This year, WordCamp Europe was back to being an in person event and took place on the 2-4 of June, 2022, in Porto, Portugal.

After two years of WCEU online events, it was great to be able to travel and be part of the WCEU community again in person. This was my 6th WCEU event, but the first time I have attended only as an attendee, not as a volunteer or organizer, so it was great to have more time to catch up with old friends, colleagues, meet new people and attend the talks.

This was my first time being away from both of my boys. I found it quite hard but they were in good hands at home with my husband. Previously, we had taken my eldest to WCEU Berlin in 2019, when he was a year old. But taking two boys, and with the youngest being the active monster he is, we felt it best for them to stay at home. So, I left Malaga early Friday morning, two flights later, I arrived in Porto. A quick stop at the hotel to drop off my luggage and I arrived at the WCEU venue, Super Bock Arena, in time to meet up with my colleagues and attend the talk ‘Is podcasting the future of WordPress?`, from a fellow Happiness Engineer.

A lot goes into making each WCEU a unique event and this year was no exception. The venue was great and offered loads of room for the sponsors, different tracks, workshops and places to chat and catch up with other attendees.

The only downside was that the coffee line was always really long!

I met up with WordPress contributors, who I first met back in WCEU Sevilla in 2015, as well as other Event organisers who I have worked with over the years. Many Automatticians also attended the event, so I was able to connect with colleagues I had only ever seen via Zoom before.

The after party, which was held in the same venue on the Saturday night, was the perfect end to a great event. Lots of socialising, dancing and great music! 

The WordPress community and WCEU events have been a great part of my professional journey, I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend and participate and, for anyone interested in WordPress, I would highly recommend getting involved with the WordPress community.

WCEU will be held in Athens, June 2023!