Something that will never cease to amaze me is the incredible capacity of the WordPress community in Spain.
In the complex times we are living through, with:
- The COVID-19 pandemic
- Complete lockdown, which for many people has been a shock
- Institutional, employment, economic, and healthcare crises
- Massive cancellations of in-person events, obviously including all the WordCamps that were being held in our territory
And yet, the community emerges stronger.
What’s more, not only stronger, it has created a milestone of unity with all Latin American countries by creating a WordCamp that is breaking down the usual borders through our common bond: language.
But what am I talking about? Obviously, WordCamp Spain 2020.
As its slogan says:
“Everyone at home and WordPress in everyone’s home”
WP Spain
A Bit of History
All WordCamps have a local focus. It’s a celebration where the community of each city can hold a larger event (once a year) with sponsors and support from the foundation to organize a non-profit event run altruistically by volunteers, speakers, and attendees who seek:
(1) Share knowledge (and get inspired) through talks and
(2) Do quality networking, where you can create contacts, friendships, projects, whatever you want.
The goal is to break out of isolation, out of your comfort zone, and create connections with people who share your same passion and love for this fantastic open source tool that helps us become better professionals and even, for many, represents a livelihood.
I have written on this blog about various WordCamps I have had the pleasure of attending in all roles: attendee, speaker, volunteer, organizer.
The magic of WordCamps is that it’s not a typical marketing event organized by a company with X objectives. It’s a simpler and more personal event, where there are no hierarchies, and everyone is on the same level.
There’s something special about them, and anyone who has attended can confirm it.
What is the origin of WCES 2020?
It was described by the lead organizer: Pablo Moratinos in an interview with him and Sacra Jáimez, leader of the event’s marketing team, on WP Radio, the podcast with Joan Boluda and Joan Artés.
Apparently it was a seed planted by the great Fernando Tellado in the community slack: We deserve a WordCamp Spain! Since all the WordCamps have had to be canceled… why not do one online?
In record time they came together, organized, and launched a proposal that from my point of view has exceeded even their own initial objectives (over 3,500 people are already registered).
There were many reservations, I myself had them when I read the conversation on slack.
Keep in mind that doing it online is precisely the opposite of what WordCamps seek: “to get us away from our laptops,” to allow us to connect emotionally with other people.
A humble movement suddenly became the opposite, a snowball that kept growing. It became a symbol, a sign of hope in uncertain times where the reality of the pandemic forces us to rethink our beliefs.
Organizers
Who were the brave ones who stepped forward?
This entire team of organizers who I believe deserve our hats off for all the work they are doing.
For me, remote work has been my way of life for years, but being confined, without help with the child, no daycare, no grandparents. That’s a challenge.
We all have our own circumstances, but this group has given up part of their time, their concerns (in the middle of this crisis) to carry out an event that promises to mark a turning point.
I believe they deserve all our respect and admiration.
You know what I think?
What a shame they can’t get together and take the group photo they deserve! I’m sure they will… but in their own way, or in the future, when this disease is just a memory and we can be together again.
Talks
I decided to participate and submitted a proposal. Having it accepted gave me immense joy. First for the privilege of being part of this story, and second for being on this top panel in each area of knowledge.
If you review the program, it’s very comprehensive, we have talks on:
- Community
- Web development and programming
- SEO
- Marketing
- SEM and advertising
- Business
- Remote work
- WPO
- WordPress maintenance
- Membership sites
- Creative writing
- WooCommerce
- Personal branding
- Design
- … and more
It’s an honor to be part of this program, where I share the spotlight with many professionals I admire greatly. I’ll leave you the cover of my talk, which I promise is not clickbait. It’s a talk I’m preparing with great care and I hope you like it. 😉
On the website you have the description of my talk: Annoying Spiders: Links, SEO and Other Insects.
Additionally, we will have 15 minutes for questions, which will be a pleasure to discuss. What are you waiting for to sign up? You’re already late if you’re not registered. Registration closes on May 5… Run, you fools!
I want to thank my good friend Jose Luis Losada who is part of the organization and made a personal reflection that encouraged me to submit a talk. During the proposal period, I wasn’t at my best (due to certain personal aspects), and I wasn’t planning to submit. Lots of work, stress, but he made a comment that made me reflect, encouraged me, and you don’t know how much I appreciate it, friend. A big hug! 😉
Other Mentions
I’ll leave you podcasts that have talked about the event with great interviews and details of what it will be. All highly recommended:
- Analysis of the WCES program on Un Billete a Chattanooga.
- Presenting WordCamp Spain 2020 on Freelandev.
- WordCamp Spain online 2020 on Potencia Pro.
