Vasken is currently the VP of Platforms and Systems at 10up, a leading provider of digital creative services for content creators. A strong believer in open source technologies, Vasken has spoken and hosted panels at numerous WordCamp, NERCOMP, and EDUCAUSE events, on subjects ranging from Green Computing to WordPress-based centralized authentication systems.
We’re thrilled to have Vasken onboard as a speaker at WordCamp Sacramento 2018 asked a few questions to help you get to know more about him. Check out our mini interview with Vasken below:
What is the topic of your WordCamp talk?
Better Search And Beyond: An Introduction To ElasticPress
Why do you think this is important?
ElasticPress helps bring WordPress search into the modern era, enabling your visitors to find content much faster. But ElasticPress is also wired directly into the WP Query engine, and can replace complex and time-consuming queries with near-instant results. This talk will introduce attendees to some of the lesser-known and most powerful features of ElasticPress.
What’s your WordPress origin story?
I first worked with WordPress at Plymouth State University in 2006, as part of an overall campus-wide IT effort to reduce costs and improve the user experience through the use of open source software and tools. It’s been love ever since!
How has WordPress impacted your world?
WordPress is not only a full-time job that pays the bills, it’s a tool that I’ve used to publish personal content and support hobby activities. WordPress is incredibly powerful and flexible, and can be used as a CMS for almost any purpose. I love learning about new implementations and different use-cases that might have been impossible a few years ago, that are now being developed with next-generation tools like the REST API.
You can connect with Vasken further at:
Get Your Ticket ASAP!
WordCamp Sacramento 2018 sold out in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and we do expect it to sell out again. Be sure to get your WordCamp Tickets asap to secure you spot at this awesome event! Tickets are only $40 (thanks to our generous sponsors) and include:
- Two full days of Beginner Tracks, walking new users through how to use WordPress.
- Two mixed tracks of sessions on Saturday.
- Two mixed tracks of sessions on Sunday.
- A Happiness Bar — our version of a help desk, open throughout the event so you can get help with your site and get your questions answered.
- An opportunity to network with and meet sponsors, speakers, and other WordPress community members, including business owners, designers, developers, agency owners, bloggers, copywriters, freelancers, site owners, and more.
- Refreshing drinks throughout the entire event.
- A WordCamp Sacramento 2018 t-shirt.
- A catered lunch on Saturday.
- A networking reception Saturday immediately following the event.
- Snacks on Sunday.