WordCamp Europe 2024: Struggles, cultural experiences, and community – Interview with organizers Ohia and Marco

How do the challenges of organizing a large event remotely impact the overall planning and coordination? 🧐
Welcome to another Osom To Know episode! Meet Ohia and Marco – one of #WCEU2024 Organizers. Together with Maciej, they explore the challenges and triumphs of planning a large-scale event, from struggles with remote organization and local supplier readiness to visa issues and the coordination of diverse activities and committees.

➡️ Ohia is a passionate designer living in Granada, Spain. When she’s not designing, she teaches English and works with NGOs doing outreach, direct service, and advocacy. If she’s not replying to emails check the forest!

➡️ Marco is a Software Engineer and WordPress enthusiast who contributed in different fields: plugin developer, WordCamp/Meetup speaker & organizer, translator, and core contributor. At the moment he’s a Head of WordPress at Hostinger.

We talk about planning of WordCamp Europe 2024 in Turin, Italy. Join host Maciej Nowak and our guests as they discuss the challenges and excitement of organizing this major event. Tune in for an engaging conversation about WordCamp Europe and the WordPress community’s impact.

Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Organizing WordCamp Europe 2024

For anyone attending WordCamp Europe, the event feels effortless – but behind the scenes, it’s a complex web of coordination. Ohia and Marco describe months of preparation, teamwork, and constant problem-solving.

“You learn that no matter how much you plan, there’s always something unexpected, but that’s also what makes it exciting — every challenge becomes part of the story.”

The organizing team worked across multiple time zones, handling everything from accessibility and sponsorship to local logistics. Each volunteer brought a different skill set, reflecting the diversity of the WordPress community itself. WordCamp Europe 2024 proved that community-driven events succeed through collaboration, patience, and shared purpose.

The Cultural Heart of WordCamp Europe 2024

Turin, with its vibrant mix of history and innovation, offered the perfect backdrop for this year’s event. Ohia highlighted how location plays a crucial role in shaping each WordCamp’s identity. The event celebrated the cultural richness of the WordPress community by blending technology with local experiences.

“Every city brings something differen. In Turin, we wanted attendees to experience the local culture, not just attend a tech conference.”

From the opening ceremony to evening meetups, the atmosphere was filled with energy and cross-cultural exchange. The team intentionally included local cuisine, art, and traditions in the program – a reminder that WordPress thrives because of its global roots.

The Power of Community and Volunteerism

Behind every WordCamp lies the commitment of hundreds of volunteers – people who dedicate their time to make the event possible. Marco emphasized how essential this spirit of giving is to the ecosystem. It’s a reminder that the community’s greatest strength lies in shared effort and volunteer passion.

“We don’t get paid for this, but what we get in return is something much bigger — connections, friendships, and the joy of seeing others grow.”

The organizers saw how this collaboration created bonds that extended far beyond the event itself. Many volunteers from previous years returned to Turin to contribute again – proof that once you join the WordPress community, you never truly leave it.

Overcoming Struggles and Learning Along the Way

No large-scale event comes without difficulties. WordCamp Europe showed that growth often comes from the struggles – not in spite of them.The 2024 edition faced unexpected hurdles – from last-minute cancellations to technical hiccups. But for Ohia and Marco, those struggles were opportunities to learn.

“The hardest part wasn’t solving problems. It was staying calm and keeping the team motivated when things went wrong.”

They emphasized the importance of communication and adaptability — two values that mirror how open-source projects succeed. Each challenge became a case study for future organizers, helping the WordPress community continuously improve.

Looking Ahead: The Future of WordCamp Europe

After Turin’s success, both organizers feel optimistic about what’s next for WordCamp Europe. The event continues to evolve, finding new ways to stay inclusive and relevant.

“We want to make sure that WordCamp Europe keeps feeling like home. It’s not just about WordPress. It’s about belonging.”

They hope future events will continue to blend innovation with empathy — creating spaces where ideas flourish, friendships form, and new contributors find their voice. The legacy of WordCamp Europe 2024 lies in its ability to inspire connection, creativity, and shared purpose across borders.

Final Thought: WordCamp is More Than an Event

WordCamp Europe 2024 proved once again that WordPress is more than software – it’s a global movement powered by people who care. The stories of Ohia and Marco remind us that behind every successful event are countless moments of collaboration, kindness, and passion.

At Osom Studio, we share that spirit. As part of the WordPress community ourselves, we believe in supporting open-source growth, meaningful connections, and projects that make a difference.

Full Conversation with Ohia and Marco

Want to hear the full conversation with WordCamp Europe organizers? Check out the latest 🎙️ Osom to Know podcast.

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