Track 2

You’ve built themes, plugins, and full sites in WordPress — but custom blocks? Who has the time to wade through JavaScript frameworks and complex tooling?

This workshop is a no-fluff, code-first introduction to building custom WordPress blocks for experienced developers who haven’t made the jump to Gutenberg yet.

First Half: Block Development 101

In the first half, we’ll cover the essentials:

• How `block.json` works and why it matter
• What the build process does (and how to stop fighting it)
• Registering blocks the correct way.
• Just enough React/JSX to build functional, modern blocks
• How to use the `create-block` tool to scaffold faster and avoid boilerplate
• Debugging tips for common block issues and build errors
• Practical examples that you can copy, paste, and actually use

Second Half: Guided Work Session

In the second half, it’s your turn to build — with help. You’ll choose between:

• Bringing a custom block idea you want to work on, or
• Selecting from a list of pre-defined commonly built block ideas

You’ll get time to work through the process with support from the speaker and others in the room. Whether you’re experimenting, troubleshooting, or finishing a real feature, this session is all about giving you the space and guidance to get hands-on and make progress.

You’ve built themes, plugins, and full sites in WordPress — but custom blocks? Who has the time to wade through JavaScript frameworks and complex tooling?

This workshop is a no-fluff, code-first introduction to building custom WordPress blocks for experienced developers who haven’t made the jump to Gutenberg yet.

First Half: Block Development 101

In the first half, we’ll cover the essentials:

• How `block.json` works and why it matter
• What the build process does (and how to stop fighting it)
• Registering blocks the correct way.
• Just enough React/JSX to build functional, modern blocks
• How to use the `create-block` tool to scaffold faster and avoid boilerplate
• Debugging tips for common block issues and build errors
• Practical examples that you can copy, paste, and actually use

Second Half: Guided Work Session

In the second half, it’s your turn to build — with help. You’ll choose between:

• Bringing a custom block idea you want to work on, or
• Selecting from a list of pre-defined commonly built block ideas

You’ll get time to work through the process with support from the speaker and others in the room. Whether you’re experimenting, troubleshooting, or finishing a real feature, this session is all about giving you the space and guidance to get hands-on and make progress.

WordPress is a large open source project with thousands of contributors helping out in countless ways. But what is the lifecycle of a contribution?  How does something progress from an idea to a code change that is released to 40%+ of the web? And what defines a model contributor?

This session covers everything you need to know about how changes and ideas make their way into the Core WordPress software. Which soft skills will help you contribute successfully? How can you appropriately set your expectations to avoid frustration? And what mindset will ensure that your contributions are productive?

Curious about AI in WordPress and looking for a way to make your first contribution?  This workshop introduces the new AI Experiments plugin: a playground for testing and shaping how AI might fit into WordPress.  We’ll start with a quick overview of the plugin’s goals and current state, then jump straight into contribution opportunities.  Whether you’re comfortable with code, design, documentation, or testing, you’ll have the chance to make a real impact right away. 

Bring your laptop, your curiosity, and we’ll guide you through setting up, exploring open issues, and submitting your first contribution.  No deep AI or WordPress experience required, just an interest in helping shape what comes next.