The WordPress Guide to CloudFest

Imagine a conference where the biggest cloud hosting companies, WordPress experts, and innovators gather to discuss the future of the internet. That’s what CloudFest is all about: preparing for the future. 

As WordPress continues to dominate the web, powering 40% of the top websites, its presence at CloudFest has grown significantly. This year, CloudFest is fully embracing WordPress by offering a specialized lineup of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to expand the WordPress ecosystem.

Our WordPress Guide to CloudFest is your go-to resource for making the most of WordPress content and networking at CloudFest 2025. Whether you’re a previous attendee or a first-timer, you’ll find valuable insights to enhance your CloudFest experience.

Table of Contents:

1. The Evolution of CloudFest
2. The Advancement of Open Source at CloudFest 
3. Why CloudFest Matters
4. What to Expect at WP Day 2025 at CloudFest
5. Key Themes at CloudFest 2025
6. CloudFest 2025 WordPress Sessions
7. Navigating the CloudFest 2025 Venue
8. Europa Park Transportation Options & Tips
9. CloudFest 2025 Networking Tips
10. Boosting Your WordPress Footprint at CloudFest
11. Connecting with the WordPress Community
12. CloudFest Networking After Dark
13. Your Private Playground at CloudFest: Europa-Park
14. Best Europa-Park Hotels for CloudFest
15. Dining at CloudFest
16. Exploring the Charm of Rust
17. Maximizing ROI
18. See you at CloudFest!

The Evolution of CloudFest: From WHD to the World’s Leading Cloud Event

CloudFest started as World Hosting Days (WHD) in Germany about two decades ago, and it eventually became one of the leading web hosting events. With the rise in its popularity, WHD expanded outside Europe with WHD.usa in Las Vegas, which brought great networking and business opportunities for everyone. This growth came with the fall of HostingCon, which, along with other factors, made WHD the strongest hosting event.

In 2018, WHD changed its name to CloudFest to mark the incorporation of cloud services and new technologies. CloudFest Europe in Europa-Park became the headline event and started receiving thousands of attendees from different nations. This also shifted the focus to Europe as opposed to the US, resulting in a full industry event.

To expand its presence back to the U.S., CloudFest USA launched in Austin, Texas, in 2023. It’s co-opting with the highly successful NamesCon event, established the leading Digital Asset Conference in the country. With a growing audience, the event moves to Miami in 2025, a location sure to be a hit with both the US and International Markets.

The Advancement of Open Source at CloudFest

Since its inception, CloudFest has aimed to promote and cater to many open-source content management systems (CMS). For example, in 2018, Joomla was given a sponsored booth to advertise its open-source CMS, which helped the Joomla Community promote its project to the 6,500 attendees. Likewise, CMS Garden, a consortium that supports open-source CMSs, has received CloudFest’s goodwill and free floor space to promote WordPress, Typo3, Joomla, and others.

In 2020, CloudFest sought to launch the Web Professional Arena, intending to host a flourishing collaboration for web professionals using open-source systems. Unfortunately, CloudFest canceled the event due to the onset of COVID-19. Not giving up, after a virtual CloudFest in 2021 with a focus on WordPress, CloudFest sought to further extend its aid to the open-source CMS community and introduced WP Day in 2024 as part of its 20th-anniversary celebrations, dedicating the first day of the event to WordPress-focused sessions and discussions. 

Why CloudFest Matters: The Numbers Tell the Story

Apart from being the biggest conference on the Internet infrastructure, CloudFest is a special event for WordPress users, developers, and companies to network and remain relevant in the industry. The connections and business deals that would have otherwise taken months of emails and meetings can be finalized in days while basking in the backdrop of Europa Park. And yes, it’s a lot of fun too.

The Importance of These Statistics for You 

• Over 9000 registrations symbolize unmatched networking potential. If you are a WordPress agency owner, plugin developer, or hosting provider, prospective partners, clients, and collaborators are virtually everywhere. 

• Deal Maker attendees are at 43%, which is great because now you directly have someone who can make the decision. This opens the door for securing a hosting partnership or an enterprise client. These are fast growth conversations. 

• More than 90 countries represented is a massive benefit because you are globally exposed. 

What Do These Concentrations Mean for WordPress Users? 

• 31% of attendees come from Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), while 28% are from MSPs and System Integrators. Their focus allows WordPress companies to get face-to-face with hosting services, integration services, and other ITK partnerships.

• 18% Corporate IT coverage paves the way for enterprise-level WordPress projects with large-scale implementations. 

