Matt Mullenweg 4:38 pm on July 23, 2015
Tags: philadelphia, WCUS ( 19 )

It’s official Philadelphia will host the first WCUS…

It’s official: Philadelphia will host the first WCUSWCUS WordCamp US. The US flagship WordCamp event. on Dec 4-6, and 2016 as well. I posted on my blog too.

All of the applications were excellent and will be choosing the 2017/2018 host city next year through a similar process.

Happy to answer any questions here!

#philadelphia, #wcus

Peter Nemcok 4:41 pm on July 23, 2015

Wow, congrats Philly!
David Bisset 4:44 pm on July 23, 2015

Congrats to Philly!
Rich Robinkoff 4:46 pm on July 23, 2015

Way to go Philly!
Aaron Jorbin 4:58 pm on July 23, 2015

Awesome to hear.

Where in the city will the event be? Will the organizing team be filled out with people from outside of Philly as well?
- Matt Mullenweg 5:27 pm on July 23, 2015
  
  The Convention Center, which is right in the middle of the city, just a few blocks from city hall.
  
  There are two reasonably-priced hotels right next to it that actually connect via tunnel, so you don’t even need to go outside if you don’t need to.
  
  It will be cold, but probably not snowy, around that item. The holiday decorations should be lovely, too.
Drew Jaynes 5:17 pm on July 23, 2015

@matt: I recognize that the reasoning behind hosting both the first and second WCUSs in the same city likely has to do with getting such a late start in 2015.

At the same time, I question the precedent that sets right out of the gate. I thought the purpose of moving it from SF was to become more representative of the entire country. This looks like a consolation prize for asking Philly to organize a national event in only a couple of months.

On that same token, I’d like to see WCUSWCUS WordCamp US. The US flagship WordCamp event. employ a similar model to that of WCEUWCEU WordCamp Europe. The European flagship WordCamp event., that is to say, having a national (in their case international) dream team of organizers working with the local team to execute a WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more.. Which leads me to a few questions:

1. What if any plans are there to assemble such a “national dream team” of organizers for the first and second WCUSs?
2. When would the host city application process begin for 2017?
3. What effect do you think hosting WCUS 2016 will have on Philly’s ability to also host their own WordCamp next year? Is WCUS seen a replacement for the host city WordCamp in any given year?
- Matt Mullenweg 5:36 pm on July 23, 2015
  
  Good questions! Thanks for bringing them up.
  
  I recognize that the reasoning behind hosting both the first and second WCUSs in the same city likely has to do with getting such a late start in 2015.
  
  We also considered some dates for next year, just skipping this year, but even then would have had PHL host it two years in a row. There is no consolation prize, if anything it’s a big ask to do something as big as WCUSWCUS WordCamp US. The US flagship WordCamp event. two years in a row, just trying to halve some of the logistical overhead of having a new city/location/etc every single year. (The Automattic Grand meetupMeetup Meetup groups are locally-organized groups that get together for face-to-face events on a regular basis (commonly once a month). Learn more about Meetups in our Meetup Organizer Handbook. will also be in a repeat location this year, it takes away a ton of the stress, uncertainty, and planning.)
  
  What if any plans are there to assemble such a “national dream team” of organizers for the first and second WCUSs?
  
  The local crew will be coordinating with non-local volunteers as well, including myself, similar to how WCSF had people from all over helping.
  
  Philadelphia is also very central and has easy access from other major east coast population centers like New York, DC, Boston. It’s so easy to get around by train it wouldn’t be a big stretch for people nearby to volunteer with the local team.
  
  When would the host city application process begin for 2017?
  
  Probably about halfway through next year. An expectation from the chosen team is they would visit and help with the 2016 WCUS in Philadelphia to get on-the-ground experience. I expect some of the Philly people will also help in a more background role, similar to WCEUWCEU WordCamp Europe. The European flagship WordCamp event. has shown works well. (WCEU is definitely an inspiration for the approach.)
  
