Category Archives: WordCamp Overview

“It’s a fun, welcoming gathering!”

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Karen Callahan, Owner and Founder of Adventures Online, is back again this year as one of the organizers for WordCamp RI. Karen shares her insights on WordPress, WordCamp, and the community.

Q:
Karen, what draws you back?

A:
I love WordPress, learning, and good energy. WordCamps have all three. I enjoy gathering with like-minded WordPress developers to speak “WordPress” and to learn about other WordPress-focused professionals’ challenges and solutions.
—

Q:
In your professional life, when you’re not helping to organize WordCamp RI, what do you do? What role does WordPress play?

A:
WordPress plays a big part in my professional life. I now describe my business as “WordPress-centric”. Just about all the projects I work on, whether developing a new or redesigned website or writing PHP code or training clients, are WordPress related. I have a strong programming background and write custom widgets and plugins for my clients. I teach clients how to write blog posts and how to add search engine optimization to each post. I am proficient at forensics and recovery and am frequently called upon to help with WordPress websites that have been hacked.
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Q:
WordCamp RI is two days of all things WordPress. For someone attending for the first time, what advice do you offer to get the most out of WordCamp?

A:
To get the most out of WordCamp? Review the schedule. Choose the sessions that you think you will enjoy. Give yourself permission to leave a session and go to another should you find that a session isn’t meeting your needs. Be friendly and make sure to connect with as many others as you can, attendees as well as presenters and organizers. It’s a fun, welcoming gathering. Pace yourself, and ENJOY!
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Q:
What’s this Happiness Bar everyone is talking about? Why would I want to stop by?

A:
The Happiness Bar is a designated area (not really a bar in the traditional sense) where experienced WordPress professionals gather. They volunteer to help those who pop by with questions – ANYONE with WordPress questions. You might want to discuss how to approach a business requirement using WordPress. You might want help with a custom plugin. You might want to learn the website address of the list of WordPress releases. You might want to learn the steps to create your very first WordPress installation. All questions are welcome.
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Q:
What tips and tricks do you recommend to get the most out of WordCamp RI? What should I bring? What should I do? Does it matter if I look at the schedule posted on the WordCamp RI website a day or two before I attend?

A:
Bring a notebook (electronic or otherwise) and business cards. Arrive early in order to check in and have time to relax, snack and chit chat before the sessions begin. Looking at the schedule a day or two before the WordCamp will help you get an idea of which sessions you want to attend. An abbreviated version of the schedule is on the lanyard, and organizers are available to guide you to the correct room and recommend sessions.
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Q:
Once the actual days of WordCamp RI arrive, what do you personally like to make sure you do?

A:
Arrive early to learn where the sessions will be held so that I can move effortlessly from one session to another.

You can reach Karen at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenCallahanMA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencallahanmarlboro

New England Tech and WordCamp RI: what a team!

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Anthony “Ajay” Coletta is an Assistant Professor for  Graphics/Multimedia/Web at the New England Institute of Technology.  He was also very instrumental in getting WordCamp RI to the NEIT campus.  He shares his thoughts on the collaboration between New England Tech and WordCamp RI.

Q: Professor you have been active in getting WordCamp RI to the East Greenwich campus of the New England Institute of Technology.  Why is this a win-win situation for both NEIT and WordCamp RI?

A: 2015 was the first year that Word Camp was held at New England Tech and the response was fantastic. I spoke to many Word Campers who said that the accommodations at New England Tech were just what they needed.  The college was clean and spacious, the infrastructure, especially the wifi, was supported well, and the ability to park securely right on campus was very convenient.

New England Tech is really astute at understanding that in order to help students fully prepare for their careers, students need to engage with people in their industries. Word Camp brings such a diverse group of people interested in learning and collaborating that hosting the event is tremendous opportunity and honor for New England Tech.
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Q: In your professional life, when you’re not helping to organize WordCamp RI, what do you do?  What role does WordPress play?  What role does WordPress have with NEIT’s academics?

A: I teach in the Graphics, Multimedia & Web design department and in both the Associate and Bachelor degree programs, we offer courses in WordPress development and students really enjoying building their personal portfolios using the platform.