• Open Source specialists (4%) fit well into the WordPress community’s open-source culture and motivate discourse on collaboration and innovative problem-solving. 

If you want to expand your WordPress business globally, here is your chance to interact with industry stakeholders from the markets you need to penetrate.

What to Expect at WP Day 2025 at CloudFest

WP Day at CloudFest 2025 is Monday, March 17, 2025, and is expected to provide a fulfilling afternoon of activities related to the WordPress ecosystem. Participants are guaranteed to learn from the most reputable names in the industry and gain invaluable information to take action on. 

WP Day will provide a selection of sessions focused on the latest developments within the WordPress community. 

For WordPress developers, CloudFest is more than just a conference; it’s a chance to shape the future of open-source hosting, form strategic partnerships, and explore cutting-edge advancements in security, scalability, and AI integration.

Here’s a current breakdown of the WordPress-focused sessions at WP Day 2025:

Monday, March 17, 2025

🕑 2:00 pm – 2:10 pm CET – Welcome to WP Day: Intro Session

📍 Location: La Scala, Hotel Colosseo

🎤 Speaker: Jonathan Wold, CEO at Guildenberg, Inc.

Kick off WP Day with a warm welcome from Jonathan Wold, setting the stage for an afternoon filled with insightful discussions, expert panels, and keynotes.

🏡 2:10 pm – 2:40 pm CET – Hosting WordPress in 2025

📍 Location: La Scala, Hotel Colosseo

🎤 Speaker: Andrei Kugaevskii, Product Manager at WebPros

What does WordPress hosting look like in 2025? Andrei Kugaevskii dives into the future of WordPress hosting, covering key trends, performance optimizations, and the evolving needs of WordPress users. This session is a must-attend for hosting providers, developers, and agencies looking to stay ahead of the curve and build a hosting infrastructure that supports modern WordPress sites.

🔥 2:40 pm – 3:20 pm CET – Fireside Chat: Empowering a Decentralized Web: How WordPress is Shaping the Future of Digital Freedom

📍 Location: La Scala, Hotel Colosseo

🎤 Speakers:

• Mary Hubbard, Executive Director, WordPress at Automattic, Inc.

• Moderator: Jonathan Wold, CEO at Guildenberg, Inc.

Explore how WordPress plays a pivotal role in fostering digital freedom through decentralization and open-source innovation.

🤖 3:20 pm – 4:00 pm CET – AI Meets WordPress

📍 Location: La Scala, Hotel Colosseo

🎤 Speakers:

• Chris Lubkert, Co-Founder at Extendify

• James LePage, AI Lead at Automattic

• Miriam Schwab, Head of WordPress Relations at Elementor

• Jakob Trost, CTO at Greyd GmbH

• Moderator: Jesse Friedman, Head of WP Cloud at Automattic

AI is rapidly shaping the future of WordPress, from content creation to site automation and enhanced security. This panel discussion brings together industry leaders who are pioneering AI-driven advancements within the WordPress ecosystem. Learn how AI is revolutionizing website development, hosting, and user experiences, and explore the challenges and opportunities that come with AI integration in WordPress workflows.

🖥️ 4:30 pm – 5:10 pm CET – Panel Discussion: Hosting as a Product and Not Just a Service

📍 Location: La Scala, Hotel Colosseo

🎤 Speakers:

• Aaron Campbell, Director of Product at A2 Hosting

• Marcel Bootsman, Business Development Manager Dutch & DACH Markets at Kinsta

Industry leaders discuss how hosting is evolving into a product-driven service, focusing on customer experience, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

🌍 5:10 pm – 5:30 pm CET – Keynote: Domain Name Industry Trends Impacting WordPress Usage

📍 Location: La Scala, Hotel Colosseo

🎤 Speaker: Andy Simpson, Senior Director of Strategy and Analytics at Verisign

Gain insights into the latest trends in the domain name industry and how they influence WordPress site ownership and development.

🛡️ 5:30 pm – 5:50 pm CET – Keynote: Adding Layers to Maximize WordPress Security Strategy

📍 Location: La Scala, Hotel Colosseo

🎤 Speaker: Oliver Sild, CEO at Patchstack

Learn about effective security strategies to protect WordPress websites from evolving cyber threats.

👋 5:50 pm – 6:00 pm CET – WP Day Wrap-Up

📍 Location: La Scala, Hotel Colosseo

🎤 Speaker: Jonathan Wold, CEO at Guildenberg, Inc.

