This is the home of the Make Community team for the WordPress open sourceOpen SourceOpen Source denotes software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. Open Source **must be** delivered via a licensing model, see GPL. project!
Here is where we have policy debates, project announcements, and assist community members in organizing events.
Everyone is welcome to comment on posts and participate in the discussions regardless of skill level or experience.
Get Involved
If you love WordPress and want to help us do these things, join in!
Kick off the new year with inspiring WordPress events! This edition features creative ideas, sustainable tips, and stories of community growth worldwide. From workshops to International Women’s Day celebrations, find insights to empower your community and make 2025 unforgettable.
Given the importance of thorough preparation, we recommend organizing teams to apply for events scheduled at least six months in advance. This ensures adequate time for the review process and the necessary planning to create a successful event.
Engaging WordPress Event Ideas to Kickstart the New Year
These ideas are perfect for inspiring and empowering your WordPress community in the year ahead!
New Year, New Website Workshop: Help beginners create and launch their first WordPress site with step-by-step guidance. Maybe with the help of AI.
Refresh Your WordPress Site: Guide attendees on redesigning, optimizing, and enhancing their websites for the new year, focusing on speed and usability.
Community Mixer & Trends for 2025: Host a networking event featuring lightning talks, Q&A sessions, and discussions on upcoming WordPress trends.
Tip of the Month for Creating More Sustainable Events:
When organizing an event, favor cities that have excellent low-carbon long-haul travel links (like trains) and reliable, accessible public transport. See more event location advice here.
How to Plan a Creative and Meaningful WordPress Event for International Women’s Day
WordPress Latin America: First mentoring session for women leading International Women’s Day events on March 8th.
Choose a Resonant Event Title
Pick a theme like “Breaking Barriers: Women Empowering the Web” to give your event a clear purpose that aligns with International Women’s Day.
Highlight Inspiring Speakers
Invite women leaders in WordPress or related fields to share their stories through presentations or panel discussions.
Host Interactive Workshops
Plan hands-on sessions, such as coding, content creation, or design tutorials, to empower attendees with new skills.
Create Networking Opportunities
Facilitate connections with activities like speed networking or breakout rooms focused on specific topics.
Celebrate Achievements
Showcase women-led projects or honor local contributors to highlight the impact of women in the WordPress community.
Ensure Inclusivity
Make the event accessible with hybrid options, translations, and an inclusive venue to welcome everyone.
Amplify the Impact
Share event highlights online to inspire others and encourage ongoing support for women in tech.
Reminder: WordCampWordCampWordCamps 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. Asia Tickets Are Available!
🌏 Get Ready for WordCamp Asia 2025! 🌏
Join the WordPress community at the first major WordCamp of the year! Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss out!
Let’s come together and make WordCamp Asia 2025 an incredible experience! ❤️ 🌏
Some recent Community Events
Looking for creative event ideas? Make Your Products Shine!
Organizers in WordPress Cartago, Costa Rica are hosting a hands-on workshop where participants learn to take stunning product photos using their smartphones. With tips on lighting, composition, and editing, attendees create eye-catching content for their E-Commerce or social media.
Participants bring a product and brand-inspired decorations to practice their skills and showcase their creations during the meetupMeetupMeetup 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.. Optional props like parchment paper or cake bases add extra flair. This is a great example of how local events can deliver value and empower communities to grow their businesses.
Reviving Resilience: The Journey of the Buea WordPress Community
After being inactive for over six years due to the socio-political crisis in Cameroon, the Buea WordPress Community has made an inspiring comeback. In 2023, with unwavering determination, @kofimokome took the bold step to revive the community despite facing initial challenges with limited interest and engagement.
Fast forward to today, the tide is turning. Membership has grown significantly, and there’s a renewed enthusiasm among local WordPress enthusiasts. This growth speaks to the community’s resilience and shared commitment to building a vibrant learning, collaboration, and innovation space.
Looking ahead, the community has set an ambitious and exciting goal for 2024: to nurture and support their first CoreCoreCore is the set of software required to run WordPress. The Core Development Team builds WordPress. contributor to WordPress. This milestone will not only elevate the Buea WordPress Community but also amplify its voice on the global stage.
Let’s celebrate and support this thriving community as they overcome challenges and achieve new heights!
Growing the WordPress Community in Mexico City
The WordPress Mexico City Meetup recently hosted its latest in-person event, attracting an even larger crowd and showcasing the community’s steady growth. This vibrant group continues to thrive, reflecting the increasing interest in WordPress across the region.
As one of the few meetupsMeetupMeetup 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. offering two monthly events—one virtual and one in-person—the community ensures accessibilityAccessibilityAccessibility (commonly shortened to a11y) refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities. The concept of accessible design ensures both “direct access” (i.e. unassisted) and “indirect access” meaning compatibility with a person’s assistive technology (for example, computer screen readers). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accessibility) and engagement for all. In a city as large and bustling as CDMX, in-person meetups are held on weekends to accommodate attendees and avoid traffic challenges, while virtual events provide an excellent alternative for those unable to join physically.
WordPress Event Organizers, We Want to Feature You!
We love highlighting WordPress events from around the world in our newsletters. Want your Meetup to be featured? Share a picture with the Community team! Post it on the #community-eventsSlack channel. Remember to ask permission from your group members before taking and sharing photos.
Need Support or Guidance From the WordPress Global Community TeamGlobal Community TeamA group of community organizers and contributors who collaborate on local events about WordPress — monthly WordPress meetups and/or annual conferences called WordCamps.?
