Mastering your digital WordCamp attendance for the best experience
Author: Stormy Scott, InMotion Hosting
No matter your opinion, online conferences are currently the new normal. Due to circumstances beyond our control, the up-close-and-personal meetings we’ve known have been shelved and replaced with live streams, online presentations, and pre-recorded videos.
Our willingness to adapt as a community is nothing short of amazing — with organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and users coming together to make sure WordCamps around the globe continue as we shelter in place. However, there are still some differences between in-person and digital conferences that we can’t ignore.
At its core, WordCamps are gatherings for WordPress enthusiasts, both new and experienced, to come together and learn from each other. No matter where you are in your WordPress journey, WordCamps allows you to connect with the community, learn something new, and contribute/share your work if your heart so desires.
The medium in which we’re coming together is different but the reason, to interact and learn from the community, is the same. Even though WordCamp Denver is now digital, attendees should still feel the same community they’ve always felt at WordCamps.
However, online conferences are still new and to help you master the art of attending a digital WordCamp, here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of WordCamp Denver.
Watch and share this video on quick tips for mastering your digital WordCamp experience.
Check Your Internet Connection
Before the conference is scheduled to begin, double-check your internet connection. Is it strong? Can it handle a page with video and a live chat? With the technology now in your hands, you do not want to find out the day of that your internet connection cannot properly stream the conference sessions. Though, if you’ve been participating in online meetings with no hiccups, then you should be able to stream the conference with no issues.
Block Your Time and Turn Off Notifications
In-person conferences facilitate full focus. While in a session, you’re completely immersed in the presentation with little to no distractions. Being at home is both an advance and a disadvantage depending on how you look at it. You can set up your environment for full focus and engagement, or succumb to distractions on both your computer and within your home.
Block off time in your calendar to focus on sessions during your work hours. Even consider adding 30 minutes before and after conference times to give yourself breathing room to prepare and finish up notes. Also, if you have the luxury, ask your family to not disturb you during the conference and move to another area of your house if needed.
To maximize focus, turn off notifications for your emails, work platforms (like Asana or Basecamp), and even text messages if you receive many throughout the day. Most smartphones allow you to put your device in a Do Not Disturb mode — hiding notifications and muting alerts while it’s enabled. However, for emergencies, you can ensure certain contacts always get through by adding them to the exception list. Giving you peace of mind while you’re in full focus mode.
Take Advantage of Online Format — Attend More Sessions
For most, online conferences have been a positive experience. Allowing attendees to attend multiple conference days and more sessions than with in-person conferences. The reason is simple. You’re at home, you do not need to travel to the conference. Use this opportunity to attend as many sessions as possible.
Review the conference calendar and set reminders so you don’t miss sessions. If multiple people on your team are attending the conference, split sessions so you’re able to cover even more presentations. However, don’t worry if you aren’t able to catch a session you’re interested in. You can always check out WordCampTV for presentations once the conference has concluded and share presentations with others.
Also, in relation, with the possibilities of future WordCamps staying with a digital model, consider becoming a speaker.
Plan to Participate
One of the advantages of the online setup is real-time participation. You can ask questions and post comments during the session and watch facilitators and other attendees interact with your post immediately. Online conferences have the unique advantage of fostering a conversation with attendees while the speaker is presenting — allowing the audience to build upon ideas sparked by the session.
In addition to posting to the live chat, engage as deeply as possible by participating in polls and other activities presented by the speaker and/or organizers. This will only benefit you by helping you get the most out of the online conference and increase your learning.
Connect with Attendees and Speakers
While in the chat, you’ll probably find attendees you wish to connect with to build your own network. Make note of their names and consider reaching out to them on Twitter or LinkedIn. Mention the session you’re both attending, then possibly follow with what inspired you to reach out to them.
To take it a step further, move the conversation to social media. Follow WordCamp Denver social media pages before the conference to join in on building the excitement. During the conference, engage with active chat participants on social media and use hashtags to organize the conversation. Doing this may attract others who are following the conference on social media and/or even engage your personal network who are not attendees.
Remember to Take Notes
The excitement of a digital conference could make you forget the most important task — taking notes. With watching the sessions, participating in activities, and connecting with others on social media, it may be hard to take meaningful notes.
However, taking notes to reflect and apply what you’ve learned is the main goal of attending a conference in the first place.
Try taking notes in the Notepad application on your computer or opt for the more traditional pen and paper. Also, because the full presentation will be available at a later date, take notes about subjects, platforms, or techniques to look into more later, or ideas and applications you can explore to better your business.
Don’t Forget Your Digital Goody bag
Just like in-person conferences, digital WordCamps provide a bag of goodies for attendees to enjoy. Usually sent to the email you used to reserve your ticket, the grab bag link will be in an email received around the start of the conference. You’ll find discounts, promotions, and goodies from usual related industries and companies
Even better, some grab bags may still include local connections and promotions, allowing you to support local businesses if you’re in the Denver area like some of our wonderful employees.
It’s an Online Conference with In-Person Benefits
As you prepare for WordCamp Denver, remember that even though its digital this year, the value, networking, and learning we’ve come to love with WordCamps will still be present.
Learn new ideas in your pajamas, savor home-brewed coffee while you connect with other attendees, and appreciate the tenacity and flexibility of our community to gather in the midst of a global emergency.
Enjoy WordCamp Denver!