At our latest WordPress meetup, I had the opportunity to participate in a 30-minute speed build challenge. Honestly, it was nerve-wracking, but I’m happy to say I didn’t do too badly! It was a great reminder of how thrilling it can be to put my skills to the test in front of a live audience. More than anything, I was pleased with the number of people who attended the meetup. It shows that despite how accustomed we’ve all become to doing things online, there’s still an eagerness to connect face-to-face.
What’s special about in-person meetups
When I decided to restart these meetups, I wasn’t entirely sure what the turnout would be like. I think many of us fell into the habit of attending events online because of convenience, and that’s fair—online meetups do have their place. They’re a great solution for people who can’t attend in person and make it possible to connect globally. However, there’s something undeniably special about in-person meetups. You can feel the energy and enthusiasm, share stories, and really connect with people in a way that online interactions just don’t capture.
Personally, I’ve found myself feeling a bit jaded with the online-only experience. It’s not to say it isn’t valuable; it certainly is, especially for those who might not have the opportunity to attend in-person events. But when you get the chance to meet people face-to-face, learn from their experiences, and exchange ideas, it adds a whole new dimension to the community experience.
So, it was fantastic to see such a great turnout, and whether it was because of the content or simply the desire to reconnect in person, I was delighted. I hope it’s the latter because I truly believe that there’s a strong appetite for in-person events and learning experiences. It’s something I want to continue building on in future meetups.
What’s the point of a Speed Build Challenge?
WordPress is evolving, and with the block editor maturing, there’s so much potential to introduce new people to WordPress and show them just how easy it can be to build websites. The speed build challenge we introduced is an excellent way to do that. Jamie Marsland, who helped facilitate the event, has really created something special. The challenge is all about showcasing what’s possible with the block editor in a short amount of time, making it less intimidating for those who might be hesitant to give it a try.
Yes, there are always restrictions when you’re building a site in such a short window, and it might not be the most methodical approach. It doesn’t necessarily align with best practices, but that’s not the point. The aim is to show that you can build something quite complex, and you can do it quickly. For someone who’s never used the block editor or feels daunted by it, seeing a site come together in just 30 minutes is inspiring. It demonstrates the simplicity and the versatility of the block editor.
I wouldn’t normally build a website in half an hour—that’s far from realistic. But for newcomers or anyone who’s curious, it’s a great way to see what’s possible and to get motivated to start exploring on their own.
WordPress upfront and personal
Looking ahead, I’m excited to build on the success of this meetup. I hope we can make this a regular feature, encouraging more people to join us and engage with WordPress in person. With so much to explore, especially as the platform evolves, I want to create a welcoming space for both new and experienced users to share their journey, learn, and grow together.
If you’re in the Cheltenham area and interested in WordPress, I’d love to invite you to our next meetup. We’re committed to bringing valuable content and building a vibrant community. I hope to see you soon!
Note; featured image created by AI DALL-E
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