If you have any questions, Community Team Supporters are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community — let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!
This newsletter edition is packed with inspiration and opportunities to grow your local WordPress community. From the Call for Speakers for WordCampWordCampWordCamps 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. Europe 2025 to hosting your State of the WordState of the WordThis is the annual report given by Matt Mullenweg, founder of WordPress at WordCamp US. It looks at what we’ve done, what we’re doing, and the future of WordPress. https://wordpress.tv/tag/state-of-the-word/. watch party, many ways exist to get involved and make an impact. Learn from recent meetupsMeetupMeetup 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., like Castilla-La Mancha’s first gathering or Bhopal’s 100th milestone, and discover how to bring unique initiatives, like the WordPress Showcase, to your events. Let’s continue building a vibrant, connected community together!
Let’s Spread the Word: Call for Speakers WordCamp Europe 2025 Open Now!
WordCamp Europe 2025 is gearing up to be an incredible celebration of the WordPress community – and it needs your voice to make it truly unforgettable!
This is your opportunity to shine, share your expertise, and inspire the WordPress community from the stage. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or taking the mic for the first time, WordCamp Europe offers formats for everyone:
We’re incredibly excited to hear from new voices and underrepresented groups. The Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship is also available to help make this event accessible to passionate speakers who face financial barriers.
Let’s work together to amplify this opportunity. Share the Call for Speakers with your MeetupMeetupMeetup 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. group & encourage your local community to apply!
Why not take to the stage yourself? Your voice matters, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
Get ready to join the global excitement of the WordPress community!
Event Details 📅 Date: December 16, 2024 📍 Location: Tokyo, Japan ⏰ Time: 09:00 UTC (18:00 JST)
Host Your Own Watch Party! Gather your local WordPress community for a watch party—live or at a time that works for you. Recordings will be available on YouTube right after the event!
Need Help Getting Started?
Find a Venue: Meetup groups can request venue support by just filling out the venue request form.
Make It Official: Add “State of the Word” to your event title, and it will make it available on the list of Watch Parties, where attendees can find gatherings in their language or nearby!
Let’s celebrate the magic of WordPress together! Have questions? Reach out—we’re here to help make your event a success!
The event showcased inspiring highlights, including high school students building a WordPress site for a satellite competition, a determined mompreneur skillfully balancing her WooCommerce business while raising three children, and a dedicated teacher eager to enhance his site’s security after recovering from a hacking incident.
Even participants from Albacete made the trip, which took more than one hour! This meetup showed that every website has a story worth telling.
WordPress Bhopal Celebrated its 9th Anniversary and 100th Meetup!
The event brought together a diverse group of passionate members, including those who traveled from nearby cities like Vidisha and Siraunj, taking 2-3 hours to join the celebration. Highlights included a cake-cutting ceremony and inspiring success stories from those who have contributed to WordPress over the years.
Aditya Shah’s dedication to fostering a collaborative and inclusive WordPress community in Bhopal has been instrumental in its growth.
This story of teamwork and impact is a testament that no matter where you stand in life—whether a student, freelancer, engineer, marketer, advocate, or business owner—WordPress is for all!
Bring a WordPress Showcase to Your Local Meetup!
Inspired by WordCamp Ahmedabad’s WordPress Showcase? Why not create something similar at your next meetup? Highlighting local WordPress projects is a fantastic way to celebrate creativity, inspire your community, and show off the incredible possibilities of WordPress.
Encourage attendees to present their unique projects, from bold websites to niche solutions. Dive into the stories and tech behind their work to spark meaningful conversations and share valuable insights. It’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and foster collaboration among your area’s developers, designers, business owners, and creators.
Start small—feature a few standout projects and invite participants to share how WordPress empowered them. Your meetup could spark new ideas and stronger connections within your community!
WordPress Event Organizers, We Want to Feature You!
We love highlighting WordPress events from around the world in our newsletters. Want your Meetup to be featured? Share a picture with the Community team! Post it on the #community-eventsSlack channel. Remember to ask permission from your group members before taking and sharing photos.
Need Support or Guidance From the WordPress Global Community TeamGlobal Community TeamA group of community organizers and contributors who collaborate on local events about WordPress — monthly WordPress meetups and/or annual conferences called WordCamps.?
If you have any questions, Community Team Supporters are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community — let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!
We’re excited to bring you this month’s updates and resources. Here, you’ll find tips on why there’s no venue too small for a successful meetupMeetupMeetup 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., highlights from recent gatherings, and a reminder on the WordCampWordCampWordCamps 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. ticket process.
Plus, if you ever need extra support from the Global Community TeamGlobal Community TeamA group of community organizers and contributors who collaborate on local events about WordPress — monthly WordPress meetups and/or annual conferences called WordCamps., we’re here to help, with special assistance available in Spanish and other languages for those who need it. Let’s keep growing together!
Be Part of State of the WordState of the WordThis is the annual report given by Matt Mullenweg, founder of WordPress at WordCamp US. It looks at what we’ve done, what we’re doing, and the future of WordPress. https://wordpress.tv/tag/state-of-the-word/. 2024 Live from Tokyo!
Join us on December 16 at 9:00 UTC for State of the Word 2024, live from Tokyo! Open to everyone—from WordPress enthusiasts and website owners to developers and contributors—this annual event, hosted by Matt Mullenweg, celebrates all things WordPress and unveils what’s next for the platform and the web.
