The schedule isn’t finalized, but we want to ensure you know what to expect, especially for those joining us for the first time in New Orleans.
Format of the event
For past in-person WPCampus events, we have always live-streamed our sessions during the event and published them online for free. You can access all our content in the WPCampus Learning Library. Otherwise, we have limited the majority of interactions at our in-person events to our in-person attendees.
We mostly contained the event to be in-person due to the breadth of challenges required to host a hybrid event. Made even more challenging by the fact that all of our events are organized and managed solely by volunteers.
From the first in-person event in 2016, we recognized the in-person format’s exclusive nature, so starting in 2017, we began organizing a second annual conference that is fully online to make space for more accessible and inclusive content and interactions.
With all that said, we are considering taking at least a few small steps this year in converting our annual in-person event to a more hybrid format.
Here is the format being discussed for this year:
- WPCampus 2023 will be an in-person event with live presentations and discussions
- We expect to continue our tradition of live-streaming our sessions for free
- We are hoping to allow remote presenters who will pre-record their presentation and then join us via video call for Q&A and discussion
- We are hoping to provide a method for in-person and online attendees to chat throughout the event
What to expect
WPCampus is a three-day conference event with sessions, networking, and social events. It will cover a variety of topics, all focused on the growth of Higher Education, Accessibility, WordPress, and its people.
While the format of our event is similar to a WordCamp, our entire program is focused on Higher Education and Accessibility, which allows for a richer and more fine-tuned experience for our attendees. You’ll never want to miss a session because they’re tailored just for you, a web professional who builds WordPress websites for Higher Education. Take advantage of face-to-face discussions with fellow attendees who know what building websites in Higher Ed is like. Share with, learn from, and be inspired by, your peers.
First day
The main conference takes place on the second and third days but we kick things off with workshops! Giving workshops their own day allow us to dive deeper and spend more time on important topics. We charge a little extra for workshops to cover the facility costs and a snack break.
We’ll probably start right after lunch, around 1 p.m., and go until 5 p.m. We’ll provide snacks. After we break for the day, don’t forget to join us for the first social event, our welcome gathering, the first night. All registered attendees (not just workshop attendees) are welcome to attend.
Second day
The second day will be the first full day of the conference.
We usually get started around 8 a.m. with registration, a light breakfast, and opening remarks. Each session is 45 minutes with 15 minutes in between, so you have time to use the restroom, stretch your legs, talk to other attendees, and chat with our amazing sponsors.
We will provide lunch and usually close on the first day between 5 and 6 p.m.
After sessions, meet up with new friends for dinner before joining us for another social event and a fun evening together, networking and making new friends in the community.
Third day
The third and last day is another full day and the last day of the conference.
We usually get started around 8 a.m. with a light breakfast before sessions. Again, each session is 45 minutes with 15 minutes in between, so you have time to use the restroom, stretch your legs, talk to other attendees, and chat with our amazing sponsors.
We will provide lunch and usually end the day between 5 and 6 p.m. with closing remarks. Be sure to stick around for closing remarks for the chance to win some awesome door prizes and play a fun round of trivia!
After sessions, meet up with some new friends for dinner before joining us for the after-party. Karaoke is the name of the game at the WPCampus after-party, so be sure to warm up those vocal cords. If singing isn’t your forte, no worries. It’s not required, and there’s no pressure whatsoever.
Event Safety and Responsibility
We are working to define our Event Safety and Responsibility policy for the event. We will publish our policy on the event website as soon as possible.
Code of Conduct
WPCampus seeks to provide a friendly, safe environment. All participants should be able to engage in productive dialogue. They should share and learn with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We require all participants to adhere to our Code of Conduct. This applies to all community interactions and events.