I have been doing this since 1999. Not in that "I printed a website once" way. I mean actually building digital infrastructure for businesses, watching them install software they never use, paying for platforms that require a full-time administrator just to keep the...
WordCamp North Canton Presentations
WordCamp North Canton 2014
WordPress Security – Demystified
This presentation will cover current WordPress security issues and different types of attacks. Learn how to protect your website or blog from hackers that are constantly trying to compromise networks. I’ll be sharing our favorite security plugins along with real world security stories that involved some of the biggest hosting and security companies which led to a meeting with the FBI.
WordCamp North Canton 2013
Let’s Get Social!
We will be covering how social media is becoming integrated into search engines, along with engagement strategies using Google+, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Pinterest. Lastly we will discuss Return on Investment vs. Return on Relationship.
We were a Zero Waste Event!
Zero Waste WordCamp: how WordCamp North Canton went green
The Strategy for Success
- Green Venue: They hosted the event at the Stark State College Business and Entrepreneurial Center, a LEED Silver-certified building designed for energy and water reduction.
- Zero-Waste Stations: Partnered with college students to run disposal stations that provided clear instructions on separating recyclables, compostables, and liquids.
- Sustainable Sourcing: * Lunch: Partnered with a local pizza shop (Ermanno’s) that used compostable plates, forks, and napkins.
- Breakfast: Worked with Four Kids Coffee for organic, fair-trade coffee and vegan pastries (which were a hit with attendees).
- Eliminating Plastic: They refused to provide bottled water. Instead, every attendee received a reusable water bottle at check-in to use at the building’s filling stations.
Attendee Engagement
The organizers emphasized that transparency was key. By announcing the zero-waste goal via social media beforehand and making reminder announcements throughout the day, attendees became active participants. The effort even trended on Twitter under the event hashtag (#WCNC2013).
Actionable Tips for Organizers
The post concludes with advice for others looking to “go green”:
- Recruit Conscious Teams: Start with an organizing team that values sustainability.
- Pick Green Venues: Look for LEED-certified buildings.
- Vetting Vendors: Choose caterers who already use sustainable products or source locally.
- Manage Leftovers: Research “food rescue” organizations to donate excess meals.
- Eco-Friendly Swag: Prioritize reusable items (like water bottles) and print on both sides of paper (or not at all).
- Communication: Make the mission fun and report the final results to the community so they feel part of the success.
Key Quote for Repurposing: > “Don’t do nothing because you can’t do everything. Do something. Anything.” — Colleen Patrick-Goudreau
More Than Just a Conference: The Heart of WordCamp
WordCamp North Canton is returning for its third year in 2015, and it’s about much more than just sitting in a dark room watching slide decks. At its core, a WordCamp is a community-driven casual conference that brings together everyone from casual bloggers to high-end core developers. It’s a space where the “democratization of publishing” comes to life, offering a unique mix of technical deep-dives, creative design inspiration, and savvy business strategies. Whether you are looking to master the Rest API or simply trying to figure out how to install your first plugin, there is a seat at the table for you.
Beyond the sessions, the real magic happens in the hallways. WordCamps are famous for their “unconference” feel, where the person sitting next to you might be the author of the theme you use every day. It’s an environment built on the spirit of open source: sharing knowledge freely, troubleshooting bugs over coffee, and building a local network that lasts long after the final session ends. We’ve designed this year’s event to maximize those connections, ensuring that every attendee walks away with new skills and a few new friends in the WordPress ecosystem.
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