WordCamp Phoenix 2012

If you’ve ever had a bad bowl of cereal, you know the dangers of pushing an expiration date.

In this case, that bowl of cereal is a smokin’ $119/night hotel deal and the expiration date is Tuesday, Jan. 31.

As much as you’ll want to curl up on the floor of Chandler City Hall to continue basking in the glow of the WordCamp atmosphere, somehow we think that isn’t a good idea. Fortunately, we’re hooking you up with a killer deal at the Crowne Plaza San Marcos Golf Resort, so you’ll have a luxurious (and less public) place to rest your head and dream of themes and plugins.

But it’s only available if you BOOK BY TUESDAY, JAN. 31 — don’t miss the bus, kids!

The day is finally here!

Yes, the speaker grid is NOW LIVE. We’ve got everyone from plug-in writers to a NASA technology strategist to a “digital alchemist.” (There may also be something about amateur sculpting and eating sushi in a couple of those bios.)

Basically, you should be excited.

Want to spread the word about WordCamp?

Here is a press release with language you can use to promote the event to your friends and colleagues. Go ahead — shout it from the rooftops! (And by “rooftops” we mean “e-mail,” and by “shout” we mean “mass distribute to people with good taste who won’t peg you for spamming.”)

On to the press release…

Event Coordinator: Dallin Harris | Skyhook Marketing | 480-678-1606 | dallin@skyhookmarketing.com

Media Contact: Ty Largo: 480-275-8888 | ty@writetoup.com | UpAgencyPR.com | @UpAgency

Ultimate DIY Website Conference Helps Small Biz Beginners, Advanced Web Developers and Even Kids. . .

WordCamp Phoenix Returns to Chandler as
One of the Nation’s Largest WordPress Education Events

Chandler, Ariz. — There’s a good chance your favorite blog, website or online store is powered by WordPress, the free online DIY website software that has put web publishing power in the hands of anyone with a keyboard and Internet access. February 24th-26th, more than 650 small business owners, non-profit agencies, realtors, photographers, designers, journalists and even kids will swarm downtown Chandler to learn easy website publishing and development at the 2012 WordCamp Phoenix.

The non-profit event brings together WordPress enthusiasts from around the globe to share best practices and strategies for a wide variety of businesses. Headlining speakers include Lisa Sabin (@lisasabinwilson), author of WordPress for Dummies, Sean Herron (@seanherron), Technology Strategist at NASA Headquarters and Jane Wells (@janeforshort), Head of User Experience at WordPress.com. Users of all skill levels and backgrounds are encouraged to attend.

“It’s an amazing mix of folks at all ability levels,” said Dallin Harris, one of the event’s organizers. “I’ve watched small business owners go from zero net knowledge in the 101 class to publishing their own business website by the end of the conference.”

Not just for novices, WordCamp Phoenix has become the valley’s must-attend networking and continuing education event for professional web developers. A series of panel discussions and workshops aim to cultivate a creative community among design, web development and communication professions.

Several of last year’s popular activities will return, including FREE Friday workshops and an after party hosted on the beautiful grounds of Chandler’s new City Hall. Other highlights include:

• Saturday classes and talks geared toward specific industries such as publishing & media, eCommerce, visual arts, education, government, nonprofit and real estate
• Developers’ Day and WordPress for Kids hosted at Gangplank on Sunday
• And for networking fun, a Friday evening bar crawl and ice cream social

Tickets are $35 and are available at phoenix.wordcamp.org/2012/attend/register/

Ticket holders get access to more than 30 sessions, classes and networking events across 3 days. As an added bonus, event sponor WP Engine will supply each attendee with free lifetime website hosting.

The Friday workshops are open to the public at no cost. For updates on speakers and scheduling, visit phoenix.wordcamp.org/2012.

WordCamp Phoenix 2012
Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26
Chandler Center for the Arts | 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ 85225
https://2012.phoenix.wordcamp.org | Facebook.com/PhxWordCamp | twitter.com/phxwordcamp

Pretty sure you know WordPress inside and out?

Don’t be “THAT person” in the back that won’t stop raising your hand to answer every question in an ongoing attempt to one-up the teacher and prove your WordPress prowess. (OK but seriously, it’s time to lay to rest whatever residual habits you have from 7th-grade math.)

But before you start pouting and making other plans, you should realize we’re not asking you to sit down and keep your mouth shut. On the contrary, we’re inviting you to speak. (Weren’t expecting that one, were you?)

If you’ve got what it takes, we want to hear it.

Send us a message and let us know you’re interested in speaking. We can’t take everyone, so get on that! The ultimate deadline for speaker submissions is Friday, January 13 at 11:59 p.m. (Yes, we realize that’s Friday the 13th. We’re not scared. Psh.)

Oh, and no black cats or ladders as props during your presentation.

The day has finally arrived! Tickets are now available for WordCamp Phoenix 2012.

Remember, these are going to fly off the shelves faster than this season’s hottest Christmas gifts — if you wait, you’re going to miss out. (And we’re pretty sure WordCamp is more fun than the latest version of Tickle-Me-Elmo or a box set of The Wiggles DVDs.)

P.S. Been too busy tinkering with WordPress to bother getting your Christmas shopping done? We’ve heard a WordCamp ticket is the perfect gift for all the techies on your holiday list. (Unless, of course, they prefer The Wiggles. We’re not here to judge.)