Personally I use WordPress for a couple of different activities, the most frequently visited site is for a band I perform with called “Hey Nineteen,”  a Tribute to Steely Dan, http://hey19band.com/ and I also manage some commercial sites for clients. I have been developing websites since the late 1980s and the WordPress platform (and extensive community) has been the best solution for web development and content management by far.
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Q: One topic you teach is how to customize WordPress themes.  What’s the advantage to doing that when WordPress comes ready-to-use right from the start?

A: One of the things I really love about WordPress is the level of customization the platform offers. You can use the built-in customizer and change many design items in the theme just with a click of a button, or if you are interested in working with code and want to make more advanced modifications, the open source platform also allows you to do that. WordPress accommodates all types of users & designers.  Brilliant!
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Q: Is there any follow-up that makes sense once WordCamp RI is over?

A: Once Word Camp has concluded, be sure to check out the excellent RI WordPress Meetup group that keeps the conversations rolling all year long, http://www.meetup.com/WordPressRI/
Many of the folks who organize and participate in Word Camp are often at these meetups and share the newest, latest and greatest things happening that influence how we use the web.

Ajay is on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hey19

A First-Timer’s Perspective

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Kaitlyn Pescatello is the Client Coordinator at Linchpin and joining the WordCamp RI organizing team for the first time.
Q:
Welcome Kaitlyn! You’ve joined the WordCamp RI organizing team this year.  What are your first impressions?

 

A: Everyone is so welcoming and dedicated. It seems like a great event that provides a chance for all skill levels and is a peek into the world of WordPress.
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Q:
In your professional life, when you’re not helping to organize WordCamp RI, what do you do?  What role does WordPress play?

 

A: I’ve helped a few of my friends get setup on WordPress.com sites. I’m definitely a beginner, but I learn something new every day. Attending WordCamp will provide an opportunity to learn even more.
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Q:
Have you been to any WordCamps?

 

A: This will be my first WordCamp and I’m excited to learn more about the new and different ways people are utilizing WordPress.
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Q:
You have the inside track of what will happen this fall.  What highlights would you draw to the attention of attendees?

 

A: The real draw for me is getting the chance to hear from professionals in the industry. From business owners, to bloggers, I’m interested in seeing other people’s work with WordPress, and also getting the chance to hear about how these professionals have developed solutions using WordPress along the way.
—
Q:
What tips and tricks do you recommend?  What should I bring?  What should I do?  Does it matter if I look at the schedule posted on the WordCamp RI website a day or two before I attend?

 

A: I would definitely look at the schedule beforehand, and maybe think of some questions you have for any speakers. Plan on using WordCamp as opportunity to meet and engage with as many people in the WordPress community as possible, especially if you’re new to it like me.
Aside from bringing an apparatus to take notes, I suggest that attendees should bring business cards, along with any cool company swag to swap with others.

 

Kaitlyn Pescatello is the Client Coordinator at Linchpin and can be reached at:
Email: kaitlynp@linchpinagency.com
Phone: (401) 305-5228

WordPress Beginners – This Is For You

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For today’s Flash Back Friday, a replay from WordCamp RI 2015. Kerch McConlogue spoke on “New Users – 10 Tips to Make WordPress Your Friend.”

She gives useful advice, such as why copying-and-pasting content can hurt your SEO (search engine optimization).

As you get ready for a great series of sessions this coming WordCamp RI (September 30 and October 1) take some time to enjoy this memory.

“Food is the most important meal of the day*”

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The person in charge of ordering all the food for WordCamp RI 2016, and that includes accommodating food allergies, is Joy Adamonis.  She gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her job.

Q:
Joy, once again this year you’ve taken on the job of organizing all the food for WordCamp RI 2016. That’s a lot of work! You work to feed the attendees, the speakers, and volunteers breakfast and lunch and snacks for two days as well as organize the grand After-Party at the end. Plus, you need to make sure the food venues are accessible and the food served meets the varying food needs of all concerned. Whew! What’s your Master Plan?

