How To Avoid Mind-Numbing Overwhelm At WordCamp

If you have looked at the WordCamp Sacramento Schedule, I’m sure you’ve noticed that there are A LOT of sessions to choose from and A LOT of content to absorb. And, if when checking out the schedule, you felt a little overwhelmed, that’s okay! You’re not alone.

I go to a lot of conferences and rarely do I ever sit in every single session, one after another, all day long. Not only because my brain needs a break to process what I have heard and learned so I actually remember it later, but also because I need a break! Trying to take in every scrap of information is a recipe for overwhelm. So instead, I pick and choose the sessions that sound the most interesting to me and take a break when I need to.

If you’re like me, and you want to get the most out of your WordCamp weekend without experiencing mind-numbing overwhelm, I’ve got some tips to help:

TIP #1: We’ll be providing you the links to the slides for every single speaker’s presentation (it’s required), so you don’t need to frantically take notes and try to write down every single thing. listen to the sessions and be present and just make note of things you want to dive into or look into later.

TIP #2: When I attend presentations like those at WordCamp, I look for one key take away that I can use or apply in my business from each session. That’s it.

TIP #3: Sit in the front of the room. When I sit toward the back I am more easily distracted and it’s harder to see the slides and engage with the speaker. Do yourself and the speaker a favor and sit as close to the front as you can. You’ll be able to see the slides better and you’ll have a better experience in the session.

TIP #4: Don’t freak out about trying to go to everything or missing some sessions that are at the same time. You’re not going to be able to go to everything. Accept it. Make peace with it. Then relax. Maybe encourage some of your friends, coworkers, or peers to come with you to WordCamp, divide and conquer, and then share key things you learned and key tools you discovered during lunch, the after party, or a fun dinner out after WordCamp on Sunday.

TIP #5: It’s okay to miss a session. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or you’re coming close to your mind exploding, it’s okay to skip a session and mingle with others in the “Hallway Track” or go chat up our awesome sponsors who will have snacks. Our sponsors are incredibly knowledgeable and most of the time can answer questions about business, WordPress, and recommend tools just as well as they can talk with you about their own products and services.

TIP #6: Are you an introvert and need some quiet time away from the crowds of WordCamp? Take a walk around the block, walk through the Convention Center, step out onto the balcony in the sponsor area, walk across the street and explore Capitol Park, or sneak out the back doors and relax on the terrace for a bit to recharge.

TIP #7: Take a pit stop in the Happiness Bar! Just like our monthly meetup Hands-On Help Nights, where you can show up and get help with your WordPress website, we’ll be running a Happiness Bar throughout WordCamp. In fact, we’ll have an entire room setup with tables and chairs you to relax in, hang out in, and get help in.

Get Your Ticket Today

By the way, if you haven’t secured your WordCamp Sacramento ticket yet, you should do so ASAP! Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss this event.