Last week I was excited to insert more than 1000 other attendees Portland, Oregonfor Word Camp Ons. This is the largest event in the US for the WordPress community to contribute, present, share knowledge about and to learn everything WordPress.
I was lucky to attend, do volunteer work and talk to different WordCamps. I usually grabbed the opportunity to participate in the WordPress community. But if you have not been, you might wonder what the fuss is about. So I have put together 5 of my personal highlights of Wordcamp US 2025.
Was you there? Please share your own experiences in the comments!
1. The various program offered learning and connection
Wordcamp US included four days from 26-29 August: contribution day, showcase day and two presentation days.
On the day of the employee, nearly 300 members of the community in 19 teams spent the day contributing to the Open Source WordPress project. Everyone could walk, sit and contribute to these teams at their tables.
Showcase Day emphasized Real-World examples of how WordPress is used, of the people behind them. There were numerous conversations, panels and various in -depth workshops to make attendees energetic about the possibilities of WordPress.
Then it was time for the two presentation days. These featured keynote speakers and three tracks of conversations and panels of people around the WordPress community. Topics varied from the use of AI to code -plug -in and in neuroscientific research, to designing systems, data visualization and accessibility.
On August 28 I spoke about it Put creativity to work. In my speech I eliminated P2 (the system of WordPress.com blogs that we use to communicate internally here at Automattic), and I even gave copies of my way P2 Strip In zine form.
This was my fourth time that I spoke in a WordCamp, and it reminded me of the incredible power to share your ideas at an event like this. Although I had a lot of nerves (and the imposter syndrome) for the days before my speech, the many beautiful interactions I had reminded me after that all the efforts were worth it.
2. There was a cool swag and great conversation in the sponsor room
I heard a participant say: “There are so many great conversations, but I am here for the track.” It is true that a huge advantage of WordCamp us is that so many interesting people have been collected in the same physical space. Why don’t you benefit from that by introducing yourself and having spontaneous conversations?
The sponsor room had many areas for these spontaneous connections. Cozy seats, lawn games, a photo cabin with props, skeball and flagball games, display of art from the WordPress photodirectory and even a live mural artist made for an energetic and inspiring space. Also to be seen in the space was a happiness bar, Career Corner and Creator Studio, where people present could solve problems with WordPress problems, learn about available jobs in the ecosystem and gain access to a recording studio for making content.
Another highlight of each WordCamp is SWAG. Each sponsor cabin had a kind of gift to give away, from stickers to food, water bottles to carrier bags. One striking was one posterDesigned by Blue Ivory Creative, which was complicated with all kinds of WordPress and Wordcamp images. There was even a claw machine filled with filled wapuu toy. This was the only claw machine I actually saw that wishes You win a prize!
Not to mention the food! Because Portland was a famous Foodie City, WordCamp organizers ensured that those present had access to the most famous treats. Of one Voodoo Donuts truck in the sponsor room to s’mores I was never hungry at the afterparty.
I manned the WordPress.com stand, with a price wheel that made a very satisfying click sound when it was spun. This led to a number of great conversations about our powerful hosting for developers. I was proud to stand next to other automatic brands (WooCommerce, Jetpack, Gravatar, WordPress VIP, Pressable) to talk about the value we offer in the entire WordPress ecosystem.
3. Portland is a lively and interesting location to explore
Wordcamp us – nursing was not only lucky to participate in all the pleasure of the event, but in our downtime I could also enjoy other pleasures of the city – such as Powell’s booksForest Park, the Nike Company Store and several lively neighborhoods with hipbar and food scenes.
All these attractions were easily accessible on the public system of Portland. With a station between the congress center and the hotel, the Max Light Rail made it super easy to make ends meet. During registration, WordCamp US -noves received a free pass for the duration of the conference, and I enjoyed taking it in the city center, to the closing party and to the airport.
4. The WordPress community is warm and hospitable, even for newcomers
Although I am now familiar with many people in the WordPress community, I still remember that I walked into my first WordCamp without knowing anyone. That is always a discouraging experience, regardless of what space you enter. But on a WordCamp you can expect many friendly faces and people who always want to help you or have a conversation. It is a very inclusive space – all are welcome, from beginners to experienced pros.
A personal highlight – I was invited to the maker’s studio to chat with Michelle Frechette and Darian Lusk, and eventually went live with their guests Christian Taylor And Michael Cunningham. You just never know what will happen!
5. The future of WordPress is rosy out
In general, WordCamp showed us that there is no delay in the ecosystem of the most popular content management system in the world. This is a lively and productive community, with a wide range of talented people who help each other, share knowledge and further move the software.
In WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg’s Closing addressHe emphasized the momentum and growth of WordPress, What is shipping now (Blocking level commentary is so exciting!) And how AI will form the project in the future.
I hope you can participate with us for one or more flagship Wordcamps that take place in 2026: Wordcamp Asia In Mumbai, Word Camp Ons in Phoenix, or Word Camp Me In Krakow. Also look out Local WordCamps in your area.
See you soon!
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