From the moment WordCamp Europe 2023 was announced to take place in Athens, all of us were filled with electrifying excitement. Connecting with WordPress enthusiasts from around the world in one of the most majestic Mediterranean cities is an incredible experience, and we were lucky enough to get a taste of it. Being surrounded by so many unique personalities – starting from developers and designers to bloggers and business owners – gives WordCamp Europe a new meaning and enhanced value each year. Describing the whole atmosphere in a few paragraphs is rather difficult, so we are about to share our highlights and try to depict the power and spirit of the WordPress community gathered in Athens.
Athens offers an unparalleled blend of history and contemporary, so it was the perfect host for WCEU 2023. Besides the opportunity to make new connections and explore new opportunities, each WordCamp Europe provides the chance of discovering the beauty of a distinguished city. And Athens has a lot to give! The city’s rich culture, stunning views, and warm hospitality were perfect features of this adventurous trip. All of us had the chance to enjoy the splendid history of Athens, explore exceptional landmarks like the Acropolis, taste the delightful delicacies of Greek cuisine, and relish the exciting nightlife of the city. Therefore, we can certainly say that our trip was an impeccable combination of knowledge and adventure.
Like every year, this WordCamp began with Contributor Day as well. It is one of our favorite parts of the event because we get to give back to the community that has given so much to us. Moreover, we get the chance to join forces with people from around the world who are invested in the same field as us. We all found our teams and worked hard to support the community. As always, working closely with fellow WordPress enthusiasts was an amazing and fulfilling experience!
WordCamp Europe 2023 was rich in remarkable and progressive workshops. There were a lot of them, so each attendee could find a spot in their field of interest. However, the more impressive thing was that each of the workshops was oriented and designed to establish a good path toward the future. Many of them encompassed essential notions, such as the appearance of AI and our place in the IT world with its presence. Namely, with these workshops, we got the encouragement and motivation to learn to embrace the development of new tools rather than be scared of them. Moreover, we got a new perspective on our fields of work and inspiration to improve!
The selection of speakers allowed us to get a thorough insight into how the WordPress community develops and moves toward improvements. It was an amazing opportunity to listen to the inspiring points of view of the speakers and learn how to establish our own paths for advancement. In addition, there were a lot of topics that touched on delicate notions, such as women in WordPress, upcoming generations that can change the community, as well as sustainability and our responsibility in the world.
This WordCamp Europe had a pinch of magic because we celebrated the 20th year of WordPress’s existence. It is a huge milestone considering the fact that it has changed the life of so many people with its limitless opportunities. In the spirit of the celebration, we got to enjoy a lively after-party surrounded by fellow WordPress enthusiasts and chances to connect with people with mutual ideas and minds alike.
Once again, WordCamp Europe proved to be an extraordinary gathering with so many opportunities and fun experiences. From the inspiring keynote speeches to the engaging workshops and established connections, we can genuinely say that this was a thrilling event at its finest! As the WordPress community looks forward to the next WordCamp Europe in Torino – Italy, the spirit of Athens will forever remain etched in our hearts.