Whether you tune in from home or gather with friends at a watch party, this is your chance to connect with the global community, hear exciting updates, and get inspired for the year ahead.
There are only a few in-person tickets left, so be sure to request yours today at the State of the Word website.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the future of WordPress firsthand!
There is no small venue for a Meetup
Whether you’re expecting 5 or 50 attendees, every meetup has the potential to bring value to the WordPress community. Sometimes, we worry about spaces being “too small,” but in reality, the magic of a meetup lies in the connections and learning that happen within those walls—not the venue’s size. Small venues can foster more intimate discussions, helping people connect profoundly and learn from each other.
Here are some tips for making any space work for your meetup:
Get creative with seating: Set up a circle to foster conversations or use small tables for group work.
Use every corner wisely: Consider areas like lounges, open spaces, or even patios if weather permits.
Bring in some atmosphere: Simple touches like music before the meetup starts or a banner with the WordPress logo can set the tone and make any space feel welcoming.
Have a flexible schedule: A small space often feels cozy and personal, so leverage this by creating activities where people can move and interact.
Take advantage of virtual participation: For spaces with limited capacity, consider live-streaming parts of the event or creating a hybrid experience to reach a broader audience.
A small venue can inspire big ideas and strong community ties. Don’t worry about the size—embrace it and let the quality of your connections shine!
If you are organizing or giving visibility to an upcoming WordCamp or WordPress Event, please remind attendees that they need an active WordPress.orgWordPress.orgThe community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/ account to purchase tickets. Here’s a quick guide to share with attendees:
Create or Log In to WordPress.org: Attendees can go to login.wordpress.org and log in to their existing account or create a new one if they’re not yet registered by visiting the Create an Account link.
Once logged in, attendees must check all required fields. This step is important as it helps organizers gather the necessary information for event planning and personalized interactions.
Proceed with Ticket Purchase: After logging in, attendees can easily access the ticketing page and complete their purchase without issues.
Remind attendees to complete this process ahead of time to make registration and check-in as smooth as possible.
Some WordCamp organizers, like WordCamp Delhi 2024, have created a video explaining the process step by step on their tickets page.
WordPress Event Organizers, We Want to Feature You!
We love highlighting WordPress events from around the world in our newsletters. Want your Meetup to be featured? Share a picture with the Community team! Rename your picture as “Meetup-name_event-date” and upload it here in jpg or png format. Remember to ask permission from your group members before taking and sharing photos.
Need Support or Guidance From the WordPress Global Community Team?
If you have any questions, Community Team Supporters are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community — let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!
Extra: Need special help in Spanish? Visit wplatam.org to talk to this group that is focused on supporting and promoting WordPress in Latam. They can help you find good speakers for your Meetup group, invite you to participate in Quedadas WordPress en Español, and discuss how to reactivate your Community.
Schedule Your State of the WordState of the WordThis is the annual report given by Matt Mullenweg, founder of WordPress at WordCamp US. It looks at what we’ve done, what we’re doing, and the future of WordPress. https://wordpress.tv/tag/state-of-the-word/. Watch Party, WordCampWordCampWordCamps 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. US 2024, and more!
Hello WordPress MeetupMeetupMeetup 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. Organizers,
As the season winds down, we’re gearing up for an exciting season of WordPress events. This month’s newsletter is packed with tips and resources to help you make the most of your MeetupsMeetupMeetup 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., from scheduling a State of the Word watch party to harnessing the power of WordCamp US 2024. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Wait – Schedule Your State of the Word 2024 Watch Party Now!
State of the Word 2024 is happening on December 16 at 9:00 UTC, and it’s the perfect opportunity to bring your WordPress community together. This annual event is a cornerstone for the WordPress open sourceOpen SourceOpen Source denotes software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified. Open Source **must be** delivered via a licensing model, see GPL. project, offering a look back at the year’s milestones and a preview of what’s to come.
Why not turn this event into a community gathering? We encourage you to host a watch party for your local Meetup group. Whether you stream the event live or watch the recording together afterward, it’s an ideal chance to connect, discuss, and celebrate WordPress with your local community.
To make your event a success, we prepared a detailed State of the Word watch party guide with tips on planning, promoting, and hosting your watch party. This resource includes everything you need to create an engaging and well-attended event.
Don’t miss this chance to gather your community for an inspiring event. Schedule your watch party today!
Update Meetup Notification Settings To Receive Important Updates
It’s crucial for Meetup organizers to stay informed with the latest updates from WordPress. To ensure you receive important notifications from WordPress, take a moment to update your meetup.com account settings:
Click on your circular ‘Profile’ button in the upper right-hand corner of meetup.com.
Select Settings.
Choose Email Updates.
Make sure the ‘Updates from Meetup Pro Networks’ toggle is ON.
This screenshot shows the steps:
Set the Tone in the First 5 Minutes of Your Event
The first five minutes of your Meetup are crucial for setting a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. Priya Parker, in her essay “The Magic of a Good Opening,” highlights the importance of a strong start. Here’s how you can apply these principles to your Meetup:
Welcome with Intention: Start with a warm and genuine greeting that acknowledges both new and returning members, making everyone feel valued.
Establish a Shared Purpose: Clearly articulate the Meetup’s purpose, whether it’s networking, learning, or collaboration. This aligns expectations and fosters community.
Break the Ice: Use a simple icebreaker to help attendees relax and connect. A question related to WordPress or the event’s theme can spark conversation.
Set Expectations: Outline the event structure briefly to help manage energy and keep the event on track.
