We’re thrilled to share highlights from the inaugural WordCamp Canada 2024, held from July 11 to 13 at the Infinity Convention Centre in Ottawa, Ontario. This event brought together WordPress enthusiasts of all levels for an enriching and vibrant experience.
Attendees took part in sessions, workshops, and contributor activities, sharing ideas and making valuable connections in the WordPress community. The event showcased the collective spirit and teamwork of organizers, volunteers, speakers, and everyone involved, making it a memorable experience for all.
A perfect setting
Ottawa, with its rich history and cultural attractions, proved to be an ideal host city. Attendees explored iconic sites like Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, enjoyed diverse dining and shopping options, and navigated the city with ease thanks to its efficient public transportation.
Understanding WordCamps
WordCamps are pivotal events for the WordPress community, fostering growth and innovation for the platform that powers over 43% of the internet. Since 2006, these gatherings have played a crucial role in keeping the community engaged and informed.
Brief stats
- Location: Infinity convention centre
- Date: July 11-13, 2024
- Attendees: 300+
- Sessions: 40
- Speakers: 28+
- Organizers: 8
- Sponsors: 24
Event highlights
- July 11: Contributor Day & Intro to WordPress Day
A day dedicated to contributing to WordPress and learning its basics.
- July 12: Conference day 1
Sessions and workshops aimed at enhancing WordPress skills.
- July 13: Conference day 2
Continued learning, networking, and celebration of shared experiences.
Special focus: Contributor Day
Contributor Day showcased the collaborative spirit of the WordPress community, bringing together developers, designers, writers, and enthusiasts to shape the future of WordPress. It highlighted the importance of every individual’s contribution, making it a day focused on people and their collective efforts.
Everyone’s unique skills and dedication played a key role as the community came together to shape the future of WordPress.
Participants got involved in various activities like coding, debugging, and improving documentation. Workshops and collaborative sessions provided hands-on learning and contribution opportunities. The atmosphere was enthusiastic as attendees worked side by side, sharing knowledge and building connections. Contributor Day highlighted the community’s strength and the collective effort driving WordPress forward.
Bluehost at WordCamp Canada
As the Maple Syrup sponsor, Bluehost was proud to support the event and engage with the community. Our booth was a lively hub where attendees could explore our offerings, participate in interactive demos, and get answers to their questions.
We’re here and ready for Conference Day 1 at @WordCampCanada!
Do you have a question on #WordPress or want free grow kits, diaries and pens? Head over to our booth, meet our team and chat about our AI Site Creator Tool or the Agency Partner program! 💙#WordCampCanada #Bluehost… pic.twitter.com/vdHQGNlfQU
— Bluehost (@bluehost) July 12, 2024
We also distributed plenty of cool swag, which added to the excitement.
Swing by our booth at @WordCampCanada for some awesome #Bluehost swag!😀#WCEH #Canada #WordPress #WordCamp pic.twitter.com/CXi8K4y8q1
— Bluehost (@bluehost) July 12, 2024
Our booth showcased:
At our booth, attendees discovered more about Bluehost Cloud Hosting. This platform is designed for top speed and reliability, featuring quick page loads and 100% server uptime. It can handle high traffic without extra charges, making it stand out from other services.
We partnered with WP Cloud to create this platform. Supported by WordPress experts and powered by a global server network, Bluehost Cloud provides the stability and performance needed to grow your online presence confidently.
We also talked about our AI Website Generator. Building a professional website can be hard, but this tool makes it easy. Designed for beginners, it offers customizable templates and simple drag-and-drop features, so no coding is needed. This offering is included in all WordPress hosting plans.
Engaging with the community
Our second day at WordCamp Canada was truly inspiring. We were surrounded by innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for WordPress. The day was about learning and connecting. We loved meeting many of you at our booth, discussing your needs, and exploring how Bluehost can support your online journey.
Featured speaker sessions
WordCamp Canada 2024 was packed with a series of insightful sessions. Renowned experts shared their knowledge, tips, and strategies to help attendees thrive in the digital world. Topics ranged from the latest in WordPress functionality to the best practices in SEO, offering valuable learning opportunities for everyone present.
Highlights included:
Our team member, Sandy Edwards, Senior Marketing Manager, joined an expert panel titled “Site Clinic” alongside Marc Benzakein, Nathan Ingram, and Miriam Goldman. They provided valuable assistance to attendees by addressing their WordPress-related questions and offering expert advice.
Other notable sessions include:
Mark Des Cotes: “Beware: Your About Page May Be Costing You Clients!”
Lucas Rodriguez: “WordPress: Empowering the Underserved in Rural Ontario.”
Amber Hinds: “How to Ensure Your Website Complies with Canadian Accessibility Laws” and “Untangling Templates.”
A memorable gathering
WordCamp Canada 2024 was a memorable event filled with learning, networking, and community building. We thank everyone who attended and contributed to its success. We look forward to continuing this journey of innovation and collaboration with the WordPress community.
Stay tuned for future events and continue to thrive online with Bluehost. See you next year! 💙
