Back from Taiwan at last! Let me tell you about my experience at WordCamp Asia 2024 in Taipei.
My visit to WordCamp Asia this year proved to be even more productive in terms of seeking and finding partners for greater integration and collaboration. Because of this visit, I had the opportunity to engage in in person conversations with participants and sponsors alike. Additionally, there were plenty of gifts, swags, and giveaways, and I must say, the After Party was truly something to outline searately further in this post : )
This time around, the organizers went the extra mile to facilitate attendance by implementing the eVisa Flexible Mechanism, a special visa assistance program tailored for conference attendees.
Thanks to this initiative, citizens of countries not covered by visa exemption policies had the unique opportunity to visit Taiwan. It was truly remarkable to witness how this innovative approach made the event more accessible to a diverse range of participants.
Content Outline
Before WordCamp Starts
My journey to Taipei involved a flight with a layover in Incheon, South Korea, before continuing on to Taipei. Upon arrival, I found my hotel conveniently located in the Songshan district of Taipei. This proved to be an excellent choice, as it provided easy access to all corners of the city via the MRT (local subway system), including the venue for WordCamp Asia.
Upon landing in Taipei, I had anticipated warm and subtle weather, only to find myself amidst a cool drizzle accompanied by a gentle breeze. Surprisingly, though the city streets were immaculately clean, making strolling easy despite the weather.
Eager to explore, I wasted no time and signed up for a complimentary walking tour offered by the friendly locals at Like It Formosa. Led by knowledgeable guides, we embarked on a journey through Taiwan’s rich history, uncovering hidden gems and cultural landmarks along the way. One highlight was our visit to a serene temple nestled in the heart of Songshan district, where we were treated to insights into the local customs and traditions.
Contributors & Sponsors Day Recap
The Contributors Day and First Sponsors Day at WordCamp was an energizing experience, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and skill levels to contribute to the WordPress community.
Contributors Day welcomed everyone, regardless of their profession or level of WordPress expertise. For newcomers, there were abundant opportunities to contribute and expand their knowledge of WordPress. Tasks ranged from translating tutorial files, plugins, and themes to assisting in managing and reviewing open-source contributions.
Each participant had their own reasons for contributing to WordPress, driven by personal motivations and a shared dedication to the open-source ethos. Some sought to enhance their skills, while others aimed to give back to the platforms and technologies they rely on. Many found joy in collaborating with contributors from around the globe, working together to shape WordPress and its community into a better version with each contribution.
These first days were not only productive but also filled with heartwarming reunions and exciting new connections.
In addition to making meaningful contributions to the WordPress community, participants had the opportunity to reconnect with many old acquaintances. Moreover, the event provided a platform for forging new friendships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It was truly inspiring to witness the sense of collaboration that permeated the day as everyone came together to support and advance the WordPress ecosystem.
During the first day of WordCamp, both prominent, seasoned WordPress companies and smaller enterprises participated actively. A diverse range of sponsors, including the following, contributed to the success of the event:
- Bluehost
- Elementor
- GoDaddy
- Siteground
- Hostinger
- Omnisend
- WooCommerce
- Wedos
- Weglot
- UpdraftPlus
- Webnic
- Yoast
- Kubio
- Kinsta
- WPML
- WSForm
…and many more. For a comprehensive list of all sponsors, please refer to this page. Their collective support underscored the collaborative spirit of the WordPress community and contributed to the event’s overall success.
Some highlights captured with WordCamp participants include moments with Naoko Takano.
A tradition in the making: a photo with Horea Radu, the owner of Kubio Page Builder.
Elementor’s booth was truly impressive, showcasing their commitment to innovation and creativity in the WordPress community.
Following the sponsor days, a grand After Party took place at Maji Square, where WordCamp participants were invited to celebrate the celebration and mark the culmination of the event.
Overall, the atmosphere in After Party was lively and vibrant, with music filling the air and complimentary beer and snacks for all. Various games added to the excitement, ensuring a fun-filled evening for everyone.
At the conclusion of WordCamp, following a series of Q&A sessions with Matt Mullenweg, the exciting announcement was made about the new venue for WordCamp Asia 2025 – Manila, the Philippines!
Outcomes and Plans
During this WordCamp visit, the following partnerships and potential collaborations with WordPress companies were planned for our WordPress plugins, MasterStudy LMS and Cost Calculator:
- Integration of WPFusion with MasterStudy: This integration has already been conducted and is currently operational;
- Integration of Weglot with MasterStudy;
- Integration with Fluent CRM;
- Joining the Affiliate programs for Siteground and Hostinger;
- Exploring the possibility of migrating our WordPress themes from Envato Themeforest to WooCommerce;
- Testing UpdraftPlus account as a new sales channel for our plugins;
- Integration with InstaWP;
- Collaboration with WPointer.com for research and article writing in the Chinese language for our plugins, MasterStudy LMS and Cost Calculator;
- Numerous networking opportunities with individual WordPress developers to recruit them to our Affiliate program.
Conclusion
Well, in a nutshell, my participation in this WordCamp has been immensely fruitful, paving the way for numerous promising partnerships and collaborations for our WordPress plugins, MasterStudy LMS and Cost Calculator.
From integrating with established players like WPFusion and Weglot to exploring new sales channels and affiliate programs, we’ve taken significant steps towards enhancing the functionality and reach of our products. Additionally, the opportunity to network with individual WordPress developers and engage in collaborative projects further solidifies our position within the WordPress community. As we look ahead, we’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and remain committed to delivering top-notch solutions for WordPress users.
See you at the next WordCamp Asia 2025 in Manila, Phillippines!