WordPress is the operating system that runs 25 percent of the webâs top million websites and over half of websites using a content management system. If youâre online, chances are, youâve been on a WordPress site (in fact, if youâre reading this on BizNews, youâre on one right now).
And if youâre an entrepreneur, an aspiring developer, or anyone who wants to make their mark in the online world, knowing your way around WordPress can be an enormous asset.
WordPress novices and pros alike can find a treasure trove of valuable information at WordCamp, a three-day event coming to FIU on February 19-21, 2015. FIU students, faculty and community members will have access to seminars and experts on everything from sophisticated programming techniques to getting started as a blogger.
Whatâs more, itâs one of the most affordable tech learning experiences of the year, at $35 for the full two-day conference, with discounts available for FIU students. The tuition includes all seminars, lunches and snacks. Early registrants also have the opportunity to snag a goodie bag.
âWeâll have a full schedule lined up for everyone, from those wanting to learn WordPress for the first time to those who are already skilled at developing with it,â said David Bisset, one of the conference organizers.
Taking a deep dive into the world of WordPress.
The main WordCamp conference takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with talks ranging from how to improve your websiteâs SEO and security to how to build an e-commerce site with WordPress. Thereâs also a talk focused on how WordPress is used in higher education. Sunday has a full track dedicated to business owners and agencies, along with a brand new âLearn JavaScript deeplyâ session for developers.
The FIU College of Businessâ Marketing Department is a co-sponsor of the conference, and two faculty members will be leading sessions. Department Chair Anthony Miyazaki will share his tips on repurposing content effectively at a Saturday session, and Nancy Richmond, instructor and advisor for FIUâs Social Media Association, will share her observations of how tech giants like Google and Nike engage online at âSocial Media Road Trip: Leadership, Engagement and Community Building,â on Sunday. Members of the Social Media Association will be present at the event.
âI’m speaking this year is because I was sold on the conference when I attended last year,â Miyazaki said. âThe speakers are solid. Â The audience is engaged. Â And everyone in attendance is extremely helpful.â
WordCamp also runs several auxiliary conferences on Friday, February 19. Thereâs a beginnersâ class, limited to 100 individuals, that takes participants step-by-step from learning hosting basics to customizing a basic WordPress site of there own. Thereâs also a full-day freelancerâs conference the same day, with each priced at $15 for the full day.
To bring more pre-teens into the WordPress world, this yearâs conference also features several family-friendly features, including a Kidâs Workshop (where parents and kids ages 8-13 can learn to create their first blog), an arts/crafts/STEM class in the afternoon, and a kidâs panel to end the day. Children are welcome to attend both days on the weekend, free of charge.
For more information about WorldCamp, visit http://2016.miami.wordcamp.org/. FIU students can use the code FIUWCMIA2016! at the website 2016.miami.wordcamp.org/tickets for a discount on the two-day ($35) conference rate. Those who sign up on or before Feb. 2, 2016 will receive a free t-shirt while supplies last.