Articles FROM

James Giroux

  • It’s not an event. It’s a WordCamp!

    It’s not an event. It’s a WordCamp!

    At the heart of every WordCamp, you can feel the spirit of the WordPress community: Curiosity. Collaboration. Connection.

    Every WordCamp that happens in any city in the world is a grassroots gathering — the result of thousands of hours of work from passionate volunteers. A place where beginners, seasoned developers, content creators, and entrepreneurs come together to share all kinds of things, from stories to skills to strategies. Together, they create the web and the world.

    WordCamp ticket prices are always accessible. But you get everything you’d find at much grander (and far more expensive) conferences. And that WordCamp bonus: the people, from lively hallway chats to the helpful kindness of the folks at the Happiness Bar.

    Where but in WordPress do you get senior management from competing companies who vacation together?

    — Chris Lema

    (In fact, why not get your tickets right now?)

    Why WordCamp Canada Feels So Special

    This October, Carleton University in Ottawa is the scene of the next chapter in our national story. Perched gracefully beside the Rideau River and crackling with the energy of scholarly discovery, the Carleton campus welcomes a world of innovation, accessibility, sustainability, and learning.

    WordCamp Canada is a national event.

    It’s a moment to pull together all our diverse voices from coast to coast. To celebrate our entire Canadian web community. And find ways to turn our challenges — bilingualism, Indigenous perspectives, rural connectivity, and more — into steel bridges to the future.

    Of course, Canada and the web are part of a changing world. It’s one where open source and open platforms may be more important, and more challenged, than ever.


    WCEH 2025: A Celebration of Ideas, Connections & Possibility

    Remember your own school days? (Or the ones you might have wished for?) Imagine coming back to a campus buzzing with energy: late-night debates, hallway inspiration, creative risk-taking. That’s exactly the vibe you’ll find at WordCamp this October.

    Expect big-picture conversations:

    • WordPress and the Rise of AI
      – How LLMs are changing the way people create content and build the web.
      – Our human obligation to keep the web truthful, kind, and inclusive.
    • Open Web vs. Walled Gardens
      – Keeping the internet open, interoperable, and independent.
      – Making and keeping WordPress, the Fediverse, and Open Source the best tools for resistance.
    • Innovation at the Edge
      – WordPress as a platform for experimentation.
      – Headless builds, automation, AI, and new digital business models.

    On top of sessions and workshops, there will be hands-on hacking, maybe some demos, and plenty of time to exchange ideas.

    What You’ll Take Away

    • Connect with Canadians from all corners of the country — and many other countries.
    • Deepen your craft – learn from people in your field or far outside it.
    • Grow the collective – we all get better (and have more fun) together.

    It’s a Celebration!

    And what a celebration WCEH is. Of ideas, connection, and possibility. If you’re a local meetup regular, you’re a first-time attendee, or you’ve been traveling to WordCamps for years, something powerful is here for you.

    Don’t miss a minute!

    WordCamp Canada is not just another conference. It’s a national moment. It’s where bold thinking meets community action, where open‑source ideals meet Canadian creativity. It’s our shared stage to shape the future of the web—together.

    See you in Ottawa! 🇨🇦


    Stay tuned: Follow #WCEH #WCEH2025 for the latest!



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  • Call for Volunteers

    Call for Volunteers

    Like the WordPress software project WordCamp Canada is an open source event. It’s planned, organized, and run by the Canadian WordPress community with volunteers and attendees welcomed from all over the world. We’d love to have you join us!

    Please complete and submit the form below to apply for the WordCamp Canada 2025 team.

    Volunteer Responsibilities and Benefits

    If you join the WCEH25 team, you will be needed to work throughout WordCamp Canada over the two days it takes place at Carleton. You can help prior to the event too! Most teams are actively engaged in planning and tasks that must be completed well in advance of the event.

    All volunteers will get free admission and an event t-shirt.

    All volunteers must be familiar with and follow the Community Code of Conduct.

    Follow the WordPress Canada Slack channel #wccanada-planning all the way through the event and on to the next one to see how it gets done — and lend a hand if you can.

