Due to unfortunate circumstances, one of our speakers was unable to attend today. Elana Rudick’s 4pm session this afternoon in the Brooklyn room (“Themes That Make You Go Hmm”) will be replaced.
Instead, we’ll be treated to “Gaining (and not betraying) User Trust in e-Commerce“, presented by Andrew Wikel of WooCommerce (now part of Automattic).
Join Andrew in the Brooklyn room at 4pm to learn more about getting your e-customers to trust you!
As WordCamp NYC approaches, we are featuring some of our speakers on the blog. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out!
What do you do?
I am a developer who focuses on WordPress, Drupal, and front end projects at CHIEF in Washington, DC. Before I learned to code, I worked as an online news writer/editor and I love being able to work with clients to tie their content strategy needs together with the websites I build. I also have dabbled in user experience and graphic design work and love weaving all of these threads together to create useable and beautiful sites. Recently I started writing again on my blog, Responsive Geometry.
Why do you use WordPress?
I use WordPress not only because I think that it’s a flexible, extensible platform on which to build websites, but also because the community that surrounds WordPress is so strong. I love that generally, if I have a question about how to do something I can reliably find an answer in the documentation, in the forums, by asking people I know, etc. By its nature, web development is a fairly solitary profession, but WordPress really has a friendly, open community that is intent on giving folks the resources to keep improving their skills and leveling up.
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I was a content manager and editor who knew absolutely nothing about WordPress (or how to build a website) when my employer sent me to WordCamp Boston 2010. I attended a few of the developer sessions at that conference even though I had no idea what many of the words meant or how to write code of any kind. When I went home I started tinkering with WordPress (2.9 I believe) and suddenly I was on the path towards becoming a developer.
What’s your favorite thing about WordCamp?
I love that WordCamps always feel like an empowering space and experience. Sometimes conferences related to technical subjects are really intimidating and WordCamps make a point of creating an environment that is welcoming to everyone, regardless of skill level.
Tell us something awesome about yourself that’s not WordPress related.
I cook to relax and will eat almost anything that isn’t meat. I figure that part of the privilege of living is that you get to eat multiple times a day, so why not make meals really yummy things? If you need a recipe for a good hearty vegetarian stew, I’m your gal!
Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.
There are SO many people in the WordPress community who inspire me and who have encouraged me along the way that I can’t name just one. In particular, I am constantly inspired by the smart, witty, driven folks whom I’ve met through my local meetup (WordPress DC) and the WordPress Training Team.
What’s your favorite WordPress related resource?
My absolute favorite resource is WordCamps. There is something about in-person learning that helps me really focus and figure out how things work. A close second though is WordPress.tv, where I can pretend to attend all of the WordCamps I can’t physically go to!
What will attendees learn in your talk?
My talk is all about how to bring a thoughtful user experience to the WordPress administration panel as you’re building a custom site. The talk is definitely technical, but the main highlight will be how and when to use code to make these types of changes, not necessarily the code itself.
Where can we find you online?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethsoderberg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsoderberg
Blog: http://responsivegeometry.com/
Website: http://bethsoderberg.com/
My Company: http://agencychief.com/
As WordCamp NYC approaches, we are featuring some of our speakers on the blog. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out!
How did your passion for the web start?
I’ve been passionate about web design since I was first introduced to the World Wide Web 20 years ago. At the age of 15 I built a personal blog site using Notepad and Geocities that was chock full of animated gifs on a tiled outer space background. Thankfully, my aesthetic taste has developed since then.
How did you get started using WordPress?
I started dabbling in WordPress for a travel blog I created when I was backpacking through New Zealand. As I was starting my career in graphic design, I began using WordPress more actively to blog about art, design and music. Then I started setting up WordPress sites for friends, family, clients…
Why do you love working with WordPress?
WordPress allows my team to create beautiful, functional websites for clients. Our clients love being able to intuitively and independently manage their sites. You can check out some of our recent projects at http://www.designisyummy.com.
What do you want WCNYC attendees to know about you?
I’m super passionate about all things design! WordPress is a tool that has hugely helped me grow my business by building effective sites for clients. Oh, I’m also Canadian!
In regards to new WordPress users, what one piece of advice would you give them that could be very helpful?
