WordCamp Fraser Valley 2009

Being an enthusiast of WordPress I try to attend as many WordPress orientated events that happen around Vancouver. This time around it is WordCamp Fraser Valley and scheduled to be held on August 22nd of this year. This I believe will be the second WordCamp to be held in the Fraser Valley and the second time I also will be attending it. Last year was the first time I actually attended a blogging/WordPress type event and I am glad to see it happening again this year.

I have also attended WordCamp Whistler which was great fun. Unfortunately due to the 2010 Winter Olympics, they might hold it in a different spot.

What Is A WordCamp?

WordCamp is an all day(9-5pm), informational event for people who are interested in blogging as well as the blogging environment WordPress. Throughout the day guest speakers will hold 30 minutes sessions ranging in topics related to the blogging world and the WordPress environment.

I’m New To Blogging and/or WordPress, Can I Attend?

Of course you can attend and I’m sure you will come away with not only very useful information, but also some new friends too. I have found that the sessions range from beginner topics, intermediate topics to even advance topics such as how to create WordPress themes or Plugins. No matter your level in blogging or WordPress, you’ll find useful and interesting information.

Of course if you are a veteran to blogging and to WordPress there are also sessions that will interest you.

If you are not using the WordPress environment for your blog, you should attend too! Find out why you should be using the most popular, largest community supported, open sourced blogging environment; WordPress.

Who’s Talking About What?

There are 4 tracks with at 3 guest speakers each track.

Beginner Track

Session 1 -Rebecca Bollwitt – More then just a Blog.

Session 2 – Glenda Hyatt – 3 Tips for Increasing Your Blog’s Accessibility

Session 3 – Raul Pacheco – Accessorize Your Blog: Top Ten Ways to Maximize Reader Experience

Intermediate Track

Session 1 – Lorraine Murphy – Blogging for Creativity

Session 2 -  Kulpreet Singh – Mastering the Admin Interface

Session 3 – Dave Zille – Using Custom Fields for Fun and Profit

Development Track

Session 1 – John Biehler – Setting Up WAMP for Local Development

Session 2 – Jeff Kee – Beyond Template Tags

Session 3 – George Plumley – Modifying Your Own Theme

Twitter Track

Session 1 – Gary Jones – How to Build Your Brand on Twitter

Session 2 – Rainer Schmoll – Integrating WordPress and Twitter

A pretty extensive list of topics being discussed! Looks like it will be a busy day with lots of information.

So How Much Is All Of This?

Each track is $25, or you can pay $75 and attend all 4 tracks (yes, you save $25). Head over to the WordCamp Fraser Valley ticket page to purchase your ticket(s)!

Okay, So I Bought My Ticket(s) Where Do I Go?

This year’s WordCamp Fraser Valley is being held at SFU’s Surrey Campus. I plan on taking the SkyTrain from Vancouver to Surrey which seems to be the easiest way to get there as the SFU Surrey Campus is across the street from the SkyTrain Station. Check out this page for more information on the location.

What Else Might I Need To Know?

The couple of WordCamp’s I have attended it is probably best to bring something to write with (pen/pencil, paper) as you will find useful information you will want to remember for later. Don’t be scared to bring your laptop either, chances are 90% of the people in attendance will have one too.

Looking to network with people in the blogging world? Business cards are great to hand out to people you first meet, if not I’m sure there will be name badges which you can also include your Twitter account. You do use Twitter right? If not, sign up now and start using it!

I am looking forward to this WordCamp Fraser Valley and my journey using Public Transit to get there too. Glad it was somewhere where I didn’t have to drive my car as I’ve gotten used to walking everywhere. Don’t worry my camera will be in hand too so I can capture (hopefully) the majority of the tracks and post them to Flickr and write about the success this WordCamp Fraser Valley will be.

See you all there!