WooCommerce Core Days: A Conference for Developers?

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In a recent Business Bloomer Club Slack thread, a discussion emerged about the need for a dedicated WooCommerce conference for developers.

While large-scale events that mix developers and store owners exist, they can be too broad and complex to organize. Instead, the idea of a more focused, smaller-scale event—similar to the WordPress Core Days—gained traction.

Could a “Woo Core Days” be the solution? Let’s explore what such an event could look like, why it’s needed, and how it could benefit the WooCommerce developer community.

The Need for a WooCommerce Developer Conference

Many WooCommerce developers feel the lack of a dedicated event where they can discuss code, case studies, and emerging trends without the distractions of broader eCommerce topics. WordCamps, while valuable, cater to a mix of audiences, making it difficult to deep dive into technical discussions relevant to WooCommerce development.

The 2024 WordPress Core Days in Rome demonstrated the potential of small, targeted events. With about 100 attendees, it created a focused environment for developers to meet, exchange ideas, and collaborate on the future of WordPress. A similar event for WooCommerce could offer the same benefits without the complexity of a large-scale WordCamp.

What Would Woo Core Days Look Like?

A WooCommerce-specific developer event wouldn’t need to be elaborate. The key elements could include:

A Simple, Accessible Venue: A hotel venue in a major city like New York, London, Berlin, Madrid, or Rome, equipped with a screen and projector.
Focused Content: Sessions dedicated to WooCommerce development, including case studies, legacy challenges, new features, code demos, and troubleshooting tips.
Hallway Track for Networking: Informal discussions are often the most valuable part of a conference. A hallway track would encourage knowledge sharing and community building.
Sponsor-Supported Activities: Instead of traditional sponsor booths, sponsors could fund meals, social events, or excursions, making the event engaging without excessive overhead.

Potential Challenges and Solutions

One of the main concerns about organizing such an event is the amount of preparation required. WordCamps often take months to plan, but a simpler gathering could reduce logistical challenges. With support from key WooCommerce contributors and sponsors, it’s possible to keep the planning process manageable while still delivering value to attendees.

There’s also the question of WooCommerce’s roadmap. Some developers expressed concerns over WooCommerce incorporating more plugins into core, which could impact plugin businesses. A Woo Core Days event could serve as a forum for discussing these developments directly with Automattic and WooCommerce contributors, helping to shape the future direction of the platform.

Moving Forward

The idea of a WooCommerce Core Days event has sparked interest, with some developers already expressing a willingness to participate, speak, or sponsor. The next steps could involve gauging broader community interest, identifying a potential host city, and assembling a small organizing team. With enough momentum, Woo Core Days could become a reality, offering WooCommerce developers a much-needed space to connect, collaborate, and drive innovation forward.