  What effect do you think hosting WCUS 2016 will have on Philly’s ability to also host their own WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. next year? Is WCUS seen a replacement for the host city WordCamp in any given year?
  
  That’s up to the local team. Personally I wouldn’t be surprised if the city WC is skipped, but I would expect the other local events on deck in Pennsylvania (Lancaster, Pittsburg, and Scranton which I just attended) to continue on their normal schedule and plans.
  - Drew Jaynes 6:20 pm on July 23, 2015
    
    I think my primary concern with hosting WCUSWCUS WordCamp US. The US flagship WordCamp event. in the same city two years in a row and then using that localized team to mentorEvent Supporter Event Supporter (formerly Mentor) is someone who has already organised a WordCamp and has time to meet with their assigned mentee every 2 weeks, they talk over where they should be in their timeline, help them to identify their issues, and also identify solutions for their issues. a second localized team will, well, unnecessarily localize that institutional knowledge.
    
    I like the idea of WCUS as a truly national event a lot more if the rest of the country has equal opportunity to participate in organizing it. I think if this two-years-per-city trend continues we’re going to alienate a lot of organizers who would otherwise apply to host. And as for the localized team, relying on the equivalent of three years of organizer activity is a big ask.
    - Matt Mullenweg 7:53 pm on July 23, 2015
      
      We will see, we’ve definitely seen the year-to-year experience really help with city-level events before, and of course with SF in the past which got smoother and better every year.
      
      I’m sure there will be ample opportunities for non-local organizers to be involved with every level of the event to the extent they have the desire and time to.
Matt Shaw 5:36 pm on July 23, 2015

So excited for this – living in Philly suburbs I would be happy to help if/where possible.
codyL 5:38 pm on July 23, 2015

I’m disappointed Phoenix didn’t get chosen but I live there and am biased. 😉

What’s the weather like flying into Philly in December? I am disappointed this might detract a lot of people considering to go.
- Brad Williams 5:46 pm on July 23, 2015
  
  Philly can get cold in December, but it varies from year to year. Honestly, it’s pretty beautiful in December in Philly.
  
  Rocky didn’t mind it and neither should you! 🙂
  - codyL 5:49 pm on July 23, 2015
    
    I’m going to hold you personally responsible for my untimely frozen death if this so happens when I visit!
    
    Seriously am looking forward to visiting and running the steps tho.
- David Bisset 5:48 pm on July 23, 2015
  
  i’m with Cody. Cold I can deal with – but how cold are we talking about? Snow, etc.? I’m from Florida and I got nothing but a sweater and a WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. Miami quilt that Andrea made.
  - Deborah 5:52 pm on July 23, 2015
    
    David, it’s usually in the high forties in early December. But with the El Niño effect on the weather this year, the winter weather could be mild. I can bring you my husband’s winter coat. 🙂
  - Tracy Levesque 5:52 pm on July 23, 2015
    
    We very rarely (like I can only remember 2-3 times in my lifetime) do we get snow before January. I am very cold adverse and early Dec. I can deal with 🙂
    - David Bisset 5:56 pm on July 23, 2015
      
      High 40s is fine. I tend to hate it when it’s below 30 with wind/snow.
      - codyL 5:57 pm on July 23, 2015
        
        As long as there’s no frozen planes and delays due to weather that would be ideal!
  - Rich Robinkoff 5:55 pm on July 23, 2015
    
    This site does a good job of covering the weather as an average. Do you agree @williamsba1 ? https://weatherspark.com/averages/31282/12/Philadelphia-Pennsylvania-United-States
    - Brad Williams 6:08 pm on July 23, 2015
      
      Looks right to me
- Carlos 3:47 pm on July 24, 2015
  
  I’m originally from Los Angeles and have lived in Philly the past 5 years. Early December is really nice. It’s cold (high 40’s) but it’s also rare to see snow or the temperature drop below freezing. In recent years in December we’re more likely to have a warm spell in the 50’s and 60’s. Snow is rare and usually melts before it even touches the ground.
  
