A recent online discussion touched upon a recurring sentiment within the WooCommerce community: the apparent lack of representation of WooCommerce at major WordPress events, WordCamps, and ecommerce conferences.
This sparked a conversation about talk submission rejections, the existing conference landscape, and the potential consequences of limited WooCommerce visibility.
Let’s explore the various viewpoints shared on why WooCommerce might not be getting the conference spotlight some feel it deserves.
The Challenge of Getting Ecommerce Talks Accepted
One participant shared their experience of having an ecommerce talk rejected, even when framed in general terms to avoid the perceived bias against WooCommerce-specific content.
This suggests a potential hurdle for those wanting to share their expertise and insights on ecommerce within the broader WordPress conference circuit.
It raises the question of whether there’s an oversaturation of certain topics or a specific focus that makes ecommerce proposals less appealing to conference organizers.
The Existing Landscape of WooCommerce Conferences
The point was made that there are already online conference formats dedicated to WooCommerce (such as WooSesh). This perspective suggests that perhaps the need for extensive WooCommerce coverage at general WordPress conferences is less critical, as dedicated spaces for such discussions already exist.
The idea is that a diverse range of topics should be prioritized at broader events, and WooCommerce enthusiasts already have their own platforms for in-depth learning and networking.
Online vs. In-Person Events
A crucial distinction was made between online and in-real-life (IRL) conferences. While online WooCommerce conferences are prevalent, the lack of WooCommerce presence at major in-person WordPress events like WordCamp Europe (WCEU) was highlighted as a concern.
The value of face-to-face interaction, networking, and the broader visibility offered by large in-person conferences are different from online events, and the absence of WooCommerce representation at these could have wider implications.
A sponsor booth is not enough.
A Potential Catch-22 Situation
The conversation highlighted a possible self-perpetuating cycle. If WooCommerce talks are consistently not selected for major WordPress conferences, then fewer WooCommerce professionals might feel inclined to attend these events.
This lack of attendance could then further reinforce the perception that WooCommerce is not a central topic for the broader WordPress community, potentially leading to fewer WooCommerce talks being accepted in the future.
The Importance of WooCommerce Visibility
The lack of WooCommerce coverage at major events was seen by some as a missed opportunity. With WooCommerce powering a significant portion of online stores, its absence from prominent WordPress gatherings could mean that a large segment of the WordPress ecosystem feels underrepresented.
This lack of visibility might also hinder the attraction of new individuals and businesses to the WooCommerce platform and community.
A Call for a Dedicated WooCommerce Conference Presence
Despite acknowledging the progress being made within the WooCommerce project itself, the sentiment expressed by some participants was a desire for a more formal and consistent WooCommerce presence at major conferences. The idea of a dedicated WooCommerce conference being part of the broader WordPress event landscape was suggested as a way to give the platform the dedicated attention it deserves and to foster a stronger sense of community among WooCommerce users and developers.
WooCommerce, bring back WooConf please?
Conclusion: Balancing Focus and Inclusion
The discussion reveals a tension between the desire for specialized WooCommerce events and the need for greater inclusion and visibility within the broader WordPress community.
While online WooCommerce conferences serve a valuable purpose, the perceived lack of representation at major in-person events raises concerns about the platform’s profile and the engagement of its community within the wider WordPress ecosystem.
Finding a balance that allows for both dedicated WooCommerce spaces and meaningful integration within larger WordPress conferences could be key to fostering growth and a stronger sense of belonging for everyone involved in the world of WordPress and e-commerce.