Jonathan Wold closes the day with key takeaways and highlights from the sessions, preparing attendees for the networking opportunities ahead.

Key Themes at CloudFest 2025

Following the first day of WordPress Sessions, CloudFest will kick off the Main Event with an exciting lineup centered around three key themes, each designed to inspire, challenge, and ignite conversations that will shape the future of the cloud and web industries.

Each one of these themes could typically be a single conference theme, but at CloudFest, you get three shows in one! These key themes translate well into your WordPress-based business, from the biggest buzz in technology to security and disaster recovery to support and services.  

CloudFest 2025 WordPress Sessions: Must-Attend Talks

While WP Day offers a comprehensive lineup of WordPress-focused sessions, there are additional talks throughout CloudFest that WordPress professionals won’t want to miss. These sessions provide valuable insights into future skill development, service building, and how emerging technologies can benefit the WordPress ecosystem. With rising security concerns, performance optimization needs, and the increasing complexity of managing high-traffic WordPress sites, CloudFest 2025 provides a platform for real-world solutions. Hosting providers, plugin developers, and core contributors will tackle these challenges head-on.

📊 TUE March 18th, 2025: 11:50 am – 12:20 pm CET – WordPress by the Numbers

📍 CloudFest Academy, Rock Café

🎓 Diamond PLUS Academy: WebPros (Powered by WebPros)

Join this Academy session for in-depth discussions and actionable insights into the latest WebPros solutions designed to boost your WordPress business.

🥊  TUE March 18th, 2025: 2:35 pm – 2:45 pm CET – The Future of Open-Web Publishing in the Age of AI: Why WordPress Matters

📍 Location: Ring Stage, Dome

🎤 Speaker: James LePage, AI Lead at Automattic

Join James LePage as he explores the evolving landscape of open-web publishing amidst the rise of AI technologies. Learn how WordPress remains a vital platform for preserving digital freedom and empowering creators in a world increasingly influenced by proprietary ecosystems and AI-driven content platforms.

🥊 TUE March 18th, 2025: 2:55 pm – 3:05 pm CET – Heavyweight Hosting: Why Your WordPress Site Needs a Knockout Infrastructure

📍 Location: Ring Stage, Dome

🎤 Speaker: Roger Williams, Community Manager at Kinsta

In this fast-paced “Elevator Punch” session, Roger Williams explains why robust infrastructure is critical for the performance, security, and scalability of WordPress websites. Discover how choosing the right hosting provider can give your site the “knockout punch” it needs to outperform competitors and ensure optimal user experiences.

🥊 TUE March 18th, 2025:  3:15 pm – 3:25 pm CET – Building Large-scale Website Systems for Franchises

📍 Location: Ring Stage, Dome

🎤 Speaker: Sandra Kurze, COO / CMO at Greyd GmbH

Sandra Kurze shares insights into how franchises can leverage WordPress to manage large-scale website systems efficiently. Learn best practices for maintaining brand consistency, simplifying content management, and scaling digital infrastructure across multiple locations—all while keeping operational costs under control.

🏗️ TUE March 18th, 2025: 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm CET – Seamless Integration of WebPros Products: A Hands-On Demo Session

📍 Location: CloudFest Academy Petit Paris, Petit Paris

🎤 Speaker: Aleksandr Redikultsev, Product Manager at WebPros International GmbH

This hands-on demo session is ideal for WordPress professionals seeking to streamline their workflow. Aleksandr Redikultsev will demonstrate how to seamlessly integrate WebPros products, improving efficiency and enhancing your WordPress service offerings. Get practical insights into tools that can help you deliver better results for your clients.

🏆 TUE March 18th, 2025: 4:15 pm – 5:00 pm CET – Gold Academy Session: Automattic

📍 Location: CloudFest Academy Petit Paris, Petit Paris

Join Automattic, the powerhouse behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, and Jetpack, for this Gold Academy Session. This deep dive offers WordPress professionals the chance to gain firsthand insights from one of the industry’s most influential companies. Explore topics ranging from innovations in WordPress services to best practices in scaling solutions for businesses of all sizes.

🧩 TUE March 18th, 2025:  4:40 pm – 5:00 pm CET – How AI is Presenting Opportunities and Risks for WordPress Hosters

📍 Location: NameStudio API Arena Stage, Foyer

🎤 Speakers:

• Chris Lubkert, Co-Founder at Extendify

• Andreas Gauger, CEO at OpenXchange

• Pete Urmson, CEO at Spotzer

AI is rapidly transforming the hosting industry, and WordPress hosters are at the forefront of both its opportunities and risks. Join this panel discussion to explore how AI can enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and address potential vulnerabilities. Hear insights from leaders shaping the future of WordPress hosting and discover how to stay competitive in this evolving landscape.

