“WordCamp is a conference that focuses on everything WordPress. WordCamps are informal, community-organized events that are put together by WordPress users like you. Everyone from casual users to core developers participate, share ideas, and get to know each other. WordCamps are open to WordPress.com and WordPress.org users alike.” (WordCamp Central)

If there was ever a definition of “Return-On-Investment”, this would be it! Tickets can be purchased at Wordcampseattle.Eventbrite.com. Now keep on reading to see the top 4 reasons!

4 Reasons Instead of 1

Even if, somehow you have zero interest whatsoever in WordPress, one of the things you can expect is amazing contacts from the local Seattle tech community. While a ticket only costs $30, you’ll easily make your money back just based on business made from connections. Obviously you’re there to learn, but there’s no shame in networking and in fact, it’s promoted. Still not convinced? Well then I’m happy that this article was titled 4 reasons and not just 1. Read on and find out for yourself why this event can best be described as a priceless investment.

1. Why WordPress?

Here’s a jaw-dropping fact: .8% of the top 1,000 websites on the internet are WordPress and they currently have over 30 million users. (Check out this Infograph by TechKing). There’s a reason it has been around so long and is continuing to grow exponentially. The power of WordPress is that you can put your business at the reigns of your website to either administer, or learn enough to build and run it. The CEO of TheBrainChild Group, Aron Schoenberg, referred to WordPress as the best Marketing Tool in 2010. “In 2010, more and more companies are jumping on the internet marketing bandwagon to promote their business. This includes restaurants, law firms, hotels, real estate brokers, car dealers and just about any other industry you can think of. And, when marketing via the internet, there is one tool that will catapult your company to e-success: a WordPress blog.” That was written one year ago and a lot has improved since then. It’s no surprise that one year later Aron still maintains “WordPress is a kick butt platform and a very smart choice for most websites”.

2. Not Just For Beginners

The event agenda will be neatly divided into 3 tracks, one of which will be specifically for users on how extend WordPress for their business needs. WordCamps aren’t just for novices. It’s a great introduction for Beginners, Designers, and Developers interested in getting their feet with with a platform that has a community of over 30 million users and growing. There will be plenty of experts in addition to our speakers, manning the Genius Bar, floating around, and making themselves evident during Q & A. Stumped about something regarding your site? Need to improve security? Want to change how you build plugins? Hate spending Saturdays at home? Come to WordCamp and walk away satisfied!

3. A Wide Range Of Topics and Speakers

Speakers will cover topics including an overview of WordPress, using WordPress, theme creation, plugin development, using WordPress to run your business, blogging, marketing, and SEO. The event will be keynoted by best-selling author and speaker Scott Berkun who currently works for Automattic (the creators of WordPress) as Team Social lead. Information about other speakers and an agenda for the event are available at: WordCampSeattle.org.

4.Tight For Cash?

WordPress training can cost anywhere from $40-$150 an hour (I charge $100). Yet here, you get 8 hours of training for $30, (student tickets for $25). That’s $3.75 per hour! Last I checked, that’s less than 1 Gallon of Gas or a morning stop at Starbucks. If there was ever a definition of “Return-On-Investment”, this would be it! Tickets can be purchased at Wordcampseattle.Eventbrite.com.

So What’s Stopping You?

There’s a reason these events exist and another reason why it’s only done once a year. It takes a lot of effort to set it up, but in the end, everybody walks away happy, coming back the next year for more. “The first WordCamp was organized in San Francisco by Matt Mullenweg in 2006. Since then, local communities around the world have organized over a hundred WordCamps, and we anticipate that number will pass a thousand within the next couple of years.” (WordCamp Central) Come and be a part of the growing success of WordPress and walk away with more than just business cards in your pocket.

If you have any additional questions about the event, contact the event organizers at wordcamp(at)wpseattle.com.

I personally look forward to seeing you there!

*Author Bio: Joshua ‘Red’ Russak is the founder of First Time Online™, providing businesses with the services and tools necessary to build up a successful web-presence! Now known by many as “Red”, Joshua continues to grow his knowledge in WordPress and hopes to continue spreading the word that “We Get It Right The First Time!”

Come to WordCamp Seattle to hear from national bestselling author and speaker Scott Berkun who works on WordPress, and listen to an interview with Alex King about how he built his business by creating tools for WordPress. Speakers at the event will cover topics including WordPress theme creation, plugin development, running a business on WordPress, blogging, social media, marketing, and more.

Get your ticket now while you still can! Use the Eventbrite form below to purchase your ticket and we look forward to seeing you there!

Please note that we do not offer refunds for tickets. If you purchase a ticket and are unable to make it, you may sell/transfer your ticket to another person.

So mark your calendar:

WordCamp Seattle Pre-Camp Meet-up

Jillian’s Billiards, 731 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109

Friday, Sept. 25 @ 7pm

We will be giving away 5 tickets to WC Seattle at the Meet-up!

And with a First to Arrive Prize up for grabs, you don’t wanna be late!  See you at Jillian’s!

WordCamp Seattle will be a jam packed day of WordPress tips, techniques and inspiration for the beginner blogger to the WordPress developer. Check out our speaker list to see what is in store.

• Chris Pirillo of Lockergnome and Gnomedex
• Liz Strauss of Successful and Outstanding Bloggers
• Ian Lurie of Conversation Marketing
• Jane Wells of Automattic
• Aaron Hockley of AaronHockley.com
• Nick Ohrn of Nick Ohrn
• Brett Nordquist of Brett Nordquist
• Scott Porad of I can has cheezburger
• Lorelle Van Fossen of Lorelle on WordPress
• and YOU!

In addition to our scheduled topics and presenters, we will have unconference and Ignite sections of the conference where you can present. Keep an eye on the blog for more details about how you can share your own inspiration and expertise with other WordPress users.

I am looking forward to organizing this event with others that are as passionate about WordPress as I am. Please subscribe to our RSS feed to get the latest news and follow us on Twitter.