  The convention center is located a few blocks Philadelphia’s Christmas Village in Love Park and across the street from Macy’s Christmas Light Show. I highly recommend visitors walk over for a couple of unique Philly experiences.
  - Matt Mullenweg 6:04 pm on July 24, 2015
    
    That’s what I’ve heard as well! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Deborah 5:52 pm on July 23, 2015

Congrats to Philly!
Robert Dall 5:56 pm on July 23, 2015

I’d really like to know why WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. United States #WCUSWCUS WordCamp US. The US flagship WordCamp event. is not WordCamp North American #WCNA. As there will be a lot of Canadian’s in attendance. (Sadly I will not be one of them) But if we take WCEUWCEU WordCamp Europe. The European flagship WordCamp event. as an example we can make it a more continental affair.
- Rafael Ehlers 6:37 pm on July 23, 2015
  
  Slow down Cowboy, we are already planning (actually, more like to “dreaming”) to make a WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. Latin America in the near future : )
- Matt Mullenweg 7:43 pm on July 23, 2015
  
  We love Canada, too. Mexico would probably be better aligned with a Spanish-language event, like the Latin America one Rafael mentions.
  - Amy Lane 4:39 am on July 25, 2015
    
    I also think that it should be called WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. North America, or something else that isn’t country-specific, considering how many non-US community members will inevitably come.
    
    That being said, it’s not a huge point of contention for me.
Jon Brown 7:02 pm on July 23, 2015

Philly is a great choice. I have no doubt it’ll be an epic camp and Philly is one of my favorite cities to visit, lots of old friends in PA make it an easy travel choice to make.

Personally though I’m really bummed that it’s such short notice. There’s almost no way I’ll be able to attend this year 🙁

Further I’d like to express that I’m really disappointed in the choice to hold it in the same city twice. WCEUWCEU WordCamp Europe. The European flagship WordCamp event. has never that I know of repeated cities and they manage wonderfully. Further it doesn’t address what one of the long and big complaints about WCSF has always been… those of us not near SF having to repeatedly travel so far. Even if Philly is one of my favorite cities, and even if I’m going to miss this year due to the short notice, I still think it should have been scheduled somewhere else in 2016.
- Matt Mullenweg 7:49 pm on July 23, 2015
  
  Well prior to this we did the same city 9 years in a row.. so 2 at a time is definitely an improvement, and a good balance between moving it around and giving people some familiarity year to year.
  
  We’re inspired by EU, but not trying to do the exact same thing. The target for this event is 2k+ atendees this year (about double EU), and the venue can accommodate up to around 10k which is plenty of room to grow for next year too.
  
  There are 134 days until WCUSWCUS WordCamp US. The US flagship WordCamp event.! Hope you can make it next year if this year is too tight. We’re in the sweet spot for booking travel and everything right now.
  - Aditya Kane 1:10 pm on July 24, 2015
    
    From India here. So booking or planning in 2015 will be really tight in the holiday season – I am guessing plane tickets are crazy expensive! Hopefully will be able to make it to something like this in Philly next year – It is a truly historic city so a lot of perks to visiting it other than WordPress awesomeness.
    - Matt Mullenweg 6:05 pm on July 24, 2015
      
      3-4 months is usually the sweet spot for getting the least expensive tickets, and the travel peaks will be around Thanksgiving and Christmas, in between those two people usually travel less.
      - Aditya Kane 6:50 pm on July 26, 2015
        
        Yes. Your points makes sense that the travel would be a lot less for within the US. During December the return ticket from the US to India is actually quite difficult with the heavy student rush of travelling back for the holidays.
        
        Also weather in India is at its best in December so a lot of tourists and Indian emigre from the US also plan their their trip to India around that particular time.
        
