Ask Nile: What Should You Bring to a WordCamp?

I yak and show up at a ton of WordCamps every year. ‘Cause I mingle with a whole bunch of peeps online daily, and some of ’em decide to swing by one, I keep hearing this one question, “What should I pack for a WordCamp?”

Before we dive deeper, for those scratching their heads about what WordCamp is, it’s a meetup for WordPress wizards held locally (like St. Louis, or Chi-town), covering a buffet of topics to school attendees about WordPress. WordCamp Central breaks it down like this:

WordCamps are chill, community-organized shindigs thrown together by WordPress peeps just like you.

Back to the question at hand. Some peeps throw in the “this may be a dumb question” line, but it’s not. I get it. You wanna be all set. Usually, by the time someone tosses out this question, they’ve already snagged their ticket to their local WordCamp.

So, What Should You Haul to a WordCamp bring to a wordcamp

Since you’ll be in a learning zone, soaking up knowledge like a sponge, here’s what you gotta pack for a WordCamp:

A writing gizmo: You might need to scribble down notes or jot down contact info if you’re rubbing elbows during the gig. If it slips your mind, some of the sponsors might have pens you can snag and use. Note pad: You may wanna jot down notes. Sure, you might have a laptop, but some folks vibe better with what they learn when they scribble it down on paper.

You can also use this for noting down contact info. Again, some sponsors might have note pads as “swag,” but if they don’t, better to be ready.

Business card: You’ll be networking, unless you plan to play the wallflower. Someone might find what you do intriguing, so having a business card is key. Laptop or tablet: If you need to jot down notes, or need a hand at the Happiness bar (aka Help Desk) at a WordCamp, then you gotta pack your laptop (or tablet.) Some of the helpers may not wanna log into your website to eyeball your issue, especially if it’s a security mess and your laptop’s possibly infected.

Personally, I never dive into another’s website at a WordCamp ’cause I’ve been there, done that. Plus, it’s just better so you can monitor what’s going down on your computer, and if something goes sideways after getting help, the helper doesn’t get the blame because the website owner decided to point fingers.

Cell Phone: Obviously, you’ll wanna have your phone handy during the event. You might wanna snap pics of info-packed slides, shots of the speaker, or snaps of the event as a keepsake.

(optional) VPN: This is a cyber shield that secures you from public wifi. Many WordCamps don’t always have a locked wifi or a bulletproof connection, even at universities and convention centers. While the venue does have some safety measures, it’s smarter to look after your own laptop and phone’s security by investing in a VPN. They’re not a big-ticket item.

An open mind: You might be a pro, but hearing a topic you’re boss at from another’s angle can give you fresh insights. Be ready to listen, and occasionally, chime in if the speaker is cool with feedback during or after the talk that could beef up the topic. Just don’t steal the spotlight by butting in… that’s just not cool.

A positive attitude: Sounds weird, I know, but I’ve been to WordCamps, as an audience member and as a speaker, where someone was a downer. They were always throwing shade.

I get it… not every day’s a walk in the park, but this gig is supposed to be a boost, a chance for folks to learn. Share your blues with close buds who are attending, or check your baggage at the door. No one wants a downer. If you’re not digging the event, holler at an organizer, or sit tight until the WordCamp event email survey hits your inbox. Or, hit up the WordCamp event’s contact form to spill your thoughts. There’s a better way to do it without seeming like a “buzzkill.”

(optional) Twitter account: There’s social media buzz, and sometimes even media coverage. Share the event with your followers by quoting speakers, sharing snaps, or tweeting other Twitter VIPs (like yours truly – @blondishnet on Twitter.) You can always scoop up extra info you missed, like slides from a session you couldn’t make, or maybe a cool snap from the event you happened to be part of.

I hope this lays out what to haul to a WordCamp. If you’re a newbie to attending WordCamps, that’s rad! Hope to catch you at one soon.

If you’re a WordCamp vet, what other stuff do you recommend attendees bring to a WordCamp?