🎓  WED March 19th, 2025: 10:15 am – 11:00 am CET Gold Academy Session: Automattic

📍 CloudFest Academy, Petit Paris

🎤 Gold Academy Session 

Join Automattic for an in-depth session covering innovations and the future of open web technologies.

🚀  WED March 19th, 2025: 11:05 am – 11:15 am CET – WordPress at Scale: How Open Source Powers the Enterprise

📍 Location: Ring Stage, Dome

🎤 Speaker: Ronny Marx, Commercial Director at Syde GmbH

Enterprise organizations increasingly rely on WordPress for large-scale, high-performance websites. In this fast-paced Elevator Punch session, Ronny Marx explores how open-source technology and the WordPress ecosystem provide scalability, flexibility, and security for enterprise-level deployments. Learn how businesses can harness WordPress to power mission-critical digital experiences.

🧠 WED March 19th, 2025: 11:15 am – 11:25 am CET – Building AI-Ready Skills for Tomorrow

📍 Location: NameStudio API Arena Stage, Foyer

🎤 Speaker: Sara Rego, VP Commercial at Team Internet

This session focuses on the essential skills needed to stay ahead in an AI-driven digital landscape. Sara Rego will explore practical steps WordPress professionals can take to future-proof their careers and integrate AI technologies into their services.

💼 WED March 19th, 2025: 11:25 am – 11:35 am CET – Beyond Infrastructure: Building a High-Value WordPress Service with Kinsta

📍 Location: NameStudio API Arena Stage, Foyer

🎤 Speaker: Marcel Bootsman, Business Development Manager Dutch & DACH Markets at Kinsta

Marcel Bootsman dives into how agencies and developers can move beyond just hosting to offer high-value WordPress services. Learn strategies to differentiate your offerings, improve client retention, and leverage infrastructure for scalable solutions.

🥊 WED March 19th, 2025: 11:35 am – 11:45 am CET – Speed, Security & Scalability: The Pillars of an Independent Digital Strategy

📍 Location: Ring Stage, Dome

🎤 Speaker: Svilena Peneva, Head of Partnerships at WP Engine

In today’s digital landscape, speed, security, and scalability are non-negotiable for businesses and developers looking to build a future-proof WordPress presence. In this fast-paced Elevator Punch session, Svilena Peneva of WP Engine will discuss how an independent digital strategy focused on these three pillars can empower businesses to innovate faster, protect their data, and scale efficiently.

🥊 WED March 19th, 2025: 12:00 pm – 12:10 pm CET  The Knockout Strategy: How MSPs Can Save Time, Cut Costs, and Scale with Managed Hosting

📍 Ring Stage, Dome

🎤 Roger Williams, Community Manager at Kinsta (Powered by Kinsta)

This talk is about MSPs’ business growth and why partnering with a managed host is a knockout strategy that leads to higher profits, lower costs, and better client service.

🥊 WED March 19th, 2025: 12:10 pm – 12:20 pm CET

📍 Ring Stage, Dome

🎤 Elevator Punch Partner: Extendify (Powered by Extendify) Moderator: Robert Jacobi

Extendify presents a quick, impactful look at optimizing the WordPress user experience.

🛡️ WED March 19th, 2025: 12:15 pm – 12:35 pm CET – State of WordPress Security

📍 Location: .COM Ballroom, Ballsaal Berlin

🎤 Speaker: Oliver Sild, CEO at Patchstack

Security is a top priority for every WordPress professional. In this keynote, Oliver Sild provides the latest insights into the WordPress security landscape, highlighting emerging threats, recent vulnerabilities, and best practices to safeguard websites in an evolving threat environment.

🚀 WED March 19th, 2025: 4:00 pm – 4:10 pm CET – Unveiling Max Web Server: Raising the Bar in Performance and Security

📍 Location: Main Stage, Ballsaal Berlin

🎤 Speaker: Igor Seletskiy, CEO & Founder of CloudLinux

Discover Max Web Server, a free, NGINX-based Apache replacement included with CloudLinux OS. Igor Seletskiy will discuss how this innovation delivers superior WordPress performance, full .htaccess support, and seamless integration with Imunify360 for top-tier security—empowering hosts to enhance speed, stability, and efficiency at no extra cost.