The WordPress community is teeming with talented and knowledgeable individuals. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone at WordCamp brings their own unique experiences in working with WordPress and has dealt with all kinds of challenges. Sharing this info with each other is what makes this CMS and community even more powerful.
As WordCamp NYC approaches, we are featuring some of our speakers on the blog. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out!
Bio
I’m a WordPress Website Developer for the MarkNet Group in Brewster, NY, where I enjoy building WordPress websites for clients and training them how to use them. I was a co-organizer of WordCamp CT and am a co-organizer of the WordPress Westchester Meetup Group. In my free time I love to watch stand-up and attend classic car shows.
What’s your WordPress “origin” story?
I started creating websites with HTML and then moved to Joomla. When I found WordPress in 2011, I never looked back and have been using it ever since. There is nothing else that is easy enough for clients to maintain themselves that has so many possibilities. For someone who is new to WordPress, it allows you to start off knowing just a little and grow to learn much more and expand your capabilities to what seem like endless possibilities, all the while having a great looking, great functioning website.
What are your top 3 WordPress plugins? Why?
What would you tell someone to convince them to attend a WordCamp?
One of the things I love so much about WordPress is the people who make it happen. I’m self-taught, so I’ve spent a lot of time online pouring through tutorials and forums. Without all the people out there sharing their knowledge, I would never have been able to have this job that I adore so much. At WordCamps, there are these incredible people who donate their time and talents to helping others. I can’t imagine where else you could learn so much for such a small investment. It’s a great place for figuring out answers and getting inspired.
Fill in the blank for other attendees: “If you __________ then you should come talk to me at WordCamp”
Where can we find you online?
I’m not hard to find online as long as you don’t confuse me with the Chilean Wine Maker (no relation).
He originated in Japan and has been seen all around the WordPress community including Tokyo, London, Belgrade, Brisbane, Maine and Philly to name a few WordCamps. And now, New York City!
If you don’t know, Wapuu is considered the official open source mascot of WordPress!
WordCamp NYC 2015 would like to thank a few members of the community for their creative contributions to this year’s event:
Thank you to our speaker, Michelle Schulp (@marktimemedia), for welcoming everyone to WordCamp NYC with Wapuu scaling the Empire State Building!
Thanks to Aimee and Jan Tapia of Jaac Promotions in Chappaqua, NY for Wapuu enjoying some seasonal treats…
Wapuu loves the Big Apple
What’s more fun than pumpkin picking?
WordPress tricks and treats for everyone!
Everyone at WordCamp will be getting a sticker pack that includes NYC Wapuus, YAY! (While supplies last, BOO!) Also, feel free to download these and use them as you wish, they’re all GPL, naturally. 🙂
If you don’t have your ticket to WordCamp NYC, REGISTER today. If you are registered, stay tuned for updates, we can’t wait to see you!
As WordCamp NYC approaches, we are featuring some of our speakers on the blog. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out!
What is your favorite improvement to WordPress this past year?
I’m super excited about the acquisition of Woo.
Why did you decide to speak at WordCamp NYC?
I heard that WordCamp NYC is amazing, and I grew up on Long Island so I was eager to “come home” and share my love of WordPress with amazing people.
What is your talk going to be about?
Community Consultation Creates Compelling Content is about tapping into various parts of the WordPress community to make your own content visible and stronger.
What is the one thing you want people to walk away with from your talk?
I want people to walk away with a sense of community and a knowledge of various venues of support.
Who in the WordPress community inspires you? Who do you follow?
I am very inspired by those who are technologically challenged, yet blog anyway. Their willingness to step outside their zone to join our community is very inspiring. I follow writers I meet in our Blogging University courses as well as friends, family and co-workers.
What new feature would you like to see in the future?
I would love to access revision history in the new editor.
Chrissie Pollock works for Automattic, Inc. as a Happiness Engineer, focusing on mobile app support. She also works in Writing 101 and Blogging 101 for the WordPress Blogging University. Follow Chrissie on Twitter @TechieFamily.
As WordCamp NYC approaches, we are featuring some of our speakers on the blog. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out!
I have been using WordPress since early 2008, when WordPress was on version 2.5. It was surprisingly similar to what we know and love today at v4.3, with great advancements made by the early team long before I’d ever even heard of it. Before that, I had been building static websites and had begun doing some dynamic work with PHP, when this tool was suggested to me to make that job even easier. To say that it changed my life would be an understatement.