A:
My Master Plan is simple: I aim to please. I listen to the other organizers, volunteers, last year’s attendees and also attend WordCamps on my own to get ideas. Although I know I cannot please everyone (for a bunch of different reasons), if you start planning with the idea that you are going to try to make everyone happy, then chances are you end up coming real close to reaching your goal.
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Q:
What are the main food-type groups (e.g. vegan) that you try to provide? How do you know what ratio of food groups to order?

A:
We try to have attendees mark their preferences ahead of time when they order their ticket. I have found that some events I’ve been to do not do this. The food is chosen and that is all they have. They do not ask about allergies, preferences etc. I try to include all food preferences: a veggie option, a vegan option and then two types of carnivore options. I also try to handle each food allergy request the best I can. If the vendor I am using cannot accommodate, I will find one that will and bring that specific meal in. No-one will go hungry. After the tickets have been purchased, I use those numbers to order the right amount, always adding extra for each food type! I would rather have extra food (that we donate to a homeless shelter) than have a paying attendee go hungry.
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Q:
How is it to work with New England Institute of Technology in East Greenwich with regards to food?

A:
I cannot say enough positive remarks about NEIT. They were so accommodating for each special request/food allergy we had last year.
As a food allergy mom myself, I truly find when someone goes out of their way to make sure something is safe for you, they really have your best interest in mind. There was one meal they couldn’t accommodate last year. They told us they didn’t feel comfortable offering this meal to the attendee because they were not sure of some of the ingredients. I find that to be so refreshing. Sometimes it is hard to say, “NO” to a customer, but like I said they truly have the best interest of others in mind.
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Q:
You’ve done this before. Are there any tips and tricks you’ve learned for organizing food preparation and serving for a large group?

A:
Patience. There is a ton that goes into this. Cost/budget, quality of food, quantity of food, food options. I tackle each with patience. If I get overwhelmed on one aspect, it will just trickle into the others.
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Q:
What’s your biggest challenge in organizing all this?

A:
Pleasing everyone. People are picky with their food for a number of reasons. And I respect that. Although I start my planning process aiming to please everyone, I know it is not feasible. I have found that we truly go above and beyond here at WordCamp RI as far as food goes. I have been to many WordCamps and the lunch is pizza and salad. No snacks. No coffee. I just want attendees to be cognizant to the fact that we as a team at WordCamp RI are working hard to provide you with “a little more” than necessary to hopefully stand out and make the attendees happy they chose us!
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Q:
During WordCamp, the food is served right at New England Tech. However, for the After Party we move off-campus. What do you look for in an After-Party location?

A:
I look for a venue that is down-to-earth. Although, RI has some gorgeous country clubs and venues, I find low-key, out-of-the-box venues work best for the After-Party.
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Q:
Is weather a concern?

A:
Unfortunately, Mother Nature can be an issue. However, I always have a backup plan. If we are in a tent, the tent needs to accommodate everyone and not just house the food and drinks. It needs to be on a hard surface for fear of mud and puddles if it rains. I will always cross my fingers and hope for a clear night, but be rest assured you will have a dry place to network and make memories after the WordCamp!
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Q:
What do you try for with the After-Party location in terms of proximity to the WordCamp RI location, accessibility, and food choices?

A:
I find that the majority of attendees come to the After-Party when it is NO MORE THAN 15 minutes away from the WordCamp RI location. So, while that limits us since our event is getting bigger and bigger each year, we truly want the After-Party to be just as successful as the workshops themselves. Networking is a huge part of WordCamps and we understand that. Accessibility is a must. Period. We have had to turn down a few places because they were not. As far as food choices, they need to be able to accommodate the majority of our guests’ food requests. If they do not, I inform them that if they want to keep us as a client I need to be able to bring in some outside food to accommodate a few special requests. So far, I have never had a venue give me an issue. Most are delighted that I spoke up.
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Q:
You came back for more this year, so you enjoyed the work you did last year?

A:
This is my third year as an organizer, second as the Food & Events Wrangler. It was such hard work last year, but so rewarding. I truly enjoyed it, especially those special food requests. I had many people come to me thank me for taking their allergy or request seriously. I never want anyone to feel left out or feel like a burden when it comes to the food they can and cannot eat. Food should bring people together, not tear them apart.
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Q:
Are you changing anything up this year?

