Is this your first time attending a WordCamp? Or perhaps you’d just like a refresher of how to get the most out of your day. Here are some tips to follow.

• Get here! Use this map to get an idea of the location of lunch spots and the afterparty. The parking lot across from the Harbert Center on Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. and 4th Avenue North will be free for WordCamp attendees.

• Keep track of your badge. It is your admission to Harbert Center activities and may contain coupons and your food tickets! We like to recycle the lanyards, so once the day is over, drop it off at the swag table.

• Follow and use the #wpyall hashtag on Twitter. A lot of attendees will post quotes they like, photos and other fun stuff. The WordCamp Birmingham Twitter feed will also use this hashtag for important updates. The best way to keep track is to use a program like Hootsuite, Tweetchat or TChat.io.

• Follow @wordcampbham on Twitter. We will post updates and maybe even share some of your Tweets! If you post to other social media websites, such as Facebook or Instagram, feel free to use #wpyall as well.

• Stay on track. You’ll notice the schedule runs in three columns: the first for the user/blogger, the second for a business or designer, and the third for developer. Essentially that’s beginner, intermediate and advanced! Feel free to use one track or mix and match.

• Check on the workshops! We filled up all of our seats for our first-ever workshops on SEO, blogging and beginners. But check with instructors on Saturday. There may be open seats available.

• Don’t forget about the afterparty! This year’s will be at Rojo starting at 7 p.m.

We are so excited and cannot wait for WordCamp to begin.

For the first time since its inception in 2008, WordCamp Birmingham is one day  – Saturday, Aug. 16. (Hint, hint: Click the date for ticket information!)

The short (and most obvious) answer for this question is, “It’s cheaper!” But it goes a bit deeper than that.

The organizers took feedback from the 2013 surveys very seriously, so here are a few more reasons why we’re just doing a one-day camp this year.

• Sunday attendance was very small. We noticed it and other Campers did as well.

• Out-of-town folks will have a lot more breathing room. Instead of having to rush home right after Sunday sessions, or miss them entirely, they have a full day to get back home.

• No after-party hangover! Seriously. One of the attendees noted it was tough to go to an 8 a.m. Sunday session after going to our afterparty on Saturday.

Changing WordCamp to a one-day event  means fewer sessions, but it will be a simpler and better experience for everyone this year. (As if previous years could be topped!)

Are you excited about WordCamp this year? Let us know in the comments.

So you’ve seen our call for speakers, and you keep clicking away from it.

Returning.

Clicking away.

As soon as you read it, you had an idea of what you’d like to say pop up in your head.

But you think you aren’t good enough. Trust us, you are.

We’ve had engaging presentations from long-time developers and simply even fans of WordPress. That’s what WordCamp is all about.

So here are a few misconceptions about speaking at WordCamp.

My talk has to be 45 minutes of hardcore WordPress speak.
Nope. Last year, I talked about my path to freelancing after leaving corporate life, and I shared some of me favorite WP plugins. Attendees want to know about every facet surrounding WP, including writing, blogging and design.

I have to be the absolute best in my field.
No. If you have a passion for WordPress, you are more than qualified. You don’t have to be labeled a “guru” or an “expert” to apply.

I should have lots of speaking experience.
This is also not true. In fact, this would be a great opportunity to break into public speaking, as WordCamp Birmingham attendees are friendly and welcoming.

My story is too insignificant to inspire others.
Never think that way about your WordPress story. Everyone’s introduction to WP is unique. Every one has a different talent or skill set. Even if you simply blog for your own personal benefit, there will be a WordCamper who wants to hear your story.

Are you ready to apply? Fabulous. Here are some tips and guidelines. 

Before WordCamp:

• Slides will add a lot of value to your presentation and give your attendees a chance to take notes. Send over your slides to WordCamp as soon as you finalize them.

• The presentation has to be relevant to WordCamp attendees and not simply a sales pitch for your product or plugin. Also, no inappropriate language or risque slides. WordCamp Birmingham and Wordcamp.tv are family friendly.

• For speaking tips, the fine folks at WordCamp Asheville suggest using Speaking.io.

During WordCamp

• Microphones and video cameras will be available. We will have more details about A/V when we receive them. Be sure to bring an A/V adapter, power cord, and what ever else you think you may need.

• You will have 45 minutes to speak. It’s good to allow around 15 minutes for questions from the audience.

• Introduce yourself and talk about how you incorporate WordPress into your life.

• Chat with attendees, be enthusiastic and have a good time!

After WordCamp

• Provide links (when available) to WordCamp organizers so attendees can check them out later.

• If you have free time, and want to assist other attendees with WordPress queries, feel free to volunteer at the Happiness Bar.

• Take a deep breath. You did it! Enjoy the rest of WordCamp.

We hope this gives you a good overview of your experience as a speaker. Apply now. We will make decisions the week of July 13. Contact us if you have any questions.