WordCamp Pittsburgh has 3 great tracks to choose from, but did you know about the hallway track?
The hallway track is what happens outside of the formal sessions — the side conversations, interesting discussions, networking and the in-person connections you make with others.
How do you make the most of the hallway track?
- Look up attendees ahead of time (try this list of everyone who has registered). Scope out their websites and Twitter feeds. Is there someone you’d like to meet? Make a note ahead of time and make it happen. If you’ve only met someone online, make sure to introduce yourself in person.
- Sit next to someone you don’t know and strike up a conversation. (I promise, it’s not as bad as it seems.)
- During breaks, walk around and socialize instead of checking your email.
- Talk to the vendors! They love talking about WordPress as much as you do.
- Don’t feel like you have to attend a session during every time slot. If there isn’t a session that resonates with you, get some coffee and make some friends. (And even if there is, go make friends anyway! You can always watch the sessions later on wordpress.tv.)
- Attend the after party.
Don’t forget to exchange business cards and follow up after the event.
Here are some interesting perspectives on the hallway track, in case you don’t want to take my word for it.
Confessions of a WordCamp US Hallway Tracker
Powerful Insight Into Community and WordCamp on Hallway Track
The Secret to Getting the Most out of Any Conference is in the Hallway
The Hallway Track Is the Hidden Gem of Open Source Conferences
Hope to see you at the hallway track at WordCamp Pittsburgh!