WordCamps are priceless in terms of education. Whether it’s learning how to modify a WordPress theme, selecting the right plugin, or even diving deeper into creating a successful business or agency. Alot of this knowledge comes from those in the WordPress community (local or not local) who griously donate their time (and very often their funds) to spreading this word.
And that’s the way it should be. But in terms of perspective it’s often beneficial to go outside the WordPress community – even to communities where, in one sense or another, are competitors to WordPress in certain spaces. This includes others that may work in open-source, but may use or work with a CMS that isn’t WordPress. Like Drupal or Joomla. Or might even build their own CMS, even if it doesn’t involve PHP.
We aren’t proposing learning how to build a blog with Drupal. But we do want to form a stronger bond with those in the open-source and PHP communities. It’s about looking at ideas and concepts that – because we spend alot of time with those in the WordPress world – we might not consider.
WordCamp Miami has therefore invited such ones in the last few years. This year we are proud to say some our speakers fit this idea. Particularly these speakers:
Mike Herchel
Mike started using Drupal in 2008, and has been involved in the Drupal community since 2010, and is one of the organizers for the annual Florida Drupalcamp conference. His talk title is “WordPress & Drupal: Community and Contribution Differences and Lessons”. Those in attendance are going to learn about what Drupal does differently (and similarly) when it comes to the community. What works, what still needs tuning. And comparing that to WordPress in a few key areas. Hopefully you walk away with some fresh thoughts and ideas.
Aleksander Kuczek
WordCamp Miami is very focused on diversity – and this includes ideas from a variety of sources and backgrounds.
Don’t forget to grab your ticket so you can see these and OTHER “outside the bubble” speakers on March 24-26, 2017!
Rebecca is a Michigan native and president of Web Savvy Marketing. She has as a well-rounded business background within SMB and enterprise organizations, as well as over fifteen years of experience in sales and online marketing. She provides one-on-one SEO coaching, teaches group on-site workshops, and is an SEO instructor at diyseocourses.com and seobootcamp.com.
Diana Espino is a Software Architect and Zend Certified PHP Engineer with 15+ years experience in Full Stack web development. She specializes in large-scale web applications, modern PHP and JavaScript frameworks, growing engineering teams, and creating great engineering culture. Recently, Diana was recognized by Google as a Passionate Woman in Technology. Her passion has helped produce 2 of the Top PHP Conferences in South Florida – SunshinePHP and WordCamp Miami.
Chris is a developer for UF Health at the University of Florida who has been working on WordPress since 2008. Over the years Chris built one of the largest security plugins on WordPress.org as well as numerous other plugins, themes and other solutions. When not coding Chris loves to teach and has presented at numerous WordCamps and other conferences as well as taught computer security for St. Edward’s University and other University courses ranging from computers to aviation.
A lover of all things Philadelphia who is intrigued by the constant expansion of the tech world, Jodie Riccelli began using WordPress in 2006. A graduate of Millersville University, Jodie brings 15 years of sales and marketing experience to WebDevStudios. Entrepreneurs in the real estate, music, technology and education industries have recognized her marketing expertise and ability to restructure and systemize businesses. A self-proclaimed foodie and music aficionado, she now lends her creativity to create unique web strategies and solutions for clients. 
Project lead for BuddyPress and bbPress. WordPress contributor, BackPress supporter. Cranky driver. Puppy whisperer. Naps required.