Viptor Says: In-Person WordCamps 2021: Myth or Reality?

We all pray for the end of this worldwide pandemic and through the last months, it looks like our prayers have been heard. Vaccinations are becoming widespread, and we all want to believe this virus will not last long. With life going slowly to its old form and social life becoming a real thing again, it is likely to ask ourselves the question: Will we see in-person WordCamps in 2021?

Well, we may not be able to give a definite answer to this question, but we can say there is a chance to see the WordPress community face-to-face again soon. At the moment, all WordCamp events are held online only, and there are no official statements on when the in-person events will happen. However, those kinds of decisions will be based locally in the coming months.

The Mandatory

That is a continuation of an earlier discussion that began in December 2020. It serves as an initial mission to gather different opinions. Mоst of thе ideas frоm the diаlogue in Dеcember 2020 аre at thе forefront of this open discussion. They include mandatory masks, limited attendance, restricting the length of the events, and capping attendance according to the venue’s capacity.

As we know, WordCamps are really converging events, so it will be difficult for the organizers to keep all the WordPress people apart. One of these tougher-to-achieve gоals might bе setting up sаfety guidеlines around food or drink, which аre oftеn stеeped in thе locаl culturе. It will аlso bе a primаry safеty concern.

There is a suggestion that recommends that only vaccinated WordPress people should attend the conferences. Putting this mandatory on the table could create potential obstacles based on local jurisdictions. In Alabama, for example, there is a home bill that does not allow entertainment events to “discriminate” people based on their vaccination status. But it is debatable whether WordCamps falls under the definition of “entertainment events” such as a concert or a sports match.

The Hope

At this point, there are still many unknowns, and any potential real-life WordCamp would have to follow local laws. However, we are approaching a time when such events can become a reality again. And as I said in the beginning – we are still hoping for the best.

WordCamps are an integral part of the world of WordPress. Unquestionably, hosting these events online is no less enjoyable than live ones. Nevertheless, I believe that in the past year we have all appreciated the freedom that has been taken away from us. Today, we are searching for it at every convenient moment. We are looking forward to the moment we will see each other live at the WordCamp events and feel the energy of all those people sharing the same interest – WordPress.

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