A:
Yes! We are trying some new lunch options this year, based on feedback. We listen! Switching up the snacks a bit- LOTS MORE COFFEE- After-Party will be very FUN with an ode to Little Rhody foods- and the Speakers Dinner will be very different this year as well!
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Q:
You’re so busy during the days of WordCamp, do you have a chance to attend any of the sessions? If so, to what types do you gravitate?

A:
I usually do not get to attend, but always watch the sessions after (on WordPress.tv). I am sure I could step away for a few moments, but my mind is solely focused on making sure everything is moving smoothly. The snack table needs to stay filled, lunches placed out and labeled, head counts confirmed for the After-Party and I also fill in wherever else I’m needed. I did get to make it to the keynote speaker last year (as it was my husband Jesse Friedman) and find making time for the keynotes is easier since most everyone is there also!
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Q:
What insights have you gained organizing the meals for WordCamp RI?

A:
I truly think that people will respect you for trying to accommodate or help them with their needs, regardless of the outcome. There were times when I couldn’t answer a few questions, but found someone who could. Those attendees thanked me for going out of my way and finding them the correct point person. I hate to say, “No” or “I don’t know” to someone and leave it at that. I will always offer up my help to track down the information they need. Think about how much of a better world this would be if we all just went a little above and beyond for each other! WordPress is a community and communities work together to get things done. Here at WordCamp RI, we follow that motto!

Joy Adamonis is a Freelance Writer and  Food & Events Wrangler

Contact her at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joy19
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Joyousgirl19
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyousgirl19/
Blog: http://mysensationalkid.com/

* original quote source unknown

Q & A with Jennifer Kusiak

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Jennifer Kusiak is using her skills as a Certified Project Manager once again this year as lead organizer for WordCamp RI.  She shares her thoughts on this year’s planning.

Q:
Jennifer, you are back again this year as WordCamp RI’s lead organizer. What draws you back?

A:
I don’t think I could resist the chance to come back this year after learning so much about the process last year. I really wanted the opportunity put all the great constructive feedback we received last year from the community and put it to work.
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Q:
In your professional life, when you’re not helping to organize WordCamp RI, what do you do? What role does WordPress play?

A:
LOL, I organize other things! I’m dead serious, if I wasn’t a Professional Project Manager, I’d be a professional organizer or a pony. I’m also working on starting my own blog, and I do some consulting in my spare-time with people looking to get their website up on WordPress.
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Q:
Any special goals for this year’s WordCamp RI?

A:
My personal goal for this year’s WCRI is to have equal gender representation across topics and I’ve been actively recruiting speakers to represent a more-diverse skill set, such as female developers, business analysts, and women in leadership.
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Q:
WordCamp RI is two days of all things WordPress. For someone attending for the first time, what advice do you offer to get the most out of WordCamp?

A:
Personally, I’m a crazy note-taker…so I’d bring a notebook and a pen I like (weird but I swear it’s a thing). We provide snacks, coffee, and refreshments but I also suggest bringing gum. It will keep your mouth wet because you’ll be doing a lot of chatting with all of the awesome people you will meet…and wear comfortable shoes!
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Q:
What’s this Happiness Bar everyone is talking about? Why would I want to stop by?

A:
I can tell you that when we asked the wonderful Steve Kitchin and Cathy Cilcius at NEIT if we could have space for a Happiness Bar we had a lot of explaining to do! It’s actually a gathering of WordPress professional volunteers that is staffed all day, where anyone can ask questions and get awesome real-world answers. The format became so popular we at the WordPress RI Meetup Group decided to hold “Happiness Bar” style Meetup sessions.
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Q:
After WordCamp RI is over, there is the After-Party. What is that? Why should I attend?

A:
Yes! This year marks our 5th annual WordCamp RI. The After-Party is going to be like a Birthday Party, but for WordCamp RI, with mingling and adult beverages!
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Q:
Once the actual days of WordCamp RI arrive, what do you personally like to make sure you do?

A:
Take care of myself, hydrate, and get some sleep!
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Q:
Is there any follow-up that makes sense once WordCamp RI is over?

