Joy Adamonis has stepped up to be the Lead Organizer for WordCamp RI 2017. Joy has been to many WordCamps both as an attendee and as an organizer. She shares her WordPress philosophy with us.
Q-
What is your vision for this year’s WordCamp RI?
A-
My vision for this year’s WordCamp RI might sound odd. But my vision has a great deal to with CHANGE. CHANGE IS GOOD! Change is something we all like to fight (some of us anyway). Through these changes, I am aiming for a larger crowd, different schedule setup (but easier to navigate) and even the social aspect of WordCamp will be different this year. I think when we as individuals get out of our comfort zone and experience change, we grow and flourish. Isn’t that what WordCamps are ultimately about? Learning and growing with the changing of the tides (or should I say WordPress). I’m hoping the attendees will be pleased with the changes this year!
Q-
How do you use WordPress?
A-
I use WordPress for my own personal use, on my blog as well as in my freelance business! I love to help small businesses and local bloggers reach new heights with WordPress!
Q-
At the end of two days, if an attendee wants, they can end WordCamp RI having created a WordPress website or blog. If they have coding skills, they can walk out with a custom made application, unique to their website. How are these very different needs met?
A-
Through tailored workshops and talks! Depending on your needs, you can pick and choose what you do, learn, hear and can really customize your WordCamp experience. Also, the Happiness Bar is a great resource as well! Many attendees have left with new plugins and widgets just from a 15-minute session with a someone in the Happiness Bar!
Q-
Let’s break it down. What are the best ways attendees can get something out of each aspect of WordCamp RI?
The sessions and workshops?
A-
This is where you can customize your day. Don’t forget each session will be aired on WordPress.tv about 3 weeks after the event!
Q-
The Happiness Bar (which is what the Help Desk is called)?
A-
Don’t find a talk that covers what you are looking for? The Happiness Bar is the perfect opportunity to ask your question!
Q-
The Friday night reception?
A-
The Welcome Soiree is the perfect chance to meet, mingle and chat with other like-minded individuals. Not only is a perfect place to talk business & WordPress, but the food, drinks and atmosphere aren’t too shabby either!
Q-
What supplies does an attendee need at WordCamp?
A-
To truly benefit from WordCamp, each WordCamper must bring these 3 things (IMO).
- Empty notebook
- A pen/pencil to jot down all the important stuff you learn in said notebook
- An open mind and willingness to learn and ask questions
Of course, a laptop & business cards are a plus as well! But if you have those three things covered, you will be fine!
Q-
Earlier we talked about the reception. There’s good food, which is reason enough for a reception! But what other role does the reception play? Why is it part of WordCamp RI?
A-
The party is my favorite part of WordCamps! Always has been! In the past we have done the social networking party on the last night of the WordCamp, but this year, like I mentioned before, we are changing it up. Even though the day-to-day schedule of WordCamps is very laidback, there is something to be said about mingling, drinking and being in a causal setting after a day of learning. Planning the party is my favorite because I know how much networking actually goes on at these things. People recognize other attendees, have a chance to go up to their favorite speaker, brainstorm ideas with a fellow WordPresser… I just love being able to create that environment for the attendees. Everyone has a great time!
Q-
Why is NEIT such a good location for WordCampRI?
A-
NEIT is a great location. Our third year back and we couldn’t be more thrilled. They value technology and our mission and this is something I take great pride in. They are going through some major changes this year and our attendees will be privy to them! We decided to stay with NEIT amidst these changes because we feel that NEIT is the perfect location for us. They are welcoming and eager to help. Their space is top notch and their campus offers everything we need and more.
Q-
You’ve attended other WordCamps all over. What is the same about every WordCamp and what are some of the unique features you’ve seen?
A-
I don’t think I have been to a WordCamp that is the same each year or the same as its counterpart. I think that is a big reason why I wanted to change things up this year with WordCamp RI. It is our 6th year, and although we have had some minor differences from year to year, I felt like we might have been getting stagnant. I wanted to color outside the lines a bit. See who is paying attention if you will. I think this year we will stand out for sure!
Q-
Do you have any favorite memories from past WordCamp RIs?
A-
I just love it all. It is so hectic and busy the week of WordCamp and I thrive on challenges. Trust me, there is always a challenge each day leading up to WordCamp. I love hearing the conversations about how much they learned, how we went above and beyond with food allergies, how much fun they had at the party, etc… I just love it all…
Q-
What else would you like to add?
A-
This year has already had its fair share of challenges when it comes to planning. With that said, I never for one second regret taking on the roll of Lead Organizer. This year has taught me so much. With less than 2 months to go, I still have so much to learn and DO! Sometimes things happen for a reason. With every challenge I face and solution I find, I vow to make WordCamp RI 2017 even better. See you in September!
Follow Joy on Twitter @Joyousgirl19