There’s been quite a bit of chatter regarding if we are having BuddyCamp Miami again this year:

https://twitter.com/modemlooper/status/422441115157942272

https://twitter.com/JJJ/status/422454571365969920

@chrislema @dimensionmedia I need to get out more! A BuddyCamp would be a great excuse. *hint, hint!

— Sarah Gooding (@pollyplummer) December 18, 2013

So let’s go for it.

What Is A BuddyCamp?

BuddyCamp is a mini-conference (a conference inside a conference – almost inception-like) that focuses on the BuddyPress and bbPress plugins. This unique conference focuses on how you can use these plugins as you use WordPress to build sites for you or your clients.

As of now, the schedule follows a traditional WordCamp format, with beginner sessions along with designer / developer presentations. Key people and contributors will be speaking, answering questions, and hanging out.

Looking For Speakers

Are you be interested in being a presenter at BuddyCamp? Perhaps you’re a BuddyPress developer or if you want to show off your BuddyPress site? Applications are open!

Full details are available on our speaker submission page. Deadline for submissions are the same as WordCamp speaker submissions at this time:  Feb. 3rd, 2014.

Many details are being worked out, so the sooner you submit your speaker application the better we can plan.

What is the date for BuddyCamp Miami 2014?

The date has not been decided yet – but it will be either May 9th or May 11st, 2014.

Be a BuddyCamp sponsor!

BuddyCamp, is a not-for-profit, community organized event that relies on the generosity of the community to bring it to life. If you’re interested in directly supporting BuddyCamp Miami, please see our sponsors page.

Tickets coming soon!

Watch this site (or jump on our mailing list) for ticket announcements in the upcoming days. You can also follow us on Twitter at @wordcampmiami for more details.

Please spread the word, and we look forward to seeing many of you at the second BuddyCamp in Miami!

Thanks,
The BuddyCamp Miami planning team

The dates for WordCamp Miami have changed. The new dates are May 9th, 10th, and 11th 2014.

We will be sending these dates to applied volunteers, speakers, and to our mailing lists.

Why the change?

Several reasons. Our old dates were on a holiday weekend in the US, which presented some concerned regarding travel, traffic, and hotel availability. Also we are preparing several SPECIAL and SECRET events and activities that required some resources and the May 9-11, 2014 dates. If you know about WordCamp Miami (and the people that help organize it) or know how much planning it takes to put one together, you know that we wouldn’t make this change unless it’s a change that benefit everyone as a whole. We greatly appreciate your patience.

What else has changed?

Nothing, just the dates. Even the venue is the same.

Mother’s Day Is May 11th

Yes it is. Therefore we are planning on calling WordCamp Miami Sunday “WORD TO YOUR MOTHER” day.

What are you planning for WordCamp?

Here’s a few tidbits:

– BuddyCamp/bbPress Miami 2014 is being highly considered. It would be the second BuddyCamp for Miami.
– Multiple beginner’s workshops.
– Doubling the size and scope of the after party.
– Contributor Day (actually contribute to WordPress, whether you are a developer or not).
– Special sponsored events.
– If you’ve been to all past WordCamp Miami events, we’ll have something special for you.
– In honor of our 5th anniversary, there will be some unique surprises for everyone.

Like every year, we plan on having multiple sessions devoted to design, front-end development, business, and advanced developer tracks.

If you have a suggestion – something you want to see at WordCamp Miami – feel free to drop us a comment.

WordCamp Miami 2014 will be held that the University of Miami, in the brand new Student Center building. The venue holds 700 people and everything is located on the third floor of the massive building. First floor has various restaurants, second floor has offices (with some nice seating areas if you want to get away from the WordCamp crowds briefly to talk or rest). There is also a large outdoor balcony (able to hold 50+ people) that overlooks the river – great area for a speaker’s lounge or Happiness Bar.

This is the first time we’ve been at this venue and are very excited. Sponsors will be happy to know that they’ll be completely indoors this year, and that attendees will have probably the easiest access to talk and interact with them.

These are pictures I took of the venue while attending another large-scale event. Consider this a preview! If you need need directions or want to learn about the hotels in the area, read our location page.

Note: The pictures were taken at night – instead of blackness, imagine any windows showing a view of the water.