Exploring the CloudFest Hackathon

The weekend before the main event is the annual CloudFest Hackathon, where collaboration meets creativity with the participation of developers, designers, and industry professionals to tackle real-world problems. The 2024 Hackathon witnessed significant advancements in the WordPress ecosystem, with projects focused on bettering security features and enhancing user experience. 

As we look toward 2025, there is an electrifying air of anticipation as new developments are already underway. From accessibility features to development tools that extend the capabilities of WordPress, the next Hackathon will be bursting with innovative ideas and practical solutions.  Check out the 2025 projects here and meet the winners during the following sessions:

💻 TUE March 18th, 2025: 3:55 pm – 4:40 pm CET – CloudFest Hackathon Results: The Hackers Strike Again!

📍 Location: Ring Stage, Dome

🎤 Moderator: Carole Olinger, Head of CF Hackathon at CloudFest

See innovation in action as the CloudFest Hackathon teams present their latest solutions to real-world challenges. Moderated by Carole Olinger, this session showcases how collaboration between developers, designers, and industry experts drives innovation within the WordPress ecosystem and beyond. Discover new tools, concepts, and technologies that could reshape the future of the web.

Navigating the CloudFest 2025 Venue

CloudFest veterans familiar with the show and park will have no trouble navigating the crowd of over 9,000 attendees. However, even longtime attendees will notice some key changes this year. 

If you’ve been attending the event for years, you’ve likely seen how industry consolidations and acquisitions have affected the total number of booths and the overall expo layout. It’s pretty easy to understand. Just seven years ago, Plesk, cPanel, WHMCS, Xovi, SiteJet, etc., would have had their own booths, but now they are all under the WebPros brand. 

This industry consolidation continues, but despite this, due to the high attendance each year, the expo floor will still be at full capacity and buzzing with activity. For WordCampers, picture the busiest expo hall you’ve experienced and multiply it by ten.

One of the most significant changes is the location of the keynotes. They’re no longer held in the dome but have been moved to the stage near the Goethe Room and VIP Lounge. Meanwhile, the dome will feature the “ring stage.” This stage will host start-up talks, elevator “punch” pitches, and WordPress sessions. The ring stage is surrounded by booths focusing on WordPress, creating CloudFests’ first WPZONE expo space while still offering an area for talks.

WP Zone: WordPress takes center stage

WP Zone serves as the hub of the WordPress and open-source communities. This is where the top companies in this space are sending their leaders and newest tools—and WP Zone is where the most exciting connections will happen!

Europa Park Transportation Options & Tips

CloudFest is centered around Europa Park, and you will need to make your way across the park each day since the official conference hotels are on the opposite end of the park. Thankfully, several options are available for traversing the park. 

🚝 Monorail – For most attendees, the Monorail is the most convenient form of transportation. They operate daily just outside of both the Colosseo and Andeluz Hotels. This mode of transport is quick and scenic as you will be dropped off near the conference entrance.

🚶‍♂️ Walking Through Rust – If you would like some fresh air, a 15-minute walk through the picturesque town of Rust will suffice. In addition to taking in the local scenery, you will be able to grab a coffee or snack during your walk. 

🚘 VIP Transport – VIP badge holders can access luxury cars and shuttle buses, which will pick you up directly from your hotel lobby and take you to the conference entrance. These private transfers are available every day.

🎢 A Stroll Through Europa Park – There may be some desire to cut corners through the theme park, but access is limited in the morning and early parts of the day. As a reminder, Europa Park is massive, so if you are not careful, you could quickly become lost or in areas with limited accessibility. 

Regardless of the path selected, properly plan to ensure that you make sessions and meetings on time and enjoy the tour through one of the most renowned destinations in Europe.

CloudFest 2025 Networking Tips

CloudFest 2025 will bring together key players from the WordPress ecosystem, including executives from Automattic, Elementor, WebPros, and virtually every hosting company—leaders shaping WordPress and its connection to the cloud. With over 9,000 attendees, connecting with these decision-makers can be incredibly valuable, but scheduling meetings in advance is essential to ensure you get the time with them. Planning ahead is crucial to making the most of the conference and securing meaningful conversations.

The CloudFest APP

The key to networking is connecting with attendees and arranging in-person meetings with the CloudFest App. If you have never used the app, here are a few key items to remember. When scheduling meetings for CloudFest, the in-app meeting system is hardly utilized. Directly message the attendees and share meeting links like Calendly. However, adjust your calendar to the Central European Time (CET) zone to avoid confusion.

