WordCampers!!! We are only DAYS from WordCamp Chicago 2011! Can you believe it’s here already? We want this to be one of the most valuable (and priceless) experiences related to WordPress you’ve ever experienced. Oh, and we want it to be fun for you too =)
Below you’ll find many of the details you’ll need to prepare yourself for the event. If we’re missing anything, shoot an email to chicago@wordcamp.org and we’ll make sure we get it covered.
Table of Contents
- Getting to WordCamp and related events
- What you should bring to WordCamp (ticket?)
- What you should make sure you DO before WordCamp
- Will and refreshments, snacks, or lunch be provided?
- Will there be free wi-fi?
- Will there be any Unconference sessions?
- Will there be a Genius Bar?
- When are the parties?
- Get event badges
- See the schedule
- Twitter hashtag
Getting to WordCamp & Related Events
Thanks to our friends and sponsors at Mapquest, we have this handy WordCamp Points of Interest map to share (click the link for full interaction, directions, and details). It has critical locations like the DePaul Student Center (main venue), the after party location, the nearest L stop, the nearest Starbucks, and more.
Below is a snapshot of the Points of Interest map – click this link for full interactivity:
Parking information can be seen on this map of the DePaul campus. The Student Center is the long building running along Sheffield from Belden to Fullerton. The parking fees are $6/day. Limited paid street parking is available throughout this area also, but will likely only be available early in the morning.
More travel information and directions can be found here.
What You Should Bring to WordCamp
All you NEED at WordCamp is yourself. You do not need a hard ticket. Ticket links were emailed to you after you registered, and your receipt of that is confirmation you are on our list of attendees.
Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day, but a reusable water bottle is highly recommended.
You are welcome to bring your computer and there will be wi-fi available. A mobile hotspot is a great idea for internet access backup.
What You Should Do Before WordCamp
- Fill out ticket information.
All attendees should make sure they fill out all ticket information by clicking the ticket link emailed to you when you registered. This is where you’ll fill in things like your Twitter handle and T-shirt size. If you don’t complete this information you are not guaranteed to get the shirt size you desire, and will have incomplete badge information. - Get to know your way around.
Especially if you are travelling from out of town, please make sure you are familiar with the WordCamp Points of Interest map. It’ll be imperative to ensure you arrive on time to the events of the weekend. We’re from here and even we’re studying up! - Plan travel methods.
Again, especially if you are from out of town, make sure you know how you’re getting from point A to point B. There are many transportation options in the city of Chicago, including walking, the CTA bus, the CTA “L” (train), and cabs. Utilize the WordCamp Points of Interest map and the CTA website to plan your routes.
Will and refreshments, snacks, or lunch be provided?
We will be providing refreshments and snacks throughout the day, including coffee, water, soda, light breakfast, and light afternoon snacks.
Lunch will not be provided due to budget constraints (remember WordCamp Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization). However, we have arranged for a WordCamp special at McGee’s around the corner from the DePaul Student Center – $5 burger and fry lunch. Expect McGee’s to be very busy at lunch time, but the food and beer selection to be worth it. Note that this is also the location of Saturday night’s after party.
More variety in lunch choices can be found by walking towards the Fullerton / Lincoln / Halsted intersection. In this dense area of restaurants you’ll find places like Nesh Mediterranean Grill, Nans Sushi, Noodles in the Pot, Thai Bowl, Fiesta Mexicana, Pita Pit, and much more. Take advantage of your 1-1/2 hour lunch to enjoy some of the great Chicago eats!
Will there be free wi-fi?
Yes, there will be free wi-fi. Be aware that their system is very secure, and will require you to provide some information to the University so that they can issue a guest account. This process will happen during registration and will take some time. Come early (8am-ish) to avoid the crowds and we’ll get you through in a jiffy. If you cut it close, you may be in for a wait while we have everyone fill out this info.
Never a bad idea to bring a wi-fi hotspot of your own as a backup if you have one.
Will there be any Unconference sessions?
YES! Unconference session voting is happening NOW over here. The unconference session schedule, in true unconference style, will be posted the day of event AT the event. If you have a topic you’d like to moderate, email chicago@wordcamp.org and let us know.
Will there be a Genius Bar at this WordCamp?
YES! Bring your WordPress woes to the experts sitting in the lobby of the student center under the big TV. A schedule for the Genius Bar will be posted at the event. If you’d like to help at the Genius Bar, please email chicago@wordcamp.org.
When are the parties?
Now for the good stuff. Parties!
- Speaker & Sponsor Reception.
This will be at 6pm on the Friday night before WordCamp, July 29, at Las Fuentes restaurant. Dinner and drinks will be provided. See the WordCamp Points of Interest map for exact location and directions (location #6 on the map). Speakers and sponsors will receive an E-vite for this event. - Attendee Pre-Party.
Attendees up for starting the party early can head over to Paddy Long’s Bacon & Beer Bar at 1028 W. Diversey at 8pm on Friday night. Feel free to show up earlier for the All You Can Eat Fish & Chips Special ($13.95), or join us a bit later for $4 Summit Hefeweizens. See the WordCamp Points of Interest map for exact location and directions (location #9 on the map). - WordCamp Chicago 2011 Official After Party.
The Official After Party will be at McGee’s at 4:30pm on Saturday, July 30 (location #5 on the WordCamp Points of Interest map). Cost is $15 and includes beer, rail drinks, and appetizers until 7:30pm. Register for the After Party here.
Get a Badge for Your Site
Show off your attendance, sponsorship, or speaking gig at WordCamp Chicago by grabbing one of the spiffy WordCamp Chicago 2011 badges for your website.
WordCamp Chicago 2011 Schedule
This year’s schedule includes an amazing crop of mostly midwestern WordPress experts. We’ve also included a Genius Bar, unconference sessions, and plenty of time to network and meet friends. We hope you love it all…
Share WordCamp on Twitter
The hashtag for this event is #WCChicago. Tweet your little hearts out!
Will this event be live streamed or live blogged?
WordCamp Chicago will not be live streamed this year, but all sessions will be recorded to share on WordPress.tv.
WordCamp Chicago WILL be live blogged on WP Candy and on the WordCamp Chicago home page.
