If you're a WordPress user, you're not alone — in fact, 43% of the internet was built with WordPress. It's safe to say there's a massive WordPress community, and if you're not tapping into it, you're missing out. Whether you participate virtually through forums, or want to meet other folks who love WordPress as much as you do in person, the options for connection are endless. 
One of the best ways to get to know other WordPress users? Attending WordCamp, a conference that provides you with the opportunity to network, gives you a chance to hear from speakers that specialize in WordPress sites and meet organizations that create the plugins, themes, and more that you love.
If you're a WordPress user interested in tapping into the massive community this content management system has created, WordCamp Europe (WCEU) is the perfect opportunity to do so. Here's everything you need to know about the three most popular trends we expect to see for WCEU 2023.
What is WCEU?
In case you need a refresher, WordCamp Europe is an opportunity for the European WordPress community to connect and discuss — you guessed it — all things WordPress. This community-organized gathering appeals to everyone from WordPress newbies to developers that have spent years fine-tuning their WP knowledge. From the events to the chance to mingle and network with fellow WordPress users, WCEU offers an invaluable opportunity for attendees to dive head-first into the world of all things WP.
This year, WCEU is in Athens, Greece, and takes place from June 8-10. However, the conference moves around, and in the past, it occurred in Portugal, Germany, Serbia, and more. Additionally, the conference isn't only open to European WordPress users and enthusiasts — as long as you can make the trek, you can join the WCEU community. There's a massive roster of knowledgeable speakers that will dive into everything from building on WP without coding knowledge to AI to SEO and beyond.
Why is WCEU important?
In short, the answer is community. By attending WCEU, you have the opportunity to tap into a robust, knowledgeable group of professionals that use and enjoy WordPress as much as you do. According to Thomas Fanchin, Partnership Manager at Weglot (one of the event sponsors), WCEU provides a chance to connect with people that you wouldn't necessarily get to meet otherwise, as attendees are from across the globe.
Fanchin shares, "My first WordCamp experience was at WCEU in Berlin back in 2019, and ever since, WordPress has held a special place in my heart. It's an occasion where you have the opportunity to meet people and friends you've been conversing with throughout the year, making it an incredibly special experience. Witnessing people from all over the world coming together around WordPress highlights just how amazing, beautiful, and expansive the WordPress community truly is."
Agathe Medvedieff, the CEO of WP Media, which is also sponsoring the event, also enjoys WCEU for the same reason. "...For us WordCamps are mainly about meeting with our users, partners, and colleagues," says Medvedieff. It's a unique occasion to engage more personally with them, foster ideas and make new WordPress friends."
Three Trends We Expect to Dominate WCEU 2023
Ready to dive into the top three trends we expect to dominate WCEU this June? We expect to see major discussions around artificial intelligence, the necessity of collaboration and community, and how to deal with ambiguity at this WCEU. Here's everything you need to know.
Artificial intelligence.
In the midst of a changing digital landscape thanks to the widespread adoption of generative artificial intelligence tools, it's no surprise that this is set to be one of WCEU's buzziest topics. According to Fanchin, expect to hear a lot about artificial intelligence (AI).
"AI is undeniably a hot topic that seems to be on everyone's lips," Fanchin shares. "ChatGPT and other AI tools have been gaining significant traction, and we have personally witnessed this through the increasing inquiries about the incredible ways people are utilizing AI as translation tools. Brace yourself for a lot of questions surrounding this subject."
If you have questions about the intersection of artificial intelligence and WordPress websites, you're in luck if you're going to WCEU. Whether you want to learn more about the state of generative AI and WordPress, or are curious about how companies are using AI to power their sites, WCEU will answer your questions.
For those attending WCEU, don't miss these sessions that will dive into AI-centric topics:
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Take your WordPress website to another level using AI translation by Dario Jazbec Hrvatin - June 9, 2023, at 14:00 EEST
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AI in WordPress by Daniel Kanchev and Constanze Kratel - June 9, 2023 at 12:00 EEST
The value of community and collaboration.
Another trend we expect to hear a lot about during WCEU this year is the value of community and collaboration. There are so many ways to leverage the power of community to better your WordPress website — and getting to interact with other innovators in the space is an excellent way to do so.
Fanchin says, "Community is one of the foundational pillars of WordPress, and we are currently observing significant changes in the event landscape, with plans underway for the next generation of WordCamps. We can anticipate vibrant discussions revolving around this topic, as attendees from all corners of the globe will be at WCEU contributing to WordPress."
If you are attending WCEU and want to learn more about the value of community and collaboration, tap into Lovro Mrsic's conversation, "How collaboration among shoppers in Gen Z and Alpha will change social proof," on June 10, 2023, at 15:00 EEST.
Dealing with ambiguity.
And last but certainly not least, you can expect WCEU 2023 to dive deeper into the importance of dealing with ambiguity — and how to tackle it. The WordPress community is in uncharted territory in a variety of ways, from the popularity of new AI tools to uncertainty around the global economy to changes in the algorithm. By learning how to deal with ambiguity and embrace uncertainty, you can ensure your website is set up for success this year and beyond.
If you're attending WCEU, be sure to check out Ant Miller's conversation "The fidelity gap: how to embrace the unknown and succeed in development projects" on June 10, 2023, at 15:00 EEST.
Make the most of WCEU.
If you're attending WCEU, you're about to experience a transformative few days that will completely revolutionize the way you think about how you use WordPress technology. If you missed this WordCamp EU, don't worry — there's always next year!