Helpful Advice: Charge Your Devices

Most event apps seriously drain devices. To avoid the hassle of a drained battery, it is paramount to bring a power bank to stay connected throughout the day, especially when using the event app. 

Deciding Upon A Meeting Place at WP Day

The main conference and expo area will be staged during WP Day, and all WordPress sessions will be held at The Colloseo Hotel. Setting an easy meeting place like at the CloudFest Registration Desk in the Colloseo lobby or in the Bar Colosseo just off the registration area is best.

Deciding Upon A Meeting Place at CloudFest

Precisely selecting a meeting venue or place aids in smooth logistics and coordination in this large-scale event. If you are new to CloudFest, here are the places most people meet.

VIP Attendees: The meetings are held at the VIP Lounge, and most people meet outside.

General Attendees: You can utilize the designated 1-on-1 meeting tables or a more comfortable spot. A good place to meet is near the DJ outside the main arena or to the left of the expo entry, which is very visible and straightforward.

Meeting at Sponsor Booths: Choosing a sponsor’s booth is excellent. A sponsor will surely appreciate the additional exposure and traffic, and as a host of the meeting, it will be easy to identify a place to meet.

It’s important to note that the hotels are on the other side of the park and do not make good meeting places during conference hours unless you have booked a special room at the hotel.

When is the Best Time to Reach Out?

It is advisable to schedule meetings for 2 weeks before the event starts. This strategy should keep the meetings in the attendees’ minds close, but not too far to forget planning the events too soon.

Relax and Connect at the Automattic Balcony Lounge

Need a break from the hustle of the expo floor? Head up to the Automattic Balcony Lounge on the second floor of the CloudFest Expo. This inviting space offers the perfect spot to unwind, recharge, and network with fellow WordPress professionals and Automattic team members. Meet with Jesse Friedman, Ronald Gijsel, Elise Prather, and Lucas Radke to speak about WordPress VIP, WPCloud, and WooCommerce. 

Enjoy a comfortable environment overlooking the bustling expo, grab a coffee, discuss WordPress innovations and partnership opportunities, or just relax between sessions. Whether you’re looking for insightful conversations or a quiet moment to catch your breath, the Automattic Balcony Lounge is a must-visit destination at CloudFest 2025!

Connecting with the WordPress Community

We want to save you a few hours of searching the app or website, so we have curated a handful of some of the key people from the WordPress community to contact at CloudFest. 

First and foremost, meet with us to discuss WordPress backups, modern cloud storage, and advanced encrypted data security.

Jason Nickerson: Business Development Manager | JetBackup https://calendly.com/wpjnickerson/cloudfest-2025

Boosting Your WordPress Footprint at CloudFest

To maximize your visibility of WordPress in upcoming CloudFest events, the following tactics might be the perfect path: 

• Workshops: Conduct partnered workshops. This year, contact top sponsors about doing a side workshop supporting open-source or a booth talk for 2026.
• Outreach: Mobilizing active local WordPress communities to participate in the next event to gain new insights and fresh community-based solutions.
• Hackathon: Participate in the 2026 CloudFest Hackathon and help build new products and services for the WordPress and Hosting communities.
• Content Creation: If you are a marketer, create content around the event. Conducting interviews on the EuropaPark rollercoasters is really a thing!

CloudFest Networking After Dark

CloudFest’s nightly events are spectacular, and the list of stars has been quite eclectic, running the gauntlet of favorites from past decades. These performers include Gus Gus, Billy Duffy (The Cult) with the Lords of Uptime, Marky Ramone (The Ramones), DMC (RunDMC) and Sebastian Bach (Skid Row),  Keith Shocklee (Public Enemy Producer), and even a tribute to Daft Punk (okay, two guys with helmets on, but the energy was amazing!).

📅 Monday, March 17, 2025: Come2Gather in the Streets 

🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (CET)

📍 Main Entrance, Europa-Park🎤 Partners: Supermicro & NVIDIA

The Supermicro & NVIDIA Come2Gather in the Streets party is the official kickoff to CloudFest 2025! Proudly presented by Supermicro and NVIDIA, this legendary event takes over an entire street at Europa Park, creating an immersive indoor and outdoor experience to set the tone for an unforgettable week.  The attractions open are limited to only The Voletarium, but this is a perfect start to your time at Europa Park.

🔥 Live Music Alert! At 8:30 PM, don’t miss the Lords of Uptime, the Cloud industry’s all-star band, with Vito Peleg from Atarim rocking the stage with an epic performance! 