I used WordPress for personal websites first, still getting around it while on client work. These were general blogs, a failed attempt at affiliate marketing and my own ramblings. I was already a heavy LiveJournal user in high school and college, and WordPress let me do even more with my own content.
It wasn’t until around three years later that I even realized that there was a community around WordPress. I’m embarrassed to admit that the first WordCamp Orlando I only heard about via Twitter on the day of, but within a year of that I was involved with the brand new WordPress Orlando Meetup, and when the previous organizers opted not to continue WordCamp, I got involved with that, too. For the past three years I’ve been lead organizer of both events, and it has had a tremendous impact on my life. The time commitment is sometimes grueling, but the number of people that I get to meet and help, as well as the opportunities that it has afforded, have all been well worth it.
I swear that my whole life doesn’t revolve around WordPress, though it can often feel like it. I run my own web development firm and have returned to school to get a second degree, which doesn’t leave a lot of time for other things. I still make sure I carve out time to read voraciously, travel to multiple conferences and camps per year, and do all of the general social things that keep me from becoming permanently fused to my laptop. If you see me at WCNYC, talk to me about the things that you’re interested in. I’d rather help others succeed with WordPress and make new friends than bore you with my life 🙂
As WordCamp NYC approaches, we are featuring some of our speakers on the blog. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out!
What do you do?
I’m a marketing guru and business strategist that helps small businesses build their brand, drive sales and increase customer loyalty. I do this by crafting targeted traditional and digital marketing communications, coupled with powerful business development. I truly value my client relationships and develop strong bonds by taking a genuine interest in helping them succeed.
Why do you use WordPress?
WordPress is the leader in CMS because it’s super user-friendly, even for someone like me who’s technically-challenged. I like leveraging the proven templates and plugins, which accelerates the development process and ultimately saves my clients money. Also, it’s easily upgradable which further saves time and money.
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I’ve been using WordPress since I started my company over four years ago. It was really first by accident, as I found a great developer and that was the only platform she used. Since then, I’ve tried other CMS platforms, but they pale in comparison to WordPress.
What’s your favorite thing about WordCamp?
This is actually my first WordCamp, so I’m looking forward to meeting a myriad of professionals and learning from the best. I’m also looking forward to sharing my marketing strategies and content development expertise, as a great website is more than amazing design and development. It encompasses building a solid brand and generating qualified leads.
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to start a WordPress-based business?
Go for it! But recognize that building a successful website requires design skills, development expertise, content creation, and of course SEO. I recommend that you build a solid team of specialists, and not try to do it all yourself. My philosophy is “do what you do best and outsource the rest!” This helps you save time and money.
Tell us something awesome about yourself that’s not WordPress related.
I love Obstacle Course Races, OCR, and did my first Spartan Mud Run at age 48. I thought I’d die, but I made it all the way to the finish line and felt completely empowered. I’m also turning 50 this month (woo hoo!), and will continue my OCRs, probably until I break something!
Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.
This year, I lost an inspirational business associate, Clint Warren. He was a WordPress master and mentor, and is truly missed. He taught me so many WordPress strategies and life-lessons as well that I continue to reflect on today.
What’s your favorite WordPress related resource?
The Westchester WordPress Meet-Up. They have expert speakers and great attendees. I always walk away with something new that I can apply to my business and better help my clients.
What will attendees learn in your talk?
There are three responses to a website…yes, no and WOW. My goal is teach attendees to WOW. At this marketing seminar, attendees will learn to design for new web standards, attain results for their business goals while differentiating themselves from their competition, develop robust content and SEO, as well as strategies to capture leads and build a qualified marketing database.
Where can we find you online?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathyArgyros
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excellermarketing
LinkedIn Biz: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exceller-marketing
LinkedIn Me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kargyros
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+ExcellerMarketing/about
Blog: http://excellermarketing.com/blog/
As WordCamp NYC approaches, we are featuring some of our speakers on the blog. Be sure to get your tickets before they sell out!
What do you do?
I’m a user experience designer and information architect, helping lead product innovation at idfive, an integrated marketing firm in Baltimore. I build websites, but more importantly I work with clients and end users to figure out what a website (or other digital product) needs to be—what it should do and how it should feel.
Why do you use WordPress?