By thoughtfully crafting these opening moments, you create a space where participants feel connected and excited to contribute. For more inspiration, check out Parker’s short essay.
Harness WordCamp US 2024 Sessions for Your Meetup Group
WordCamp US 2024 is just around the corner, from September 17 to 20! Explore the WordCamp US 2024 schedule to find sessions that could inspire your Meetup members. All talks will be live-streamed and recorded, so even those who can’t attend in person can gather to watch and discuss the sessions together.
Additionally, consider organizing a Showcase Day inspired by WordCamp US, where local developers and designers can present their most inspiring projects. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate community talent and inspire others.
We love highlighting Meetups from around the world in our newsletters. Want your Meetup to be featured? Share a picture with the Community team! Rename your picture as “Meetup-name_event-date” and upload it here in jpg or png format. Remember to ask permission from your group members before taking and sharing photos.
💡Need Support or Guidance From the WordPress Global Community TeamGlobal Community TeamA group of community organizers and contributors who collaborate on local events about WordPress — monthly WordPress meetups and/or annual conferences called WordCamps.?
If you have any questions, Community Team deputiesProgram SupporterCommunity Program Supporters (formerly Deputies) are a team of people worldwide who review WordCamp and Meetup applications, interview lead organizers, and keep things moving at WordCamp Central. Find more about program supporters in our Program Supporter Handbook. are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community — let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!
See you online soon!
The following people contributed to this edition of the Meetup newsletter: @bjmcsherry, @devinmaeztri, @harishanker, and @juliarosia.
Welcome to the July edition of the MeetupMeetupMeetup 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. Organizer Newsletter! This month, we explore how to create purpose-driven WordPress meetupsMeetupMeetup 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. that engage and inspire your community. Additionally, we’ll share important updates from the Community Team, new learning pathways on Learn.WordPress.orgWordPress.orgThe community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/, and celebrate some vibrant meetups from around the world. Let’s get started!
Create Purpose-Driven WordPress Meetups
As WordPress meetup organizers, our goal is to create meaningful and engaging events. Priya Parker, author of “The Art of Gathering,” emphasizes that a successful event begins with a clear purpose. This purpose shapes the event’s structure, activities, and atmosphere. Without it, gatherings can feel aimless and fail to resonate with attendees. Inspired by Parker’s concept of a purpose-driven event, we can elevate our meetups by focusing on a clear and compelling purpose.
Apply This to WordPress Meetups
When planning your WordPress meetup, start by asking: What is the primary goal of this event? Is it to introduce new users to WordPress, deepen the skills of experienced developers, or foster networking within the local WordPress community? Identifying the coreCoreCore is the set of software required to run WordPress. The Core Development Team builds WordPress. purpose streamlines the planning process and ensures every element aligns with this goal.
Looking for a Purpose?
A key goal for WordPress events is to attract and engage first-time attendees. Reaching new users is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the WordPress project, aligning with the Big Picture Goals for 2024. Consider organizing some meetup events driven by the purpose of introducing new users to WordPress.
Communicate Your Purpose
Once you’ve identified the purpose, communicate it clearly to potential attendees. This attracts the right audience and sets expectations. For example:
Learning and Development: “Join us for a hands-on workshop focused on building custom themes with WordPress.”
Networking and Community Building: “Meet and mingle with local WordPress professionals at our summer social event.”
Knowledge Sharing: “Hear from industry experts on the latest WordPress trends and technologies.”
Design with Purpose in Mind
Every aspect of your meetup should reflect its purpose. If the goal is education, ensure you have knowledgeable speakers and interactive sessions. For a networking-focused event, prioritize activities that encourage interaction and connection. Aligning the event’s design with its purpose creates a cohesive and impactful experience for attendees.
After the event, gather feedback to assess whether the purpose was effectively communicated and achieved. Use this feedback to refine future meetups, continually enhancing their relevance and value.
Key Takeaways
Incorporating Priya Parker’s concept of a purpose-driven event into your WordPress meetups can transform them from ordinary gatherings into impactful, memorable experiences that provide clear value to attendees. By clearly identifying, communicating, and designing around a central purpose, you’ll foster an engaged and satisfied community, with attendees who are excited to return for future meetup events and help spread word about upcoming events.
Remember, a well-defined purpose is the cornerstone of a successful event. Happy organizing!
Announcement: Reactivating or Removing Dormant Meetup Groups
Learning Pathway for Intermediate WordPress Users Now Available on Learn.WordPress.org
We’re excited to announce that the Learning Pathway for Intermediate WordPress Users is now live on Learn.WordPress.org! This comprehensive learning pathway will help Meetup organizers support community members who are familiar with WordPress and looking to deepen their skills.
The following learning pathways were also recently published:
The Make WordPress Training Team is dedicated to creating learning pathways for all skill levels, from beginner through expert, and for users, developers, and designers alike. Learn more about this initiative in this post.
Learn WordPress Course Cohort
The WordPress Training Team recently concluded its second Learn WordPress Course Cohort: a six week facilitated learning experience focused on a course on Learn WordPress.
The goals of a Course Cohort are similar to those of Learn WordPress Online Workshops. The key difference? Course Cohorts are held across consecutive sessions, while Online Workshops are generally one-off sessions.
Want to participate in a future Course Cohort? Follow updates from the Training Team!
Meetups of the Month
This month, we celebrate the WordPress Meetup groups of Tegal (Indonesia) and Rabat (Morocco).