    Teams You Can Apply to Join

    1. The Operations Team is composed of the lead organizers, team leads, and others who oversee core event activities like budget, venue, food, and leads meetings. This team helps direct and align the other teams with each other.
    2. The Activities Team covers event-related activities such as after-parties, networking circles, and sponsor-hosted dinners.
    3. The Attendee Experience Team focuses on ensuring attendees have a smooth, welcoming, and engaging event experience. Volunteer roles during the event include: Registration Desk, Information Desk, Accessibility Support, and Swag.
    4. The Communications Team manages social media, website content, design, and media coverage for the event.
    5. L’équipe francophone gère canada.wordcamp.org/2025-fr et fournit un soutien à la traduction pour l’événement et les autres équipes.
    6. The Speaker Experience Team handles speaker onboarding, content preparation, stage management, and engagement. Volunteer roles during the event include: MCs and Speaker Assistants.
    7. The Sponsorships Team manages sponsor outreach, engagement, content, and on-site sponsor activations and support.
    8. The Volunteers Team oversees volunteer recruitment, training, scheduling, and on-site support during the event.
    9. Volunteer roles during the event include: Runners, Photographers, Food and Beverage support.

    Please complete and submit the form below to apply for the WordCamp Canada 2025 team.

    Application Form

    Is this the first time you have volunteered at a WordPress event?


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  • Call for Sponsors

    Call for Sponsors

    WordCamp Canada 2025 (WCEH) will take place on October 16-17, 2025 in Carleton University’s Richcraft Hall Atrium and Conference Centre overlooking the Rideau River in Ottawa, Ontario. Learn More about the Location and Venue.

    • Richcraft Hall
    • Richcraft Hall Elevator Lobby
    • Boardroom
    • Richcraft Hall Conference Rooms
    • Richcraft Hall Main Lobby
    • Richcraft Hall
    • Richcraft Hall Atrium
    • Singhal Family Theatre
    • Retractable Airwall
    • Living wall viewed from the third floor of Richcraft Hall at Carleton University.
    • Richcraft Hall Classroom
    • Richcraft Hall Atrium
    • Richcraft Hall
    • Richcraft Hall Exterior View from Massey Park Riverbank
    • Richcraft Hall Patio Exterior View
    • Retractable Airwall
    • View of Richcraft Hall on the Carleton University campus from the south bank of the Rideau River with a passing O-Train in view on the bridge.

    Why Sponsor WCEH?

    WCEH is Canada’s premier WordCamp event, one of only two national WordCamps worldwide. As we enter our second year, we’re building on the momentum of last year’s sold-out event, which hosted over 300 attendees from across the global WordPress ecosystem.

    At WordCamp Canada, you can expect an engaging, high-value sponsorship experience at every level that goes beyond simple brand placement. As a sponsor, you’ll become an integral part of the attendee experience, forging meaningful connections with your target audience.

    What sets WCEH apart is its national scale—a rarity in the WordCamp ecosystem. Most WordCamps are regional or city-based, making WCEH one of very few national WordCamps in the world.

    Sponsoring WCEH is an opportunity to engage deeply with the WordPress community, showcase your brand in front of decision-makers, and create lasting, personal relationships with developers, agency leaders, and business owners who rely on WordPress.

    WordCamps: A Brief History and Why They Matter

    WordCamps have been a cornerstone of the WordPress community for nearly two decades. Regularly taking place in cities across the globe, these events create a collaborative space where developers, designers, marketers, and business owners come together to learn, share insights, and build connections. Unlike traditional tech conferences, WordCamps emphasize open-source values, accessibility, and grassroots community-building.

    What sets WCEH apart is its national scale—a rarity in the WordCamp ecosystem. Most WordCamps are regional or city-based, making WCEH one of very few national WordCamps in the world. This distinction positions WCEH as a high-profile event, drawing attendees from across the country and beyond.

    “But, wait a second. I don’t sell WordPress products!”

    Terrific! This is a great time to get involved.

    While WCEH is mostly about WordPress, it’s not just for developers and website builders. Marketers, content strategists, educators, and entrepreneurs also attend, and they, too, are eagerly looking for new tools, services, and technologies to support their businesses.

    That opens the door for companies like yours, who largely live outside the WordPress space, to engage with a tech-savvy, business-oriented audience.

    The WCEH Difference

    Again, WCEH is a national WordCamp. That means it attracts a broad audience of professionals from across North America and beyond, giving you an unparalleled opportunity to reach WordPress users at scale. Here’s what you can expect:

    • Curated Networking Experiences – Thoughtfully designed sponsorship activations that foster real engagement.
    • Highly Engaged Attendees – Developers, agency owners, and business leaders who actively seek new solutions and partnerships.
    • Strong ROI  – Targeted branding, lead generation, and face-to-face interactions that create tangible business outcomes.

