We’re getting really excited. The big event, WordCamp Atlanta 2016, is only days away.

Leading up to any event there are always questions. Some are easier to answer than others. Some can be answered with a quick link to a prior publish, some with an easy YES or NO reply. But some require a bit more back and forth.

I Have Questions. How Do I Get Answers?

There are actually several ways to get your WordCamp questions answered.

For the purpose of this article, I’m breaking questions down into two types: pre/post event and during event.

Your Pre/Post Event Questions:

There are two really great places to hop into the discussion and get your questions answered.

The first is the official #WCATL slack channel. Closely monitored by event organizers and volunteers, it’s a great place to pop in with a quick question. Depending who’s online at any given time, you will probably get an answer within minutes. (Get help with Slack here.)

The second option is Twitter. We’re closely monitoring both the event hashtag, #WCATL, and any tweets where we’re mentioned (@wordcampATL). We do our best to respond swiftly, but do remember all social media channels are managed by volunteers.

These channels won’t go dormant after the event. We’ll continue monitoring after the event’s over. So feel free to come to us, online, with any follow-up concerns, questions or comments. We want to hear them!

During The Event Questions:

Yes, we’ll still be monitoring any mentions via Slack and our social media channels, but if you’ve got a time sensitive question during the event, your best bet is to step up to a volunteer or organizer and ask him or her directly.

The registration table is always a hub of activity and someone there can always answer your questions. The Happiness Bar is also a great place to get help, whether it’s about your website itself or you just need directions to a room or want to inquire about lunch!

And, of course, there will be Q&A sessions following each speaker’s presentation. That’s a great time to get your questions about the given topic asked and answered!

Ask Away!

Don’t be afraid to ask your questions? Event volunteers are there to help. WordCamp is a learning experience, a community effort. We all want you to come away from the event with new knowledge, some new friends and connections, AND answers to your questions.

We’re sure you’re already anticipating two (or three, if you’re attending any of the three beginner workshops on Friday) days of the wonder and WOW! that is WordPress. And we intend to deliver.

But, if this is your first trip on the WordCamp Express, you might be wondering about some of the logistics.

Where It’s At!

The home of WordCamp Atlanta is the lovely Loudermilk Center.

As for where to leave your car, you’ll be parking in the United Way parking deck and parking is $8 per day.

What To Bring!

• Business Cards: You’ll want to be able to catch up with new friends and colleagues after the event, won’t you? Sharing business cards with contact information is one of the easiest ways to ensure you keep in touch.
• Tablet, smart phone, laptop: Especially if you want to have questions about your own site answered! We’d also love it if you share your thoughts on the event, between sessions – of course, on social media using our event hashtag: #WCATL.
• Your questions: Because we’re here to help get them answered!

Once You’re Inside …

Registration Begins At 8:00 AM

You’ll want to head directly, without delay, to the registration table to pick up your name tag, get any early questions answered, and meet much of the team putting on this fantastic event. From there you can then make your way around the room to see what our super-duper sponsors have on offer atop their swag tables!

Didn’t have time to stop for a quick bite on your way? No problem. Assorted muffins and other breakfast goodies are available to keep your stomach happy, too. Plus there’s plenty of coffee to keep you pepped up and perky.

This is a great time to mingle and engage in a little meet and greet, too. You’ll be wearing your name tags, which means it will be easy to recognize names and Twitter handles. Take some time to take your online connections to the next level and meet IRL.

We’ve got plenty of fun things to do and see during this time, but we’re going to keep that a surprise!

Between 8:30 and 8:45 (on Saturday) organizers and volunteers will start directing all attendees toward the main room for opening remarks before our keynote speaker, Mika Epstein (@Ipstenu) takes the stage.

The Speakers, The Sessions

With forty-eight (that’s right, 48!) different speaker sessions on offer, there’s something for everyone, from the newest users to the consummate WordPress pro. The speakers will be in four different rooms, yet there’s plenty of time to travel between sessions.

You can attend ANY session you choose, on any subject, no matter your WordPress proficiency and skill set.

Each speaker will present for 30 minutes, leaving 15 minutes for Q&A and discussion before you have to make your way to your next session.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions and engage in the conversation. None of our speakers bite!

And don’t worry if you have to choose between two or more sessions during a given time slot. You’ll be able to access the video and the slides from any presentation after the event. Keep your eye on this site for updates and links!

Lunch!

A delicious lunch is served each day, promptly at noon. You can sit at the tables in the main room or you can mix and mingle amidst the sponsors and organizers.

Happiness Bar

No, it doesn’t serve drinks. It serves up answers to your pressing WordPress questions. The area will be staffed by volunteers ready and able to assist you with your design, development, plug-in, theme and any other WordPress needs. Don’t be shy.

After Party In The Sidebar!

This is for everyone! All attendees welcome. Read this to get up to speed on all after party details.

Have Fun And LEARN!

Above all else, we hope you come away from our event feeling like you’re firmly entrenched in the wonderful WordPress community! WordPress is certainly wonderful, but it’s the people who use it, who are enthusiastic and always ready to talk about it, that make it really awesome!

You’re now one of those people! You’re a WordCamp attendee and you’re a key part of our community!

Did we miss anything?

We hope we’ve managed to give you, especially any of our first time attendees, a sense of the event. But if we missed something, we’re happy to answer your questions pre-event. Pop your question into a comment and one of our organizers will be back in touch ASAP.