A:
Absolutely! Now that you’ve made connections at WordCamp RI, keep the momentum going and visit people you’ve already met at our meetups. Our meetings and other information are posted at meetup.com/WordPressRI/.

Jennifer Kusiak is a Certified Project Manager, PMI-PMP, IT Project Manager at ALEX AND ANI.

You can reach her at (401) 601-1365 and kusiak.jennifer@gmail.com

My web visitors won’t sit still

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Have you noticed that visitors to your website don’t view your information on just one platform?  They’re on smart phones, tablets, desk tops, huge screens, mini screens, and…   Well you get the idea. How do you get your information in a format everyone can view?

Elizabeth Cagen addressed designing WordPress websites last year at WordCamp RI.  Sit back and soak up some great ideas.

Q & A with Aaron Ware

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Once again this year, one of the key organizers for WordCamp RI is Aaron Ware, President of Linchpin.  He took the time to answer some questions so we can have a behind the scenes look at what goes into planning a WordCamp.
Q-
In your professional life, when you’re not helping to organize WordCamp RI, what do you do?  What role does WordPress play?
Aaron-
WordPress has a large involvement in the projects, tools and inner workings at Linchpin. On a personal level, I always have pet projects or forum support for various open source projects I work on.
—
Q-
One of your roles with WordCamp RI is connecting with sponsors.  Why would a company or a consultant want to be one of the WordCamp RI sponsors?
Aaron-
With WordPress itself being an open source project, many companies have been able to take advantage of that cost savings. What better way to get even more value out of WordPress than by supporting the community that supports WordPress? Sponsorship tiers are extremely cost effective. It also gives businesses and agencies alike the opportunity to reach out to a very talented pool of potential hires.
—
Q-
How do the sponsors directly help the WordCamp RI attendees?
Aaron-
Sponsorships are key to keeping costs low for our attendees. If I could get enough sponsors to make the event completely free I would!
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Q-
WordCamp RI is two days of all things WordPress.  For someone attending for the first time, what advice do you offer to get the most out of WordCamp?
Aaron-
Plan out the tracks and topics that make sense for you to attend. I personally love the buddy system. If you have a colleague or peer, the two of you can go to some of the sessions together, but then also break off into separate sessions when there are multiple topics you are interested in during the same time slot. The great thing is the sessions will be on WordPress.tv as well, so you don’t really have to worry about missing anything.
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Q-
Friday there are day-long in-depth sessions on various topics.  Saturday is made up of a variety of 45-minute seminars throughout the day.  What is the advantage of taking those two approaches over the course of WordCamp RI?
Aaron-
Workshop day is great for a deep dive, so get ready to roll up your sleeves and work! Session day typically we share overall insights and thoughts on items, but it would be hard to actually get in and start working. Lastly if a session isn’t the right fit, don’t be afraid to gracefully bow out and check out another session that is right for you.
—
Q-
What’s this Happiness Bar everyone is talking about?  Why would I want to stop by?
Aaron-
The Happiness Bar is a great place to get some support. Whether you have a simple WordPress setup issue or a more advanced topic, there is typically someone there who can give you a shove in the right direction.
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Q-
After WordCamp RI is over, there is the After-Party.  What is that?  Why should I attend?
Aaron-
The After Party is, in my eyes, one of the most important aspects of any WordCamp. The After Party helps cut through some of the awkwardness that someone could possibly feel about going up to a sponsor, speaker or another attendee to maybe ask a question or to say thanks. I can personally attest to walking up to people I admire in the community and simply saying “Thanks for what you do.” I think it’s easier in the After Party setting.
—
Q-
Is it OK if an attendee stops by a sponsor table during WordCamp itself and says “thank you” to the sponsors?
Aaron-
YES! Definitely. Also, I think it isn’t always about stepping up to a table. The best part about WordCamps for me is the schmoozing. Walk up at any time to anyone and just have a conversation. If you want to slip in a thank you during that conversation EVEN BETTER. I think it’s about having a conversation. If you aren’t into X or Y or Z solution, product or service that’s A-OK. And again, the After Party is always a great opportunity for casual conversation.
—
Q-
WordCamp draws a diverse crowd: beginners, experienced coders, people who provide web content, project managers, and more.  What approach does WordCamp RI take that such a varying group attends each year?
Aaron-
We leave a good portion of our approach up to the community itself. As a team, the organizers also take a look at what has worked, and what hasn’t, in years past and we go from there.
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Q-
What tips and tricks do you recommend to get the most out of WordCamp RI?  What should I bring?  What should I do?  Does it matter if I look at the schedule posted on the WordCamp RI website a day or two before I attend?
Aaron-
You honestly don’t NEED to bring anything except an openness to learn. At WordCamp RI we will have schedules posted on the Website as well as have screens throughout our venue at New England Tech, which will be updated in case of any last minute changes.
I always carry a bag with me that has some standards: my laptop, phone, a pen and small notebook (which I rarely use). Also, I bring a charger, a battery backup for my phone, a surge protector with a few extra outlets so if someone else needs to charge I don’t take up the entire outlet.
I would also suggest having some room in your bag for some swag!
—
Q-
Once the actual days of WordCamp RI arrive, what do you personally like to make sure you do?
Aaron-
Hydrate and Caffeinate.
—
Q-
Is there any follow-up that makes sense once WordCamp RI is over?
Aaron-
Fill out the session and over-all event surveys. Reach out to people with whom you made an acquaintance; you never know what it might turn into: a new career, a new project opportunity, etc.
—
Q-
Any other thoughts?  Does WordCamp RI need anything?
Aaron-
Volunteers. It’s one area we need to grow in our community. More volunteers means that we can have more people step up in the future.
 —
Aaron Ware is President of Linchpin.  You can follow him on Twitter @aaronware and on the WordPress Slack @aware.