    Sponsorship Tiers & Benefits

    TierSpotsPrice (CAD)Exclusive BoothBlog PostSocial MediaCirclesActivity SponsorshipSwag BagBranded Area
    Global3Varies
    (Individual)
    Confederation2$7,000
    (End Cap)

    (Individual)

    (Individual)
    Northern Lights4$5,000
    (Individual)

    (Individual)
    Great Lakes6$3,500Scheduled (One Day)
    (Group)

    (Group)
    Maple Leaf8$2,500Shared
    (Both Days)

    (Group)

    (Group)
    Laurentian10$1,000
    (Group)

    (Group)

    (Limited)
    Coast-to-Coast12$500
    (Group)

    (Group)

    Exclusive Sponsor Activations

    Circles: Meaningful Networking, Powered by You

    At WCEH, we take networking seriously. Our sponsor-led Circles are curated conversations where attendees connect based on shared interests. As a sponsor, you have the opportunity to lead discussions tailored to your ideal customer profile, positioning your brand as a trusted resource. Circles are limited to Confederation and Northern Lights sponsors, with only six slots available.

    Activity Sponsorship: Host a Dinner and Build Relationships

    Our highly popular sponsor-hosted dinners offer an intimate setting for meaningful connections. These exclusive events, capped at 30 attendees, allow you to connect directly with key decision-makers in a relaxed environment. WCEH will coordinate the logistics—you just show up and engage. Available to Global, Confederation, and Northern Lights sponsors.

    Visibility and Branding Opportunities

    • Blog and Social Media Exposure – Higher-tier sponsors get individual blog features and social media shout-outs.
    • Exhibit Space Options – From dedicated booths for top sponsors to flexible shared or scheduled exhibit spaces for smaller tiers.
    • On-Site Branding – Sponsor a high-impact attendee touchpoint, such as coffee carts, meal areas, or the after-party (available at the Laurentian Tier).

    Get Involved Right Now!

    Sponsorship opportunities are limited, and we expect high demand. Secure your spot now and be part of Canada’s largest WordPress event.

    📩 Contact us at canada@wordcamp.org to discuss sponsorship options.

    📋 Review the sponsorship prospectus and submit your application.


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  • Welcome to WordCamp Canada 2025

    Welcome to WordCamp Canada 2025

    We’re thrilled to welcome you to WordCamp Canada 2025, happening October 16-17, 2025, at Carleton University in Ottawa!

    This year, we’re bringing the energy of a university campus—risk-taking, innovation, and bold ideas—into the WordPress community.

    Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with learning, networking, and collaboration as we explore the future of the web together.

    What to Expect

    Whether you’re a seasoned WordPress veteran or discovering the platform for the first time, WordCamp Canada is your space to dive into the next era of digital experiences.

    Expect cutting-edge discussions on AI, the future of the open web, and the evolving role of WordPress in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

    This year we’re looking for insightful sessions from industry leaders, hands-on workshops, and panel discussions that explore WordPress in a post-website era. Stay tuned for a call for speakers.

    A Return to Campus

    Think back to your time in high school or university—the excitement of new ideas, late-night debates, and pushing boundaries. A place where curiosity and experimentation thrived, where no challenge felt insurmountable. That’s the energy we’re bringing to WordCamp Canada 2025. Just like on campus, this is where the future begins.

    Why This Moment Matters

    The digital world is shifting:

    • AI is reshaping content, code, and creativity at an unprecedented scale.
    • Users expect seamless, omnichannel experiences—apps, social, search, and beyond.
    • The open web is more important than ever as platforms tighten control.

    WordPress is at the centre of these changes, and this is our opportunity to shape its future. How do we ensure content remains independent, accessible, and high-quality in an AI-driven world? How do we push innovation forward while keeping the web open for all?

    Get Involved

    WordCamp is powered by the community, and we want you to be part of it. Whether by volunteering, speaking, sponsoring, or simply sharing your insights, there are many ways to contribute. Stay tuned for updates on speaker submissions, ticket sales, and sponsorship opportunities.

    Join Us!

    Mark your calendars, pack your plaid, and get ready for an incredible WordCamp Canada experience at Carleton University. The future of WordPress starts here. We can’t wait to see you in Ottawa!

    For the latest updates, follow us on social media and keep an eye on our website. Let’s make WCEH 2025 the best one yet!

    #WCEH #WCEH2025 #WordPressCommunity


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