        That said, 3-4 months is pretty decent notice for book a ticket but not really for a trip abroad 🙂
  - DJ Johnny Medley 8:06 pm on July 24, 2015
    
    Full support and congratulations to Philly from the Chi (Chicago)! I’m interested in sponsorship packages and definitely want to be a remote volunteer! Three quick questions:
    
    1. Will the city of Philadelphia provide any municipal support for this event? Perhaps they can help with promotion or defray some costs? An event of this nature is a huge benefit for any city.
    
    2. Is Mayor Nutter aware of this historic event? Perhaps his office can issue an official proclamation and help with outreach OUTSIDE of the WordPress community, in an effort to EXPAND the base. This includes media outreach. Any city would love to host an event of this caliber and help to spread the WORD… Free and earned media opportunities should be easy.
    
    3. Thinking long-term, is there a preferred month for this annual event? Long-range planning can be easier if the date doesn’t fluctuate, but we all know the community will step up and do practically anything to produce an awesome WordPress event. As a result, this is probably a moot point. Some folks do, however, look forward to fixed, annual events (e.g. the first Saturday in July, etc.). This can be helpful for budgeting purposes.
    
    On a tangent, I see Philly native, DJ Jazzy Jeff is using WordPress (http://www.djjazzyjeff.com/). Maybe he’ll drop by. WP for life!!! Only 133 days to go!!!
    - Jodie Riccelli 9:39 pm on July 24, 2015
      
      Hi DJ Johnny Medley-
      
      I thought I would jump in and try to answer some of this being that I’m in Philadelphia and work with the team that organizes WordCampWordCamp WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. Philly. First of all, thank you so much for the kind words about Philly. We do have great cheesesteaks but feel free to bring some of your pizza 🙂
      
      1. We have been in communication with city officials about the event. They have been incredibly supportive and helpful in helping us find appropriate venues etc. At this point I’m not sure of the extent of their involvement but I can tell you they are thrilled that Philadelphia is hosting. We plan to get them as involved as possible.
      
      2. We are going to reach out to Mayor Nutter’s office. We have worked with him in other city initiatives and he has always been responsive. With any luck he will rap for us too!
      
      3. I’m anxious to see how December will pan out. It is actually one of my favorite months in Philadelphia. I’m sure Matt and the WordCamp team will make the best decision possible in terms of dates.
      
      P.S. If we could get DJ Jazzy Jeff to DJ for Mayor Nutter, it would be monumental. I’m already researching 🙂
      
      -Jodie
      - DJ Johnny Medley 10:58 pm on July 24, 2015
        
        Awesome news, Jodie!
        
        I’m a semi-retired PR guy from Chicago (Cook County government) who drinks WordPress Kool Aid by the gallon! 😉
        
        Please count me in as a remote volunteer in ANY capacity that you see fit. I just want to support the cause and help to make sure that this event exceeds ALL expectations.
        
        If you need any press releases, proclamations, or media advisories drafted for your approval, please let me know. Cheers, Jodie!
Ari Winokur 8:35 pm on July 23, 2015

Totally excited and ecstatic for Philly! I absolutely can’t wait for this! It’s a city near and dear to me, and an event near and dear to me! What could be better!
weslinda 3:15 pm on July 24, 2015

Very excited about this! Didn’t get out to San Francisco which is a bummer but will totally be in Philly! Cannot wait! Great city, great food! Going to be a great event.
Sakin Shrestha 9:27 am on July 27, 2015

Congrats to Philly! Nice cold weather… Will try to attain. Thanks 🙂
David Bisset 1:50 am on July 28, 2015

@matt Is there going to be something like the Community Summit at WCUSA that happened last year? If not, thoughts on generally when/where is the next one?
- Ian Dunn 2:28 am on July 28, 2015
  
  From the other post:
  
  It’s not planned yet but probably.

Welcome!

Get Involved

Let’s Talk

Learn More

It’s official Philadelphia will host the first WCUS…

Welcome!

Get Involved

Let’s Talk

Learn More

Share this: