This article was provided by Diana Tupas, Web & Graphic Designer at Creative Click Media and Volunteer at WordCamp Asia 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan.
Fresh off the energy of WordCamp Asia 2024 in Taipei, I’m excited to share my experience as a volunteer with the communications and media team. Not only did I get to capture the event’s spirit by promoting and documenting the convention, but I also had the chance to experience the city and connect with the amazing global WordPress community.
The Future of WordPress
Despite being busy with volunteer work, I was lucky enough to catch a keynote speech from Noel Tock, Director of Agency Operations at WordPress agency Human Made.
Day 1 kicked off with a thought-provoking keynote by Noel Tock from Human Made. He emphasized the need to move beyond traditional marketing and embrace collaboration within the WordPress community. WordPress thrives due to a strong ecosystem, and this ecosystem exists because of innovators, or “fire starters.”
An open-source platform like WordPress allows anyone to contribute to its development and create new functionalities. That is why WordPress has a long future to go – because it is always innovating thanks to the help of open source and collaborative efforts of everyone in the community.
His concept of “fire starters” resonated strongly with me, urging a collective push for innovation. The “Scale Consortium” exemplified this spirit, showcasing agencies working together for the greater good of the WordPress ecosystem.
Building Bridges, Not Walls
One of the most inspiring keynotes during WordCamp Taipei 2024 was from Josepha Haden Chomphosy, Executive Director of the WordPress project.
Attending Josepha Haden Chomphosy’s keynote session on fostering inclusivity in the WordPress community was an enlightening experience, especially during Women’s History Month. Her message resonated deeply with me as she highlighted the diverse ways individuals – regardless of their coding background -can contribute meaningfully to WordPress.
From translating content to organizing events and offering community support, Josepha emphasized that there’s a place for everyone to get involved. What struck me most was her emphasis on the value of contribution beyond just technical skills. By participating in these various activities, individuals not only enrich the community but also acquire valuable skills and open up potential career pathways.
I was particularly inspired by Josepha’s recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in technology. As a woman in tech myself, I’ve always looked up to trailblazers like her. Seeing her champion inclusivity within the WordPress community reaffirmed my belief in the power of diverse perspectives and contributions.
Josepha’s keynote highlighted the significance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within the tech industry. It’s not just about coding: it’s about empowering individuals from all backgrounds to play a role in shaping the future of WordPress and beyond.
A Memorable Encounter with Matt Mullenweg
Only at WordCamp can you have one-on-one time with the one-and-only Matt Mullenweg from WordPress!
One of the distinct highlights of WordCamp Asia 2024 Day 1 was the opportunity to interact with Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic. Experiencing his down-to-earth demeanor and genuine engagement with the WordPress community – especially the core members – was truly inspiring.
The WordPress Philippines team presented Mr. Mullenweg with a unique gift: a miniature Jeepney emblazoned with the words “WordPress Philippines.” This token served as a symbol of the strong bond and appreciation within the global WordPress community and demonstrated the collaborative spirit that is fundamental to WordPress’s ongoing success.
Matt Mullenweg’s Day 2 Q&A revolved around various topics including the evolving landscape of WordPress, the importance of fostering a collaborative community, and the continuous push for innovation. Mr. Mullenweg’s passion for the platform and his dedication to empowering users were evident, his approachability and his commitment to fostering connections across the WordPress ecosystem.
Wordcamp Asia 2024 embodied the core values of the WordPress community – collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared passion for the platform. Witnessing Mr. Mullenweg’s engagement with various members, including volunteers and attendees, served as a reminder of the collective effort that drives WordPress forward.
Meeting the WordPress Rockstars
One of the most unique elements of WordCamp Asia was getting to explore dozens of booths from industry leaders, like these from Google, Elementor and Jetpack.
Beyond the keynotes, a major highlight was interacting with industry leaders. I had the opportunity to brush shoulders with representatives from Elementor, Woo, SiteGround, Yoast, Google, Jetpack, and Bluehost. These conversations not only provided valuable insights but also opened doors to the latest industry trends and best practices.
The cherry on top? Snagging some cool merchandise from these industry leaders! Whether it was a stylish cap from Elementor or a handy sticker from SiteGround, these souvenirs served as a constant reminder of the inspiring connections I made at WordCamp.
A Taste of Taipei
While the weather was chilly and windy in Taipei (a welcome change being from the hot and humid Philippines!), even more adventures awaited outside the conference walls. The city offered a delightful mix of history and modern life. Exploring the Ximen District and indulging in the famous Taiwanese street food was a true highlight. Coming from a graphic design background, I was especially drawn to this bustling shopping district withall kinds of advertisements to feast my eyes on.
The venue itself, the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), situated right next to the iconic Taipei 101 building, offered a convenient location and a vibrant atmosphere. Public transportation made navigating the city a breeze. This is just a taste of WordCamp Asia 2024 experience, and it left me hungry for more!
WordCamp Asia 2025 sets its sights on the bustling city of Manila, Philippines in February 2025.
