I’ve always preferred WordCamp Europe over other WordCamps – mostly because I’m not a big travel lover.
On one hand, I do enjoy discovering new cities. On the other hand, I try to avoid stressful trips. That’s why I’ve made a personal rule: just one work event per year.
Let’s see how long that lasts. 😅
Before I start, I wanted to say big Thank you to all organizers, volunteers and photographers for stunning memories. All photos are here.
First impressions
This was my second time attending WCEU, so I had a general idea of what to expect.
Basel turned out to be a beautiful city, full of charm and calm. There’s a river cutting through the center, and everything feels clean, organized, and safe. I especially loved the trams – they’re everywhere! I think I’ve officially decided: the tram is my favorite way to get around a city.
I arrived the evening before the conference started, which gave me a little time to relax and reset after the trip.
How I Traveled
Obviously, it would be easier to travel from Ukrainian airports – but we all know the reason that’s not possible right now.
Our “neighbors” still wish us the worst, so I had to get creative with my route: something comfortable, quick, and not crazy expensive.
Here’s how it went:
- Mykolaiv → Chisinau airport (Moldova)
- 6-hour wait at the airport
- Flight to Istanbul, Turkey (the airport there is massive — and fun to explore)
- Istanbul → Basel
- Basel → apartment (super easy by bus!)
It sounds long, but overall, it wasn’t too bad.
Contributor Day
I really enjoyed Contributor Day this time. I joined the Marketing team – and everyone brought their own experience to the table, which made the group super engaging. We had a clear task and managed to generate lots of ideas.
Loved the energy!
Talks
Honestly, I’m so grateful the talks are recorded. We had tons of meetings with partners, clients, and fellow WordPressers – there was just no way to attend everything live.
Here are the sessions I’m definitely planning to watch:
- WordPress without Borders — The Fight for Digital Freedom (Noel Tock)
- Tips for hosting a successful WP meetup in your city (Héctor de Prada)
- The worst SEO mistakes I’ve seen on WordPress – so you won’t have to make them (Gabi Troxler)
- Content strategies that make everybody happy (Marie-Charlotte Pezé)
- Building Support as core of product (Anna Hurko)
Sponsors Area
Our team didn’t sponsor this time, but 8 of us came just to experience the event in person. The sponsor area was well organized this year.
Sure, there were the usual challenges – it was noisy and hot at times — and I can only imagine how exhausting it must’ve been for those working the booths.
Still, the sponsor space became the place to connect – nearly all our partners (and potential partners) were there.
I basically made it my base camp and tried my best to talk to everyone.
Side Event
Surprisingly, the two best “parties” weren’t parties at all.
Both Omnisend and InstaWP & StellarWP hosted amazing dinners – calm, cozy, with great people and great food.
InstaWP’s event was held in a beautiful park, which I absolutely loved. I only wish I could’ve stayed longer.
Omnisend’s dinner was closer to the venue, so most people had no trouble getting there. Except me – I had a 30-minute bus+tram ride 😅. But I made it, and had some lovely conversations with Noel, Ferdy, Eva, Constantin, and many more.
There was this moment – when someone starts talking about Ukraine – that just hits me. Noel, for example, has been volunteering since the very beginning of the war.
Meeting people like him fills me with pride, and sometimes, yeah, it breaks my heart a little. 💚
My Feelings
What really stood out to me at this WordCamp was the incredible support for Ukraine. That meant the world to me.
There are times when we, as Ukrainians, feel like the war has become “old news” – like no one’s interested anymore. But here, I met so many amazing people who shared kind words, stories, and real empathy.
That support – that recognition – was the best part of the whole trip.
💙To everyone I talked to: thank you. You’re incredible humans.💙
Wrapping up
I’m truly glad I made the trip to Basel. It’s a beautiful city, and WordCamp Europe continues to be the biggest and most meaningful WordPress event for me.
Sorry to all the local ones – I just don’t have the energy to attend everything.
I’m also really looking forward to next year’s WCEU in Krakow, Poland! Easier travel, lower costs, and such a stunning, historical city. I highly recommend joining!
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