Swag
Swag. My ears could pick up that word up from a mile off. Not too disimilar to when a dog hears the word ‘w a l k i e s’ (I spelt it out in case you were listening to this from a screen reader, didn’t want to send your pooch into a frenzy).
I’ve collected my fair share of swag from WordCamps and here’s a few ways to utilise your swag.
Grab your shirt
If you ordered a shirt don’t forget to collect it at registration and wear it with pride!
Stickerbomb your laptop
I for the longest time kept my laptop clean, minimal and sticker free until I caved in and popped one tiny, little sticker with my name on it. A few moments later it was covered. I have no regrets. Thank goodness Sticker Giant has us covered and they’ll be plenty for you to do the same with your laptop.
I even have the Wapuu of the North on my bike. I like to think Wapuu keeps me safe from White Walkers during my rides.
Take notes
There’s alway pens and notebooks flying around at WordCamps if you manage to grab one, use them, take notes, make lists, write down that awesome idea you just had. My 34SP.com notebook and pen is still going strong and I got that in WordCamp Belfast 2016!
Get a tatto?
Ha, whilst writing this I noticed some WooCommerce stickers from WordCamp Belfast 2016 that were actually temporary tattoos. Let’s try one for size.
What do you think? Too much or should I make it permanent? Not sure if we’ll see these at this years WordCamp but I’ll sport my WordPress tattoo!
Plently more
We don’t wanna spoil all the swag for you but they’ll be a ton of stuff available from Sticker Giant, WooCommerce, Jetpack, Siteground, Yoast and remember it’s WordPress 15th birthday some we’ll have some bits to celebrate that big milestone.
See you there. I’ll be there early filling my boots.
Neil Hainsworth
Why I volunteer for WordCamp Belfast
The first time I got to meet and hang with people into blogging, design, development and accessibility it was all brought together by WordPress volunteers.
It struck with me how charming and friendly the organisers and volunteers were and I remember thinking that’s typical WordPress.
WordCamp Dublin 2017 soon popped up and I met the familiar faces of who had by then become exclusive members of ‘people I follow on Twitter’. At the beginning of day two, there was a call made for volunteers and organisers for WordCamp Belfast 2018. I went to the lunchtime meeting added my name to the list of those interested in helping out.
Admittedly I was super nervous to begin with. I hadn’t worked in this context before. What could I offer? What if I screw up? How does one make a WordCamp?
I got an email asking us about any areas we specialise in or any areas we would like to help out with and I was then invited to our first organisers call. I was still super nervous, still feeling out of my depth, but after a few hours chatting with the rest of the team I felt so much better. The rest of the team are super experienced and experts in their own field, but they made sure I felt my contributions were worthwhile and needed. I felt encouraged not pressured even when I felt a little timid. I was one of the team.
Earlier this year I had to take time off from work due to a family bereavement. The rest of the team were really supportive and picked up all the bits I was taking care of. I have only recently jumped back in the fold. I had sorely missed the team, I now felt I really belonged to.
I am delighted I had offered to be part of the organising team of not only a WordCamp but one in Belfast, this city is class. The people are great and that has only been continuously reinforced by working with folks behind WP Belfast Meetup and WordCamp Belfast. I have learnt a ton on logistics, catering, health and safety! Inspiring I know! But not just that, I have also had the privilege of getting to know the speakers and their work, crafting a welcoming experience for people arriving in this wonderful city and getting to be creative with designing t-shirts, writing for the blog and thinking up dog puns… don’t ask… or do!
Next time I do this I reckon I will do tens times a better job knowing what it takes and having been part of a team that is inclusive and focused on delivering a great learning and sharing event while also being supportive. I definitely recommend getting involved with your local Meetup or WordCamp. You for sure, have a lot to offer. I can’t guarantee your team will be as cool as mine but knowing the WordPress community it’s more than likely. And who knows? We might be on the same team and I’m proper class! 😉
Neil Hainsworth
neilorangepeel.com
Travelling to and from WordCamp Belfast 2018
WordCamp Belfast is just a matter of days away at the time of writing this and we’re super excited. Here are some tips on getting to and between venues during your stay in Belfast.