Child Themes in WordPress

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Hope you are planning to come to WordCamp RI 2016! Once again we’ll be at New England Tech Institute in East Greenwich.  The dates are September 30 and October 1.  Can’t wait?  Here’s a trip down memory lane with New England Tech Assistant Professor Ajay Coletta.  His talk at last year’s WordCamp RI was Child Themes.

An Appetizer to WordCamp RI

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You will be attending WordCamp RI on September 30 and October 1 at New England Institute of Technology in East Greenwich.  However, that seems like such a long time to go without any WordCamp sessions.  Never fear, WordCamp RI has connections with Boston WordCamp!  Here is some information to attend WordPress “summer school.”

WordCamp Boston will be held July 23 and 24 with six learning tracks:

  1. Designers
  2. Developers
  3. WordPress in Higher Education/Introduction to WordPress
  4. Users/Writers
  5. Business/Entrepeneurs
  6. Contributor Day

Where’s the RI connection?  We have a few of them.

WordPress RI Meetup organizer, and previous WordCamp RI presenter, Aaron Ware will be speaking on “Empowering your Clients and Being an Advocate for You.”  Those of us who have heard Aaron speak know that one of his strengths is talking about weaknesses.  That is, he doesn’t gloss over the tough parts of his experiences, which helps us avoid some pitfalls he’s already discovered.  Aaron is always an energetic and engaging speaker.

WordPress RI Meetup member, and WordCamp RI speaker alum, Adam Lamagna will reveal “The Frustration with Website Security.”  Adam will get right to the heart of website security, even for those who think their website could be of no interest to a hacker.  (p.s. That’s not true.  Hackers are interested in every website.)  While I can’t promise anything, there is a chance that Adam will also throw in a bonus movie reference.

And yet another previous WordCamp RI speaker and member of WordPress RI Meetup, K.Adam White has a fascinating topic “Machine Learning with WordPress.”  Want to know more about how Google makes psychedelic images and how poets and other writers can use machine learning techniques for creative results?  This is the talk for you.  (And by the way, did you possibly think I had a typo with K.Adam?  I’m crushed.  Here’s an insider peek: K.Adam pronounces his name “Kadam” and so spells it appropriately.)

Tickets for Boston WordCamp this summer: https://2016.boston.wordcamp.org/tickets/

Tickets for WordCamp RI September 30th and October 1st :   https://2016.rhodeisland.wordcamp.org/

See you at WordCamp(s)!