JetBackup traveled to Portland, Oregon, for the 2024 WordCamp USA. This event presented an opportunity to connect face-to-face with the community we’ve served in the background for over a decade. Our week was filled with in-person meetings with agencies and web hosts, and laying the groundwork for future partnerships.

A Week of WordPress Contribution and Collaboration

Our week started with JetBackup’s Jason Nickerson co-leading the hosting table at WordCamp USA Contributor Day. We worked alongside some of the biggest WordPress companies in the hosting world. 

Contributor Day was about more than just discussing technical issues. Engaging with other volunteers allowed us to gain valuable insights into the community’s challenges and needs. On this Contributor Day, one key topic on the agenda is Hosting Sustainability. The hosting table discussed the importance of reducing the environmental impact and published updates to the WordPress Hosting Handbook. This includes energy-efficient server management, using renewable energy, and promoting carbon-neutral hosting options, helping align the WordPress hosting ecosystem with global sustainability goals.

WordCamp USA Hallway Track

During the rest of the week, JetBackup’s Anton Bagasao and Jason Nickerson engaged in networking and meeting current partners and potential new collaborators. Our goal was simple: to listen to and learn from those who use our products daily. The feedback we received was invaluable, as we learned about pain points, our users’ needs, and insights into where the WordPress and Web Hosting industry is headed.

Photo Courtesy of Howard Spaeth

These networking efforts and the feedback we receive allow us to effectively plan our roadmap, ensuring that JetBackup evolves in line with industry trends and user demands. We were also encouraged to see the demand for flexible, robust backup solutions growing, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this evolution.

The WordCamp USA Expo

The kickoff to the expo hall on Thursday was one of the busiest we’ve seen in recent years. We were thrilled to see so many sponsors and familiar faces and even more excited to meet new ones. The diverse WordPress community is always eager to learn and share. Whether we were discussing backup solutions or simply sharing stories about our WordPress journeys, every interaction reinforced why this community is so strong.

WordCamp Networking and Connecting

WordCamp USA shifted to fully networking mode each evening with the side events. Unlike previous years, when just a few large sponsored parties ruled, 2024 saw a shift towards dozens of smaller, focused happy hours. This approach allowed for more intimate networking opportunities and fostered deeper connections between like-minded individuals and companies.

Photo courtesy of Howard Spaeth

We attended several of these events, each offering a unique atmosphere and a chance to unwind. It was heartening to see the camaraderie among the sponsors and attendees, all of whom play a role in supporting and advancing the WordPress community.

A Jaw-Dropping WordCamp Conclusion

On the closing day of WordCamp, Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress, gave the most viral and controversial presentation in WordCamp history. His insight into his recent blog post and his dispute with WPEngine confused and disturbed the crowd.  The ongoing drama has put the focus on Matt and Automattic and is only growing as we publish this post.

WordCamp USA 2025

The announcement that the event will return to Portland next year was met with cheers. We’re already looking forward to continuing to build on the relationships we’ve formed and to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in WordPress backup solutions.