Tegal, Indonesia WordPress MeetupRabat, Morocco WordPress Meetup
Meetup Organizers, we want to feature you!
We’d love to publish pictures from Meetups all around the world in each newsletter. Do you want your Meetup to be featured? Share 1 picture with the Community team! Rename your picture as “Meetup-name_event-date” and upload it to this folder. The formats supported are jpg and png. Please remember, always ask for permission from your group members before taking the picture and sharing it with us!
If you have any questions, Community Team deputiesProgram SupporterCommunity Program Supporters (formerly Deputies) are a team of people worldwide who review WordCamp and Meetup applications, interview lead organizers, and keep things moving at WordCamp Central. Find more about program supporters in our Program Supporter Handbook. are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community—let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!
Welcome to the June edition of the WordPress MeetupMeetupMeetup 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. Organizer Newsletter! As we launch into a new season, we’re excited to bring you a range of engaging activities, inspiring stories, and useful tips to help you make the most of your meetup events. Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s continue to grow, share knowledge, and strengthen our vibrant WordPress community together!
June 25 – Join the first Training Team Thumbnail-a-thon: Make graphics together for the new Learn.WordPress.orgWordPress.orgThe community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/!
We’re happy to share a great WordPress contributor opportunity for your meetup group: Participate in a group activity to make Learn WordPress Thumbnails(What’s a “Thumbnail-a-thon”? It’s simply a fun name for an event that brings people together to create Learn WordPress thumbnails – like a marathon, but for making Thumbnails!).
Now is your chance to contribute to the new Learn.WordPress.org redesign! The official WordPress education site is launching soon with a fresh look and Learning Pathways geared to users, designers, developers, and contributors. The WordPress Training Team needs help creating small thumbnail graphics for lessons and tutorials on the new site. You can see examples of what the graphics look like in the “Featured Courses and Courses” sections on the new site, which you can preview here. No previous graphics experience is required, since there’s a handy tool that makes the process of creating thumbnails simple!
Join the WordPress Training Team on Tuesday, June 25 for a free online workshop to learn how to use the tool, help make graphics for the new site, and have some fun along the way. You’ll get recognition for your contribution and get a foot in the door with the WordPress.org Training team. A recording of the workshop will be available afterwards.
Inspire Your Community with a “Success Stories” Session
As a WordPress Meetup Organizer, you have a unique opportunity to inspire and empower your community. One effective way to do this is by hosting a “Success Stories” session at your next meetup. This type of event can showcase the incredible achievements of WordPress users within your community, fostering a sense of pride and motivation among your attendees.
Here’s how to organize a “Success Stories” session:
Invite Speakers: Reach out to members of your community who have compelling success stories to share. These could be stories about launching a successful blog, building a thriving e-commerce site, or creating impactful nonprofit websites using WordPress.
Select Diverse Stories: Ensure a variety of stories by including different types of projects and experiences. This diversity will show the wide range of possibilities with WordPress and resonate with a broader audience.
Prepare Questions: Help your speakers prepare by providing them with a list of questions or topics to cover, such as the challenges they faced, how they overcame them, and the specific WordPress tools or plugins they used.
Interactive Q&A: After each story, allow time for a Q&A session. This interaction can provide valuable insights and practical advice to your attendees.
Share Online: Record the session and share it on your Meetup group’s page and social media channels such as LinkedIn. This can inspire even more people and showcase the strength of your community to a wider audience.
Hosting a “Success Stories” session can build confidence among your attendees by showing them real-life examples of what they can achieve with WordPress. It also fosters a supportive and inspiring community atmosphere, encouraging members to pursue their own WordPress projects with enthusiasm.
Host a WordPress Showcase for Your Meetup Group
The WordPress Showcase highlights the incredible versatility and power of WordPress, featuring a wide array of use cases such as personal blogs, small businesses, enterprise companies, and national governments.
Consider organizing a Meetup event to explore Showcase sites! This engaging activity will allow your Meetup members to discover the diverse brands and websites built with WordPress, and the most unique and innovative uses of WordPress.
Begin by introducing the WordPress Showcase to your attendees. Review some of the most impressive and innovative sites featured in the Showcase to inspire your group. Encourage group discussion about which designs and features most stand out to them. This interaction can spark new ideas and encourage community members to innovate in their own projects.
You can also invite local developers and agencies to present their most interesting WordPress projects. Ask them to participate in your Meetup event, share their experiences, and showcase their most innovative websites. Encourage presenters to discuss the challenges they faced, the solutions they implemented, and the WordPress tools and plugins they used. This can provide valuable insights and learning opportunities for your attendees.
Then motivate your presenters and attendees to submit their projects to be included in the WordPress Showcase. The WordPress Showcase is accepting submissions of innovative, modern, and/or enterprise sites and case studies.
WordPress Contributor Mentorship Program Q4 2024: Call for Interest
We are excited to announce an early interest form for the Q4 2024 WordPress Contributor Mentorship Program Cohort! This program connects seasoned WordPress experts with newcomers, offering a fantastic opportunity for mentees to gain hands-on experience contributing to WordPress, while mentorsEvent SupporterEvent 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. share their expertise and improve their leadership skills. Learn more and indicate your interest in joining the Q4 Cohort as a Mentee or MentorEvent SupporterEvent 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..
Announcing the New Handbook for Sustainable WordPress Events
MeetupsMeetupMeetup 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. of the Month
Vancouver WordPress Meetup (Vancouver, Canada)East Bay WordPress Meetup (Oakland, California, USA)
Meetup Organizers, we want to feature you!
