Recently in June, I had the opportunity to attend WordCamp EU 2019 in Berlin – not just as an attendee, but as a volunteer. It was my first time volunteering at such a large-scale WordPress event, and I was thrilled (and a little nervous) to be part of the team behind the scenes. I was assigned to the Happiness Bar – a friendly, open space where attendees could drop in and get help with anything related to their WordPress websites.
The Happiness Bar turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of the entire event. Alongside a team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers, I spent time chatting with WordPress users of all levels – from first-time bloggers to seasoned developers. We helped troubleshoot plugins, offered advice on themes, explained best practices, and in some cases, simply listened to people’s ideas and encouraged them. It was all about making people feel supported, welcomed, and a little more confident in their WordPress journey.
Why WordCamps Are Worth Attending
WordCamps are truly special events. Whether you’re a developer, designer, content creator, business owner, or someone just curious about the platform, there’s something for everyone. You get to:
- Learn from experts in the community through talks, workshops, and hands-on sessions.
- Network with like-minded people who are passionate about open-source and sharing knowledge.
- Discover new tools and trends shaping the future of WordPress and the web.
- Feel inspired by real stories of how WordPress is empowering people and businesses around the world.
There’s a real sense of community at WordCamps that you don’t often find elsewhere – it’s inclusive, collaborative, and driven by a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Why You Should Volunteer
Volunteering at WordCamp added a whole new layer to the experience. It wasn’t just about attending sessions – it was about giving back to the community that gives so much to all of us.
Here’s why I’d encourage everyone to volunteer at least once:
- You meet amazing people. The other volunteers, organizers, and speakers are some of the most passionate and supportive people you’ll ever come across.
- You learn by helping. Supporting others with their WordPress questions can deepen your own understanding.
- You become part of something bigger. WordPress runs on community effort, and volunteering is a way to contribute meaningfully.
- It’s fun! From working the registration desk to helping someone fix their site at the Happiness Bar, there’s joy in every little task.
Final Thoughts
WordCamp Europe 2019 was a turning point for me. It reminded me that tech doesn’t have to be impersonal or intimidating – it can be joyful, collaborative, and deeply human. Volunteering at the Happiness Bar wasn’t just about answering questions – it was about creating moments of connection and support.
If you ever get the chance to attend a WordCamp, do it. And if you can volunteer, even better. You won’t regret it.
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