Many reasons. I started using WordPress because it was flexible for a variety of project types and because I believe in the quality an open source community produces. However, I fell in love with WordPress when I joined the meetup community.
When and how did you start using WordPress?
I was volunteering with a student club in college and wanted to swap out the static HTML page. I’d been teaching myself PHP via bulletin boards like phpBB, but it wasn’t quite the type of site I was going for, so I tried a handful of lightweight PHP CMSes and landed on good ol’ Miles Davis (WordPress 1.0).
What’s your favorite thing about WordCamp?
I tell people it’s unlike any other tech conference. There are topics for everyone. I also tout the diversity of speakers and attendees.
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to start a WordPress based business?
If you’re building WordPress sites, consider productization. There are a lot of small businesses that can’t afford the services of a design agency. Fortunately, WordPress multisite will let you create a great example site for a specific market segment—say local restaurants—and to use one well-built site with all the right features, to serve multiple sites at a much lower cost per site. With scheduled maintenance fees, you can create a sustainable business that helps many local businesses at great prices and without the ebbs of stress or overbooking project-to-project work often brings.
Tell us something awesome about yourself that’s not WordPress related.
I grow chili peppers and make my own hot sauces and barbecue sauces. I’ve not entered them into competitions myself, but one of my friends wins smoker competitions using them.
Name someone in the WordPress community who inspires you.
Aaron Jorbin is one of the most genuine and kindhearted people I know. I’m glad I met him through WordPress and I continue to learn from his talks on community, accessibility, and inclusiveness.
What’s your favorite WordPress related resource?
My local meetup group—the organizers, the regulars, and the great new faces I get to meet.
What will attendees learn in your talk?
There’s a how-to component, but it isn’t the focus of the talk. The greater talk is hopefully inspiring. If attendees walk away excited to try something new with WordPress, I’ll be very happy.
Where can we find you online?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anthonydpaul
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydpaul/
Blog: http://www.stickielab.com
Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/anthonydpaul
1) What do you do for a living (company you work for, official title, daily responsibilities, etc.)
I’m a Technical Product Manager living in Austin, Texas. I currently work at WP Engine, a managed hosting platform for websites and apps built with WordPress. I spend most days working to make the lives of WP Engine customers better. I listen to customer feedback, investigate new features, track down bugs, and help drive our product forward. My current focus is improving the developer tools we offer at WP Engine, making it easier and more efficient to develop WordPress websites on our platform. You can learn more about me and my background on my personal website: taylormccaslin.com, or by following me on Twitter: @Taylor4484.
2) How did you get into WordPress?
WordPress actually paid my way through college. I studied business, digital art & media, theatre, and computer science at UT Austin. That mix of studies provided me with a lot of great opportunities to engage Austin businesses—like local theatres—to help them build websites, powered by WordPress. I started a freelance business during college which ultimately helped me graduate college without any debt, and some extra cash in my pocket to fund my new technology habit. WordPress has always had a special place in my heart for the opportunities it opened up for me during my college years. WordPress has been my platform of choice now for over 5 years. I’ve built websites, mobile apps, ticketing systems, ecommerce sites, and headless backend systems on WordPress. I have yet to find something I couldn’t make WordPress do.
3) What’s a great experience you had at a WordCamp?
This is a tough one. I’ve had so much fun this year traveling to so many WordCamps: Seattle, Las Vegas, Boston, Scranton, Philadelphia, Toronto. I love traveling to new cities, meeting the awesome people in those local WordPress communities, creating new connections, or finally meeting someone I’ve only previously known digitally. My current favorite experience is probably WordCamp Las Vegas’ closing session. It was an awesome open Q&A where speakers, sponsors, and attendees just asked and answered questions. It was a really cool event and open discussion about how people were using WordPress and what struggles they were having. Overall it was just a very unique and special session that I really enjoyed being a part of.
4) What are your non-WordPress, non-Computer related hobbies?
Well if I’m not playing with whatever new technology that’s captivating me at the moment (August Lock, Vessyl, Apple Watch, Nest, etc) I can be found experiencing the rich Austin, Texas art scene. Having studied theatre in college, I always enjoy attending a local theatre production. Anytime I’m traveling to a new city I always check out what’s on stage at the local theatres.
WordCamp NYC 2015 is over. Check out the next edition!
