WordCamp Canada 2024: Recap & Highlights
The inaugural Canadian National WordCamp was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of WordPress and its community. Held in Ottawa, the conference attracted nearly 300 attendees from around the globe. Join us as we revisit key moments and takeaways from #WCEH.
Honouring Indigenous Heritage
Beginning the gathering with profound respect and recognition, WordCamp Canada acknowledged that Ottawa, as it is known today, was built on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. The land, nurtured by the Algonquin Anishinaabe people for thousands of years, remains a vital part of their enduring heritage and culture.
The organizers opened WCEH by honouring the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation, along with all First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and other Indigenous Peoples who have contributed significantly to the region known as Turtle Island. This acknowledgment was a cornerstone of the event’s commitment to listening and learning from Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being, which were crucial in fostering meaningful discussions within the WordPress community about incorporating Indigenous perspectives.
Personalized Support: The Happiness Bar
For those seeking personalized guidance or facing queries about their WordPress sites, the Happiness Bar was a standout feature of WordCamp Canada 2024. Staffed by experienced members of the WordPress community, this dedicated space offered attendees the opportunity to receive one-on-one help with their WordPress sites and get answers to their questions.
Embracing Canadian Culture
WordCamp Canada 2024 focused on technological advances and community building and deeply embraced Canadian culture and heritage, making it a uniquely immersive experience. A standout feature was the 1958 16-foot Chestnut Indian Maiden canoe placed prominently on stage, on loan from James Raffen, a revered author, filmmaker, teacher, and one of Canada’s most notable explorers. This canoe symbolizes the diverse journeys within the same river, echoing James’ sentiment that while “we are not all in the same canoe, we are all in the same river.”
Adding to the Canadian flair, the entrance was adorned with Muskoka chairs, creating a welcoming and distinctly northern atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed local treats like Nanaimo bars throughout the event, while the after-party featured poutine and BeaverTails stations, each contributing to a celebration of Canadian identity and hospitality.
Indigenous Perspectives at WordCamp Canada 2024
A central theme of WordCamp Canada 2024 was the amplification of Indigenous voices and stories, reflecting a deep commitment from the organizing team to bring these perspectives to the forefront of the WordPress community. This effort was evident in the selection of speakers and the talks throughout the conference. These discussions were not only educational but also a call to action for the community to incorporate more inclusive practices and to recognize the importance of diverse narratives in shaping the future of the web.
Working Across Borders: Anthony Moore Takes the Stage
During the “Working Across Borders” panel at WordCamp Canada 2024, Anthony Moore, our CTO and co-founder, joined forces with panellists Clementine Affana, Mike Davey, and Mark Des Cotes to discuss the unique challenges and strategies involved in building and managing teams that work seamlessly across different geographical, cultural, and technological landscapes.
Anthony highlighted the critical importance of implementing policies that actively promote inclusivity and equity across all levels of an organization. He emphasized that such policies are essential for enhancing team cohesion and tapping into the diverse potential of a worldwide workforce. This approach ensures that remote and international team members feel equally valued and supported, fostering a more collaborative and innovative work environment.
Highlights from #WCEH
Throughout WordCamp Canada 2024, our social media team was active on Twitter, sharing updates, insights, and key moments from the event. This live coverage captured the essence of the sessions and facilitated an ongoing conversation among attendees and those unable to join us in person. Here are some highlights from our Twitter feed that encapsulated the spirit and key happenings of the event:
Happy Hour and After Party
The closing of WordCamp Canada was celebrated with a Trew Knowledge-sponsored Happy Hour at the same venue, offering a seamless transition from learning to leisure. The Happy Hour featured sophisticated hors d’oeuvres such as goat cheese profiteroles with raspberry preserves and za’atar chicken skewers, providing a delightful start to the evening.
As the night progressed, the after-party, sponsored by notable industry players, kept the festive spirit alive with robust Canadian-themed food stations. The poutine station was a standout feature, serving a classic Canadian dish with PEI French fries, topped with St. Albert cheese curds and rich gravy. Additional toppings like Philly steak mix, smoked bacon lardons, and more allowed guests to customize their poutine, celebrating a beloved Canadian tradition in style.
A New Chapter for WordPress in Canada
WordCamp Canada 2024 has laid a strong foundation for annual gatherings that promise to foster innovation and inclusivity within the WordPress community. We departed from Ottawa with new connections, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to enhancing our work with the insights gained. The energy and inspiration from these three days will fuel our endeavours until we reconvene to celebrate further achievements and breakthroughs in the world of WordPress.
Thank you to everyone who participated, from the speakers and organizers to the attendees and sponsors, for making WordCamp Canada 2024 a truly memorable experience.