We’d love to publish pictures from Meetups all around the world in each newsletter. Do you want your Meetup to be featured? Share 1 picture with the Community team! Rename your picture as “Meetup-name_event-date” and upload it to this folder. The formats supported are JPG and PNG. Please remember, always ask for permission from your group members before taking the picture and sharing it with us!
Do you have content ideas for future editions of the Meetup Organizer Newsletter? Please let us know by submitting a GitHub issue!
If you have any questions, Community Team deputiesProgram SupporterCommunity Program Supporters (formerly Deputies) are a team of people worldwide who review WordCamp and Meetup applications, interview lead organizers, and keep things moving at WordCamp Central. Find more about program supporters in our Program Supporter Handbook. are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community—let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!
Want to organize a WordPress meetupMeetupMeetup 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. group in your community? Contact the WordPress Global Community TeamGlobal Community TeamA group of community organizers and contributors who collaborate on local events about WordPress — monthly WordPress meetups and/or annual conferences called WordCamps. at support@wordcamp.org or in #community-events on Making WordPress Slack.
Welcome to the May 2024 edition of the WordPress Meetup Organizer Newsletter!
We have a wealth of exciting updates and resources to share with you this month. From the launch of the Learning Pathway for Beginner WordPress Users, to actionable tips for attracting first-time attendees, we’re here to support you in growing and nurturing your local WordPress communities. Plus, read valuable advice about hosting engaging hybrid events (with some attendees in-person, and some attendees online), discover how you can harness WordCampWordCampWordCamps 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. Europe 2024 sessions for your Meetup group, and join us in welcoming our newest WordPress Meetup groups from around the globe.
We hope that within this newsletter you will find inspiration and practical tools to make your meetupsMeetupMeetup 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. even more impactful. Thank you for your continued dedication to the WordPress community. Let’s keep learning and growing together!
Learning Pathway for Beginner WordPress Users Now Available on Learn.WordPress.orgWordPress.orgThe community site where WordPress code is created and shared by the users. This is where you can download the source code for WordPress core, plugins and themes as well as the central location for community conversations and organization. https://wordpress.org/
We’re excited to announce that the Learning Pathway for Beginner WordPress Users is now live on Learn.WordPress.org! This comprehensive learning pathway will help Meetup organizers support community members who are new to WordPress. Leveraging our events to attract and nurture new WordPress users aligns perfectly with the WordPress project’s Big Picture Goals for 2024.
To get started, all you need is a WordPress.org account. If you don’t have one yet, you’ll be prompted to create it. We welcome your feedback — simply click the “Let us know” button in the right column, or even better, create a Learn GitHubGitHubGitHub is a website that offers online implementation of git repositories that can easily be shared, copied and modified by other developers. Public repositories are free to host, private repositories require a paid subscription. GitHub introduced the concept of the ‘pull request’ where code changes done in branches by contributors can be reviewed and discussed before being merged be the repository owner. https://github.com/ issue using the Feedback template.
The Make WordPress Training Team is dedicated to creating learning pathways for all skill levels, from beginner through expert, and for users, developers, and designers alike. You can learn more about this initiative in this post.
Reaching First-Time Attendees to Grow the WordPress Community
As WordPress Meetup organizers, one of our key goals is to attract and engage first-time attendees. Reaching new users is crucial for the growth and sustainability of the WordPress project, aligning with the Big Picture Goals for 2024.
To effectively attract first-time attendees, consider implementing the following strategies. First, share engaging content during outreach that highlights the benefits of attending meetups, such as learning opportunities, networking, and community support. Additionally, collaborate with local tech groups, universities, and co-working spaces to reach potential new users who may not yet be familiar with WordPress. Offering beginner-level content can also help newcomers feel more comfortable and engaged (refer to the article above for helpful resources!).
Finally, ensure that your events are welcoming and inclusive to all attendees, so that they are excited to return. Create a friendly atmosphere by having dedicated greeters, clear signage, and detailed event descriptions that help attendees understand what to expect. Encourage existing members to bring friends and colleagues, and consider hosting special “Introduction to WordPress” sessions for beginners. By focusing on these actionable tips, you can effectively attract and retain new attendees, helping to grow the WordPress community and ensuring its continued success.
As WordPress Meetup organizers, many of us are navigating the complexities of hybrid events. How can we ensure that both in-person and virtual attendees feel equally engaged? In Priya Parker’s article “The Future of Work is Creating Psychological Togetherness,” discover actionable strategies to bridge the gap between physical and virtual spaces. Learn how to treat Zoom participants as honored guests, ask “magical questions” to create shared context, and build feedback loops that connect everyone. These insights will help you elevate your next hybrid meetup event.
Harness WordCamp Europe 2024 Sessions for Your Meetup Group
Explore the WordCamp Europe 2024 schedule and speaker lineup to find sessions that may interest your meetup members. All WordCamp Europe talks will be live-streamed and recorded, allowing you to bring your Meetup group together to watch and discuss the sessions, whether live or at a later date. It’s the next best thing to being there and allows your group to come together to learn about the very latest in WordPress!
Happy 21st Birthday, WordPress!
WordPress celebrated its 21st birthday on May 27, and many meetup groups hosted festivities. We invite you to share your photos of the celebrations using the hashtag #WP21.
WordPress Fatehpur organizers sharing cakeWordPress Hisar community planting 21 trees to celebrate #WP21
Introducing our newest WordPress Meetup groups
Let’s welcome the new Meetup groups recently added to our chapter! Do support them in organizing both local (in-person) and global (online) meetup events, and let’s learn from their experiences and experiments along the way.
