A few weeks ago, I shared a few free virtual events you won’t want to miss. One of those events was the virtual WordCamp Los Angeles conference (WCLAX) which was held this past weekend (October 17-18, 2020).

WordCamps are volunteer-run conferences centered around WordPress, the free and open-source software that powers about one-third of all websites on the internet (including this blog)!

There were over 20 sessions covering the following topics: Accessibility, Beginner, Community, Design, Development, eCommerce, Modern JS, and SEO.

>> Visit the WordCamp LAX 2020 website to view recordings of all the sessions. <<

If your website or blog is on WordPress, you’re sure to find these sessions helpful!

Shortly after I registered for a free general admission ticket, I got an email from the organizers. They were putting out a call for volunteers to act as emcees and chat moderators.

I was curious to know what went on behind the scenes at WordCamps, so I enthusiastically signed up. It’s also one of the first virtual WordCamps, so it piqued my curiosity even more!

In 2019, I went to my first WordCamp in Sacramento, but this was my first time volunteering at a WordCamp.

(Disclosure: Volunteers will receive an e-gift card from an indie bookstore in LA that ships worldwide.)

Behind the scenes at a virtual WordCamp

>> Check out Day 2 Track 2 of WordCamp LAX 2020 (I was emcee for the sessions with speakers, Glen Ingram and Topher DeRosia). <<

As an emcee, I introduced the speaker and gave the title of their talk. (Very brief intro!)

While the speaker gave their bio and presentation, their slides appeared next to them on the screen. Meanwhile, I monitored the Live Chat feed. As attendees posted their questions, I copied and pasted them onto a spreadsheet that the producer would then put on an overlay slide.

In addition to the Q&A, the main responsibility of the chat moderator is to act as a safety monitor. Fortunately, I didn’t have to delete any offensive comments or kick out any unruly attendees! I didn’t expect any bad behavior to begin with – everyone (in both of my speakers’ talks) was supportive of the speaker during the Live Chat.

Finally, I wrapped up the 45-minute talk by thanking the speaker and attendees. I also told them about the optional Hallway activity immediately following the talk. In the Hallway, you get to continue the conversation and (virtually) see some of the people who attended the talk. It was informal and casual – much like an actual hallway at in-person WordCamps.

If you go to a WordCamp, consider volunteering! Overall, I learned some new skills, made new acquaintances, and had fun at virtual WCLAX 2020!