So whether you are travelling from down the road or from down south or jetting in from overseas, hopefully we have you covered. If not give us a shout and we’ll try to help you as best we can!
Flying in
Belfast International Airport
Bus: 300 service from International airport to Europa Hotel Bus Station.
Cost: £8 single / £11 return
Taxi: From the airport to the city centre will cost around £35-£40 depending on your final destination.
Belfast City Airport
Bus: 600/600b service from Belfast City Airport to Europa Hotel Bus Station.
Cost: £2.50 single / £3.80 return
Taxi: From the airport to the city centre will cost around £10 depending on your final destination.
Most connections including the Aircoach from Dublin & ROI go to the Europa Hotel which is location in the city centre so I’ll use that as a reference point to travel to and from.
Friday 25 May 2018
Contributor Event 2pm
Farset Labs1 Weavers Court Business Park
Linfield Road
Belfast BT12 5GH
Train: The closet station to Farset Labs is Great Victoria St Station. It’s just a short (4min) walk from the station along Durham St and take a right onto Linfield Rd and you’ll find Weavers Court at the end of the road.
Walking directions from Great Victoria Street Station to Farset Labs, Weavers Court (C1)
Bus: The closet station to Farset Labs is Europa Hotel Bus Station. It’s just a short (8min) walk from the bus station along Great Victoria St and take a right at Hope St. Cross over onto Linfield Rd and you’ll find Weavers Court at the end of the road.
Google map directions from Europa Hotel to Farset Labs, Weavers Court (C1)
Saturday 26 May 2018
WordCamp Belfast Day 1
Peter Froggatt CentreQueen’s University Belfast
7-9 College Park East
Belfast BT7 1PS
Bus: 8b/8d service from just in front of the Europa Hotel. It’ll drop you off on University Road just outside Queen’s University where you’ll find the Peter Froggatt Centre.
Train: The closest station to Peter Froggatt Centre is Botanic Train Station. From there it’s a short (7min) walk down Botanic Ave and Queen’s University is on your right.
Bike: Belfast has a public hire bike scheme aptly named Belfast Bikes. You can sign up via their website and collect a bike from Great Victoria Street just down the road from the Europa Hotel and it’s just a short (5min) ride to Queen’s University where they have a docking station to return it. Visit their website for all 40 station locations dotted around the city.
Afterparty – 7.30pm, Sat 26 May 2018
Wellington Park Hotel21 Malone Rd
Belfast BT9 6RU
Directions: It’s just a short (8min) walk from Queen’s University along University Road which joins onto Malone Road where our after party venue awaits our arrival.
Google map directions from Queen’s University to Wellington Park Hotel
Sunday 27 May 2018
Belfast WordCamp Day 2
Peter Froggatt CentreQueen’s University Belfast
7-9 College Park East
Belfast BT7 1PS
Bus: 8b/8d service from just in front of the Europa Hotel. It’ll drop you off on University Road just outside Queen’s University where you’ll find the Peter Froggatt Centre.
Train: The closest station to Peter Froggatt Centre is Botanic Train Station. From there it’s a short (7min) walk down Botanic Ave and Queen’s University is on your right.
Bike: Belfast has a public hire bike scheme aptly named Belfast Bikes. You can sign up via their website and collect a bike from Great Victoria Street just down the road from the Europa Hotel and it’s just a short (5min) ride to Queen’s University where they have a docking station to return it. Visit their website for all 40 station locations dotted around the city.
I’ve included links to translink.co.uk for the different routes. If you have any trouble give us a shout and we’ll try to get you here pronto!
Safe travels and I’ll see you there!
Neil Hainsworth (M: 07545490143)