This month, we celebrate the WordPress Meetup groups of Bhopal (India), Baguio (Philippines), and Fatehpur (India) WordPress meetup.
Bhopal, India WordPress MeetupThe first Baguio WordPress meetup event in five years!Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, India WordPress Meetup
Meetup Organizers, we want to feature you!
We’d love to publish pictures from Meetups all around the world in each newsletter. Do you want your Meetup to be featured? Share 1 picture with the Community team! Rename your picture as “Meetup-name_event-date” and upload it to this folder. The formats supported are jpg and png. Please remember, always ask for permission from your group members before taking the picture and sharing it with us!
If you have any questions, Community Team deputiesProgram SupporterCommunity Program Supporters (formerly Deputies) are a team of people worldwide who review WordCamp and Meetup applications, interview lead organizers, and keep things moving at WordCamp Central. Find more about program supporters in our Program Supporter Handbook. are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community—let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!
Welcome to the April 2024 edition of your WordPress MeetupMeetupMeetup 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. Organizer Newsletter! The newsletter aims to inspire and empower WordPress meetup organizers worldwide to host engaging, impactful meetup events. Do you have ideas for topics to feature in a future edition of the newsletter? Please email your suggestions to support@wordcamp.org.
Elevate Your MeetupsMeetupMeetup 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. With WordPress Playground!
Hosting or planning your next WordPress meetup? Make it unforgettable with WordPress Playground! This innovative tool transforms learning and interaction by allowing you and your attendees to run WordPress directly in your browser. Playground is the ultimate learning, teaching, and testing tool – perfect for demonstrations, hands-on learning, and exploring new WordPress features without the hassle of installations. Dive into WordPress Playground and bring your meetups to life: https://wordpress.org/playground/
Explore WordPress 6.5 Highlights
WordPress 6.5 “Regina” was recently released! This major releaseMajor ReleaseA set of releases or versions having the same major version number may be collectively referred to as “X.Y” -- for example version 5.2.x to refer to versions 5.2, 5.2.1, and all other versions in the 5.2. (five dot two dot) branch of that software. Major Releases often are the introduction of new major features and functionality. brings exciting features like the new Font Library, enhanced drag-and-drop functionality, and over 110 performance updates, making the Post Editor and Site Editor 2x faster than before. Notable improvements include AVIF image support, 65 accessibilityAccessibilityAccessibility (commonly shortened to a11y) refers to the design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities. The concept of accessible design ensures both “direct access” (i.e. unassisted) and “indirect access” meaning compatibility with a person’s assistive technology (for example, computer screen readers). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accessibility) enhancements, and developer-friendly features like the Interactivity APIAPIAn API or Application Programming Interface is a software intermediary that allows programs to interact with each other and share data in limited, clearly defined ways.. With contributions from 700 individuals across 57 countries, including 150 first-time contributors, WordPress 6.5 reflects a global effort to empower users with a smoother, more efficient experience. Following closely, the maintenance and security release of WordPress 6.5.2 addresses crucial bug fixes and security enhancements, ensuring the WordPress experience remains top-notch.
How Your Meetup Can Explore WordPress 6.5 Together
Interactive Workshops: Host workshops focused on 6.5’s innovations, like creating custom fonts with the new Font Library.
Show and Tell: Inspire your community by showcasing real-world applications of 6.5 features. Encourage members to share their projects and learn from each other.
Share Your Feedback with Meetup.com
Earlier this year, Meetup.com was acquired by Bending Spoons, an Italian-based tech company with an ambitious vision for Meetup’s future. Bending Spoons acquired Meetup because they believe in the mission to foster human connections. Over the next few years, this new parent company intends to invest nearly $50 million to improve the product and grow membership. In particular, the team plans to improve event discoverability and reduce the friction for organizers to create events and engage with their communities.
Harness WordCampWordCampWordCamps 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. Europe 2024 for your Meetup Group!
WordCamp Europe 2024 has unveiled its schedule and speaker lineup! From talks on WordPress’s future to hands-on workshops, there’s something for everyone. WordCamp Europe talks are live-streamed and recorded, so you can bring together your meetup group to watch and discuss the sessions. It’s the next best thing to being there!
Celebrating Success: WordPress Contributor Mentorship Program
The WordPress Contributor Mentorship Program’s second cohort has just wrapped up, boasting 52 mentees guided by 28 mentorsEvent SupporterEvent 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. over six weeks. A heartfelt congratulations to all mentees – including six recipients of the LGBTQ+Press Empowerment Grant – for their outstanding contributions to WordPress.
Introducing our newest WordPress Meetup groups
Let’s welcome the new Meetup groups recently added to our chapter! Do support them in organizing both local (in-person) and global (online) meetup events, and let’s learn from their experiences and experiments along the way.
This month, we celebrate the WordPress Meetup groups of Cebu (Philippines), Managua (Nicaragua), Sofia (Bulgaria), and Malappuram (India)!
Meetup Organizers, we want to feature you!
We’d love to publish pictures from Meetups all around the world in each newsletter. Do you want your Meetup to be featured? Share 1 picture with the Community team! Rename your picture as “Meetup-name_event-date” and upload it to this folder. The formats supported are jpg and png. Please remember, always ask for permission from your group members before taking the picture and sharing it with us!
If you have any questions, Community Team Supporters are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community. Let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!
