It was a long, anxious drive to WordCamp 2010. I was early: too early? I really didn’t want to show up late and be the one person who opens up the creaky auditorium side door, in the middle of the keynote. All eyes on me. I felt sick even thinking about it.
Now I was wishing I hadn’t been early. I look like an eager beaver. My stomach turns.
I look in the rear-view mirror, adjust my suit jacket (’cause nothing says confidence like a sports jacket). Add some lipstick.
Still 15 minutes early. Add more lipstick.
I check the ticket — yep. This is right. And it feels soooo wrong.
15 years ago I attended my first WordCamp, and I still remember it like yesterday.
At registration, volunteers were trying desperately to be heard over the crowd. Dozens of voices were calling out to old friends—or making new ones. It was an energetic, disparate bunch.
The strangest thing, though, were the people in ripped jeans and worn t-shirts. If I had to guess, I thought to myself, those are the coders. Oddly enough, they were gracious and kind. They didn’t judge me or my sports jacket.
Coffee and muffins were served. I was on my own. So I found a woman sitting on her own, by a plant. (Why do our brains remember the strangest things?) I asked if the seat beside her was taken, and I introduced myself. That was hard.
The thing is — I do like people. But just one at a time.
So a WordCamp might sound like a dumb idea for someone like me. But it was so worth it! I’ll explain.
The lady by the plant very kindly asked about my experience with WordPress. She was doing work very much like mine! I don’t remember much else, but it was nice to belong. It was nice to talk to someone.
The next thing I remember are the classrooms: far more casual than the auditorium. I’m not sure how, but I found myself in a brainstorming session. Everyone was participating – except me, obviously. I’d rather have had balloons popped randomly behind me. But it did strike me just how much everyone felt comfortable contributing their ideas or chatting with their neighbor.
Even though I was the quiet one, I wasn’t ostracized! No one looked at me oddly, or expected me to talk. They just had things to say. They were happy about it. In a group, no less.
And then there’s the lunch lineup. Is there any way to wait in line, looking at someone’s back, and feel less awkward? I doubt it.
Just know that everyone else is also looking someone’s back.
After I got my plate, I found an open seat at a table with some approachable-looking people. I asked some questions. I heard some stories. Some of the people I met that day became part of my network for the next ten years.
That same WordCamp, I did meet some big names in our sphere. But the most important ones are the names you won’t recognize. They are using WordPress, running agencies, writing plugins, helping friends, and just trying to learn stuff. You’ll meet lots of folks just like you at WordCamp.
It was a herculean effort for me to go to a WordCamp.
If you’re on the fence about it, I hope this encourages you to give it a try. You won’t find a nicer, more approachable group of people. They are ridiculously smart, but they’re friendly and welcoming, too.
And here’s the important part: WordCamp was one of three events that propelled my WordPress Agency from struggling solopreneur to thriving agency.
After that WordCamp, I had friends in the industry. It is definitely weird to meet someone once or twice and call them friends — but I kid you not, it happens at WordCamp:
I was discussing all things WordPress with a lady I had just met. She invited me to her place between the conference and after party! I remember this vividly because she had one of the first little electric cars (this was 2010). I thought I was gonna die.
Know what else? I mentioned to a client (non-WordPress type of gal) that I’m writing this post, and she mentioned meeting someone in a WordPress t-shirt at a dog-walk in 2010. They started talking, and for a couple years they worked together on projects… They We are a ridiculously friendly bunch. I promise!
Attending WordCamp as an Introvert
I have no suggestions for introverts that will make WordCamp not hard. You will be exhausted. But… it is worth it!
These tips worked for me — I hope they do for you too!
- Don’t worry about what to wear. You will fit in. No sports jacket necessary.
- Get ready to answer, “What do you do with WordPress?”, “Do you knit?”, and “When did you get started?”
- Know that lots of other people are just as awkward as you feel. Make an effort to help someone else feel at home.
- There is no cure for the lunch line. Bring a kazoo for attention. (I did not).
Do you have something that worked your first time at WordCamp? Share with me — I need all the encouragement I can get!