📅 Tuesday, March 18, 2025: Shamrock Shake Party

🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (CET)

📍 Hotel Colosseo Piazza

🎤 Partner: rankingCoach

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day CloudFest-style! While Rust won’t let us dye the river green, we’re making up for it with live music, great food, and festive drinks at this Irish-themed party. Join fellow attendees for an evening of networking, laughter, and a bit of Irish luck! Wear something green and get ready to shamrock & roll! 

📅 Wednesday, March 19, 2025: ConneXion Party

🕖 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM (CET)

📍 Hotel Colosseo Piazza

Get ready for a high-energy night of arena rock and epic vibes as the CloudFest community turns it up to 11! The ConneXion Party has become legendary across the globe, and now it’s your chance to experience why!

📅 Thursday, March 20, 2025: BierFest 

🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (CET)

📍 Bubba Svens at Hotel Krønasår

We’re wrapping up CloudFest 2025 the proper German way—with a beer festival! 🍻 Nestled in the heart of Germany’s Black Forest, BierFest brings together steins, songs, sausages, and seriously good times!

Late Night at CloudFest

Apart from the nightly beer-infused celebrations, the rooftop bar at the Hotel Colosseo is the best after-hours location. High above the event, first-timers and CloudFest veterans mingle professionally and socially for hours late into the night.

CloudFest Side Events

Unlike WordCamp, most activities at CloudFest are concentrated in one location with very few peripheral activities, which maintains the essence of the event’s popularity and ensures it is well attended. But if you are already well known or in a favorable position for a deal, then a private dinner invite might be extended to you at one of the restaurants at Europa Park or a nearby place in Rust.

Why Server Throwing at CloudFest is a Must See Event 

CloudFest’s Server Throwing Championship is not your typical WordPress activity, but it is entertainingly ridiculous! Seeing the experts in the field throw old servers on purpose served with a side of technology humor and competition. It is a great way to relieve some stress, meet other attendees, and see a new side of CloudFest. You need to experience this event, whether you are competing or cheering on the contestants!

Your Private Playground at CloudFest: Europa-Park

Europe’s largest theme park opens its doors exclusively for CloudFest visitors and participants, making it an enticing perk for everyone attending CloudFest. The park is closed to the general public for the duration of the event, which means it is exclusively reserved for visitors. Those who have attended CloudFest can attest to the adrenaline-filled mix of business and fun as they explore Europe-themed villages and major attractions free from long waiting lines and crowd hassles. 

Thrill-seekers will be delighted to discover that many of Europa Park’s top roller coasters are wide open, including the highly anticipated new coaster Voltron. Its jaw-dropping designs, high-speed launches, heart-stopping inversions, and catapulting track have made it a must-ride for all true coaster fans.

If high-paced activities aren’t your thing, you have nothing to worry about because Europa Park has something for everyone. The breathtaking flying theater with a twist, The Voletarium, takes guests on a spectacular flyover of Europe’s most famed landmarks. Soaring above the Alps, gliding alongside the Eiffel Tower, and sweeping over stunning coastlines, all the while, you are being infused with gentle and lovely visual scents. It almost makes you feel like the entire thing is too real. There’s no better way of relaxing and enjoying virtual scenery without moving from your place. 

Best Europa-Park Hotels for CloudFest: Party or Relax?

CloudFest boasts hotel selections that will accommodate action lovers and those looking to escape the networking frenzy. If you like staying at the epicenter of events and you don’t mind parties late into the night, then the Colosseo Hotel is definitely the best option. The hub of networking events is the Colosseo Hotel, which has the world-renowned Colloseo bar that stays open late into the night. If you want a completely different experience then the Bell Rock Hotel with its United States maritime theme and luxurious Michelin dining at the lighthouse restaurant, is the place for you. 

The Castillo Alcazar, Santa Isabel, and El Andaluz are quieter and more private options. If you’re the type to want a break from the high-energy atmosphere, then the Krønasår Hotel is perfect. It is a mere five-minute bus trip away, providing a healthy distance from the CloudFest chaos and a quieter environment while still having easy access to the event. 

Dining at CloudFest: From Free Lunches to Exclusive VIP Dinners

When attending CloudFest, one can choose between casual fast food and upscale gourmet restaurants. Breakfast buffets are available at most hotels, with The Collosseo Hotel having the largest. 