Hi, WordPress MeetupMeetupMeetup 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. Organizers!
Curious to see all WordPress upcoming events worldwide? Check out the WordPress Events site! You can filterFilterFilters are one of the two types of Hooks https://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API/Hooks. They provide a way for functions to modify data of other functions. They are the counterpart to Actions. Unlike Actions, filters are meant to work in an isolated manner, and should never have side effects such as affecting global variables and output. by country, month, and event type and connect with the WordPress communities around the world!
News from WordCampWordCampWordCamps 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. Asia
In his Q&A session at WordCamp Asia, Matt Mullenweg (WordPress Co-founder) announced that State Of The WordState of the WordThis is the annual report given by Matt Mullenweg, founder of WordPress at WordCamp US. It looks at what we’ve done, what we’re doing, and the future of WordPress. https://wordpress.tv/tag/state-of-the-word/. 2024 will be held in Tokyo, Japan on December 16, 2024. You can view the full recording of Matt’s Q&A session on YouTube.
The Community Team has announced a project to revive Meetup Groups in big cities in Asia that are inactive, or help the local WordPress community that are not yet part of the WordPress Meetup Chapter Program to join. Please see the project’s post for more details, and let us know if you’d like to be involved!
MeetupsMeetupMeetup 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. of the Month
This month, we celebrate the WordPress Meetup groups of Bengaluru (Bangalore, India), Griñón (Spain), and Satkhira (Bangladesh)!
Bangalore, IndiaGriñón, SpainSatkhira, Bangladesh
Introducing our newest WordPress Meetup groups
Let’s welcome the new Meetup groups recently added to our chapter! Do support them in organizing both local (in-person) and global (online) meetup events, and let’s learn from their experiences and experiments along the way.
We’d love to publish pictures from Meetups all around the world in each newsletter. Do you want your Meetup to be featured? Share 1 picture with the Community team! Rename your picture as “Meetup-name_event-date” and upload it to this folder. The formats supported are jpg and png. Please remember, always ask for permission from your group members before taking the picture and sharing it with us!
Meetup Tip of the Month
The best way to boost discoverability of your Meetup events is by putting relevant keywords in your event’s title and description (for example, “WordPress”). When writing your event description, be concise and specific. Include the same relevant keyword in your event title and at least twice in your description. The more you use a searchable keyword, the easier it will be for members to find your event.
If you have any questions, Community Team Program Supporters are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community—let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!
WordCampWordCampWordCamps 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. Asia is just around the corner, and there are still a few tickets available. If you’ve been waiting until the final moment to decide whether to go, now is the time to grab your ticket!
WC Europe Call for Volunteers closes on February 28, apply now!
Curious to see all WordPress upcoming events worldwide? Check out the new event page! You can filterFilterFilters are one of the two types of Hooks https://codex.wordpress.org/Plugin_API/Hooks. They provide a way for functions to modify data of other functions. They are the counterpart to Actions. Unlike Actions, filters are meant to work in an isolated manner, and should never have side effects such as affecting global variables and output. by country, month, and event type and connect with the WordPress communities around the world!
Watch the State of the WordState of the WordThis is the annual report given by Matt Mullenweg, founder of WordPress at WordCamp US. It looks at what we’ve done, what we’re doing, and the future of WordPress. https://wordpress.tv/tag/state-of-the-word/. 2023 in your language!
At the last State of the Word we experimented with AI technology! Now you can watch the whole event while listening to Matt Mullenweg speaking the following languages, assisted by AI: Spanish, French, Brazilian Portuguese, German, and Japanese.
Feeling bold and creative? Apply to organize a brand new event!
MeetupMeetupMeetup 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. organizers are the pillar of the WordPress community. With your experience in community and event management, you have probably come up with several ideas for events that would have a powerful impact on your community, but would not fit the format of traditional WordCamps.
Don’t let this prevent you from giving your community a wonderful event! Apply to organize a creative WordPress event. Innovation is encouraged!
A group of community leaders published the proposal for a pilot program to test GatherPress, a community-developed pluginPluginA plugin is a piece of software containing a group of functions that can be added to a WordPress website. They can extend functionality or add new features to your WordPress websites. WordPress plugins are written in the PHP programming language and integrate seamlessly with WordPress. These can be free in the WordPress.org Plugin Directory https://wordpress.org/plugins/ or can be cost-based plugin from a third-party, within interested and active WordPress meetup groups. For detailed information and join the pilot head to the proposal.
MeetupsMeetupMeetup 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. of the Month
This month, let’s celebrate the WordPress Meetup Groups of Terni (Italy), Delhi (India), and Gdynia (Poland)!
Gdynia, Poland Delhi, IndiaTerni, Italia
Meetup Organizers, we want to feature you!
We’d love to publish pictures from Meetups all around the world in each newsletter. Do you want your Meetup to be featured? Share 1 picture with the Community team! Rename your picture as “Meetup-name_event-date” and upload it to this folder. The formats supported are JPG and PNG. Please remember, always ask for permission from your group members before taking the picture and sharing it with us!
If you have any questions, Community Team deputiesProgram SupporterCommunity Program Supporters (formerly Deputies) are a team of people worldwide who review WordCamp and Meetup applications, interview lead organizers, and keep things moving at WordCamp Central. Find more about program supporters in our Program Supporter Handbook. are here to help. Please email us at support@wordcamp.org or join the #community-eventsSlack channel. Thanks for everything you do to grow and support the WordPress community—let’s keep sharing knowledge and inspiring each other with our contributions!