WordCamp US 2024 was filled with valuable insights, inspiration, and creative workflows.
WCUS reporting from Portland
In September, our staff engineer Fernando Tessman attended WordCamp US 2024 and kept the XWP team in the loop by sharing his favorite sessions and key insights in our Slack workspace. We found his reflections both insightful and entertaining, so we decided to share them with you as well.
Here are some standout talks that left a lasting impression, covering everything from innovative workflows to inspiring WordPress use cases. Enjoy!
The News Never Sleeps: How WordPress Powers The New York Post by Linnea Huxford
The New York Post has been leveraging WordPress for over a decade, marking one of the most significant migrations in WordPress history.
In her presentation, Linnea Huxford showcased the powerful editorial tools and workflows that enable the New York Post to thrive in a 24/7 news cycle. Key features included:
- Publication checklist: Ensuring quality and consistency.
- AI-generated ALT text: Streamlining accessibility improvements.
- Image collage tool: Simplifying the creation of visual content.
This talk showcased how the flexibility of WordPress powers the Post’s ability to scale and meet the demands of a modern newsroom.
Building a Block-First Digital News Platform for Pew Research Center by Seth Rubenstein
This was one of the most inspiring talks I attended. Seth Rubenstein showcased how Pew Research Center embraced Full Site Editing (FSE) and the Interactivity API to build a streamlined, block-first platform.
This approach enables seamless alignment between front-end and back-end development while providing the editorial team with an intuitive user experience for crafting pages and articles The flexibility of the block editor ensures that Pew can easily adapt its content structure as their needs evolve, making the platform adaptable and future-ready.
Highlights from the Automattic Special Projects Team by Christy Nyiri
This talk offered front-end developers and designers a glimpse into the beautifully crafted websites produced by the Automattic Special Projects Team. Though it didn’t dive deep into technical specifics, the session was full of inspiration, showing how design and engineering can come together to create visually stunning digital experiences. It was particularly impactful for those focused on creativity within WordPress.
Open Source Is Eating Software Faster Than Software Is Eating the World by Joseph Jacks
In this keynote, Joseph Jacks explored the OSS Capital thesis, highlighting why open source is currently the most significant trend in technology today.
Jacks discussed the far-reaching implications of open-source technology across fields like AI, crypto, and traditional software. This business-focused talk left me feeling optimistic about the future role of open-source technology and its potential to shape the global software ecosystem.
Unleash the Power of the Interactivity API: A New Era for WordPress by Damon Cook
This session provided a comprehensive introduction to the Interactivity API specifically geared toward developers unfamiliar with the concept.
It explained how the API can add dynamic interactivity to WordPress without heavy reliance on JavaScript frameworks. It was a great entry point for those looking to integrate more interactive elements into their WordPress projects, opening up possibilities for smoother, more engaging user experiences.
Last but not least, the XWP talks with Vox and iOne
This year, WordCamp US was especially exciting for XWP. We had the honour of having our clients join us on stage and share their insights about WordPress.
To ensure everyone could be part of the experience, we organized two watch parties for teammates who couldn’t make it to Portland. Together, we followed the talks, cheered from afar and learned more about clients we might not have interacted with.
Reinventing Vox Media’s CMS: A WordPress Migration Journey by Anique Halliday, Stéphane Boisvert, and Thomas Stang
Our CTO, Stéphane Boisvert, took the stage on Showcase Day – a new addition to the WCUS schedule – alongside Anique Halliday, Principal Product Manager, and Thomas Stang, Principal Software Engineer at Vox Media.
Their talk detailed the journey of migrating Vox Media from their custom, battle-tested and beloved CMS, Chorus, to WordPress. The decision to move was economical: the time spent maintaining and scaling a CMS can be redirected to working on new, exciting features for the audience.
The discussion highlighted how WordPress enabled Vox Media to streamline content production across its various media properties while maintaining editorial control and performance. Beyond the technical elements, the project underscored the importance of trust and collaboration—crucial lessons when working closely with clients.
The watch party was buzzing with energy! Many team members who worked on the project attended, making it a valuable learning opportunity for others to better understand the type of work we do beyond delivery. Needless to say, the memes were a hit.
Empowering Black-Owned Businesses: The iOne Digital Story by Alexandra Ungureanu and Markus Robinson
Alexandra Ungureanu, VP of Client Success & Growth Strategy, made her WordCamp debut by hosting a fireside chat with Markus Robinson, Senior Vice President of Product and Technology at Interactive One.
The iOne story is quite remarkable, beginning in 1980, when Cathy Hughes bought a radio station at Howard University, a prominent HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). She went on to build a media empire and was the first Black woman to have a publicly traded company.
This session was a powerful exploration of how iOne Digital uses WordPress to support Black-owned businesses through scalable digital solutions. Markus highlighted how technology can be a force for positive change, helping to amplify underrepresented voices and create opportunities for businesses to thrive.
The iOne network consists of over seventy websites that share 100% of the codebase. I loved hearing how the XWP and iOne teams collaborate. The talk reaffirmed that trust and teamwork are just as crucial as the technology itself. The key takeaway: “One Theme, One Team.”
Also, it featured a great highlight reel that had everyone bopping along on their seat at the venue and from home. Or so I am told by my colleagues that joined the watch party from around the world 😉
Final thoughts
WordCamp US 2024 was filled with valuable insights, inspiration, and creative workflows. Whether you’re a developer, designer, or simply a WordPress fan, there’s something for everyone!
I definitely encourage you to check out these sessions to get a new viewpoint on the future of WordPress and its impact on digital publishing.