Standard Pass holders have complimentary lunch buffets with the restaurants designated on their conference badge featuring a variety of international dishes served every day. VIP Pass Holders have exclusive access to the quieter setting VIP areas with premium menus, making it ideal for networking over meals. 

Dinner can be found in the form of food trucks during most CloudFest nightly events. VIP pass holders have access to VIP dinner buffets during the event. Industry leaders and partners of CloudFest host VIP dinners, giving them the chance to connect in a more casual atmosphere. 

Besides conference food, the Europa Park hotels offer everything from Pizza to Michelin-star dining. Here’s a list of some of the restaurants you might want to visit.  Remember, you should make a reservation before getting to the park.

Hotel Colosseo (Italian-Themed)

• Cesare – Fine dining with authentic Italian cuisine

• Commedia dell’Arte – Traditional Italian trattoria with pasta and pizza

• Antica Roma – Buffet restaurant featuring Mediterranean specialties

Hotel Bell Rock (New England & Maritime-Themed)

• Ammolite – The Lighthouse Restaurant – A two-Michelin-starred fine dining experience

• Harborside – A buffet-style restaurant with fresh seafood and international dishes

• Captain’s Finest – High-end steak and seafood with a maritime atmosphere

• Spirit of St. Louis Bar – Cocktails, whiskey, and American-inspired dishes

Hotel Castillo Alcazar (Spanish-Themed)

• Castillo – Spanish buffet with tapas, grilled meats, and Mediterranean flavors

• Buena Vista Club – Exclusive rooftop lounge with scenic views

Hotel Santa Isabel (Portuguese Monastery-Themed)

• Sala Santa Isabel – Portuguese-inspired fine dining with fresh fish and meat dishes

Hotel El Andaluz (Spanish-Themed)

• Don Quichotte – Spanish buffet featuring paella, grilled meats, and Mediterranean sides

• Bodega – Wine bar offering tapas and regional wines

Hotel Krønasår (Nordic & Adventure-Themed)

• Bubba Svens – A casual brasserie-style restaurant with Scandinavian and German cuisine

• Tre Krønen – Fine dining with Nordic flavors and premium ingredients

Exploring the Charm of Rust

Located along the banks of the Rhine River and the Black Forest in southwestern Germany, Rust is not only the site for Europa-Park and CloudFest but also a delightful village that combines contemporary advancement with the stillness of a traditional village. Tech visitors attending the conference will usually be taken aback by the slower pace of life and the beautiful scenery that the town provides. Despite the village’s calm atmosphere, Rust surprises visitors with modern touches, such as an automated pizza vending machine on the streets.

Rust is small in size, which is a blessing. Everything in the community is walkable, and the cobblestone streets are surrounded by inviting little bakeries, cafes, and quaint houses that charm you and make you embrace the stillness. The quiet offered is in great contrast to the havoc experienced during CloudFest. It enables attendees to relax with a calm walk in the morning or an evening glass of wine in a local tavern run by friendly locals.

Maximizing ROI: WordPress Sponsorship Strategies for CloudFest

For WordPress businesses, sponsoring a WordPress conference like CloudFest comes with gains and pains. Dollars are always crucial since sponsorship packages are pretty expensive. There is also the cost of travel, setting up the booth, and paying staff. If ROI is to be achieved, there needs to be some strategic thinking to get the required brand exposure and leads to ensure the money spent will garner value.

Know the value of partnerships and customer acquisition. While you may generate hundreds of MQLs during the event, a single strategic partnership has the potential to deliver a return that’s 10 times greater.

Book as many meetings as possible. Not every meeting might seem valuable, but growing your CloudFest network is an essential skill that will pay off at future events.

Set reasonable KPIs, and remember that networking is the actual value at events like CloudFest. Setting KPIs for meetings and interactions is key.

Co-Marketing can be a great introduction to the event. For example, if you are a payment gateway plugin company, find a current sponsor of CloudFest that uses your gateway and see if you can do some co-marketing at the event.  

Never Discount Brand Awareness at CloudFest. Visibility alone can create lasting impressions, build trust, and attract future customers.

See you at CloudFest!

With the continuous growth of the WordPress community, CloudFest is an excellent place for WordPress companies to connect with internet leaders and move their businesses to the next step. We at JetBackup are excited to be part of this chapter of the event with our new WordPress offerings. We hope this blog post helps you to have a more productive event or has put the event on your radar.  Are you attending CloudFest 2025? Let’s connect! Schedule a meeting with JetBackup, and let’s discuss how we can help optimize your WordPress infrastructure!