The Call for Speakers is officially open for WordCamp 2017! We are looking for presenters on a variety of topics and subject areas, and are eager to hear your insights and ideas. But maybe you’re not completely sold on the idea – maybe you don’t think you’re “enough” of a WordPress expert, or you wonder what topic you could address. Let us set your mind at ease.
You don’t have to be a know-it-all
WordCamps and WordPress meetups are all about learning something new. Just because you don’t know everything about a topic doesn’t mean you don’t know more than most. If you have experience in a specific area, such as developing plugins or managing an editorial calendar, you might be able to help others in the areas where they are struggling. If you can help someone from beginner to advanced level, we want to hear from you.
Your failures are badges of honor
If something hasn’t worked for you in the past, but you figured out a work-around, or a better tool to use, that hard-won experience could help someone else. Share your case study; share what you’ve learned about WordPress and how you’re working with it – others are anxious to hear how you you’ve persevered and come out victorious.
You don’t have to be a developer (though you can be!)
We’re looking for presenters who use or manage WordPress sites in a variety of capacities – we’re planning to paint the full picture of WordPress, and how versatile it can be. That means our audience will also be diverse, looking for varied topics. Our tracks include WordPress 101 & 201, Designer, Developer, and Entrepreneur – from optimizing for the AMP Project to marketing your small business with social media, our attendees like to pick and choose. You just might be exactly what they’re looking for – but they won’t find you if you don’t apply to speak!
But why speak?
Be a SME
Speaking at a WordCamp gives you instant credibility as a subject matter expert – each presentation topic is vetted by the event organizers and the best of the best are selected. You can list this speaking appearance on your marketing materials, LinkedIn, About pages, bios, and more.
Get known locally
WordCamps are local-focused events where about 80% of the speakers are local, and the remaining 20% are visiting presenters. You will likely be speaking to mostly other Kansas Citians, who just might need some consulting help after the conference. And they’ll know exactly who to turn to after your talk. Bear in mind, however, that WordCamps are educational events, not marketing opportunities, so proposing a product pitch is not really cool.
Serve your fellow (wo)man
WordCamps are 100% organized and staffed by volunteers, and WordCamps don’t pay speakers or cover speaker travel/accommodations. So not only can you list your speaking experience on your various profiles, but under Volunteer Work, as well.
What doesn’t kill you….
Maybe you’re not the most seasoned speaker, but you really know your stuff. We want to know what you know! Your presentation doesn’t have to be flawless to be informative. As long as you’re professional and respectful, people can learn from your experience, even if you say “um” a few times. Embrace the discomfort, and know you’re putting some good out into the world.
Now. Who’s ready to submit a topic?