Interested in applying to speak at this year’s virtual WordCamp US, but have a few questions?
To help make the transition to a virtual conference as comfortable as possible, we’ve pulled together an initial set of questions you might have. We’ll be updating these as planning progresses and questions come in, but this should answer many of the questions you may have right now.
To start, will talks be pre-recorded or given live?
This is to be determined. We are investigating our options and will update speakers once we finalize our program and the technical considerations. However, we encourage you to be prepared to pre-record your talk.
In either case, as a speaker, you would need to be present to answer questions from the audience in the virtual Speaker Room.
If talks are pre-recorded, when will I need to provide my recording?
An exact deadline will be provided to speakers once their talks have been accepted.
Right now, we anticipate needing them approximately 3 weeks prior to the event. This gives the WCUS team time to review the recording.
If pre-recorded, how will I field questions and interact with attendees to my talk?
After your talk has finished, you will move to the virtual Speaker Room where you will have a set amount of time to respond to questions from the audience. WCUS volunteers will be moderating questions for the speaker in such a way that the speaker can address as many questions as possible.
What equipment will I need?
Whether you are recording your talk or presenting live, you will need a microphone and webcam.
The day you speak, you will need an internet connection to participate in the virtual post-talk Question & Answer time.
Is there any help if I don’t have what I need?
We are exploring how to assist those without this basic equipment. We encourage you to apply either way, and let us know if you have special needs.
Will there be a moderator present for any live, interactive portions?
Yes. WCUS volunteers will be there to monitor all technical aspects of your talk. In addition they will be moderating comments and questions that come in during your presentation, preparing them for the post-talk virtual Question & Answer time.
Additional details will be shared to speakers once they have received their acceptance emails and have confirmed they are available to give their talk.
What will I need to provide in advance? (slides, bio, etc.?)
Speakers will be expected to provide a speaker bio and submit their slides in advance.
Exact dates and additional details will be given to speakers once they have received their acceptance emails and confirmed they are available to give their talk.
Will talks still be live captioned as they have been in past years?
Yes. All talks presented at WCUS 2020 will be captioned.
Will talks be published online as they have been in past years?
Yes. All talks given at WCUS 2020 and meet the WordPress.tv requirements will be published on WordPress.tv.
Are there resources and support available for speakers?
We will be providing additional resources as well as hands-on, virtual support and walkthroughs for approved speakers shortly before the conference. This way speakers will be familiar with procedures and as comfortable as possible with the format.
Have additional questions?
While we hope this eased your mind on a number of things, we know this list is far from exhaustive. If you have any additional questions, reach out to us at any time in the WCUS channel on WordPress Slack.
Join us for an Online Open Hours to Answer Your Questions!
Join us Saturday, May 9th at 12pm ET for live Open Office Hours on Slack.
Drop in where you can. Additionally, volunteers will be available to answer real time questions on the WCUS channel on WordPress Slack.
Whether you can attend or not, please reach out with any help you might need. We’re here to work with you to make WCUS 2020 the best experience possible!
Coming Soon
Watch for an opportunity for an Interactive Video Discussion where we will go over things like:
- Finding a topic for your WordCamp talk
- Talk times and formats
- Important points to include in your talk’s pitch
- Coming up with a great title
To wrap up, we’ll cover what the speaker selection process looks like and leave time for live Q&A.
What is the url for the office hours?
Hi Justin! This takes place in the WordPress Slack #WCUS channel. https://wordpress.slack.com
Are speakers paid?
Hi Laura,
WordCamps do not pay speakers, however there have been rare instances where outside entities have sponsored speakers with travel costs or a small honorarium. That’s something that is arranged outside of the WordCamp and is deal with between a speaker and a sponsoring entity.
Speaking at a WordCamp is considered a volunteer contribution to the WordPress project, just like submitting a patch to core, answering questions in the support forums, organizing a meetup (or a WordCamp!), as evidenced by the icons on WordPress.org profiles. Just as developers donate hours of time they could have been billing clients instead of writing patches for core or working in the support forums, if someone chooses to travel to speak at a WordCamp, the expectation is that they’ll cover their own expenses. Very occasionally, exceptions are made in the case of a WordPress project leader with financial need.