help ease out the sour taste) – we’d love to hear from you. That way, we’ll know what to do next year and see if we can fix what needs fixing.
• Twitter account: Tweet every chance you get. WordCamp Iloilo has two official hashtags ( #WCILOILO and #WordCampIloilo2018 ) start sharing the event and tweet pics of people you’ve just met and tweet anything you think looks awesome and Twitter-worthy. Also, do follow us on Twitter: @IloiloWordcamp

What to wear?

WordCamps are casual laid back events. You’ll see tons of people in t-shirts and shorts and everything in between. You can dress up or dress down as long as you’re comfortable. Heck, you can even cosplay or wear a gown or a suit if that’s up your alley. What we’re trying to say is, just be your most comfortable self (let’s just keep it classy – so nothing that will bare your soul to everyone). Oh, one more thing because our venue is sort of “posh” – SLIPPERS ARE A NO-NO.