by Jamie Smith, sponsor wrangler
This year holds many firsts for WordCamp Fayetteville and, in some ways, WordCamp at large. One development that excites me the most is the addition of micro-sponsorships. I love that we now have a small way of making a huge difference.
Traditional sponsorship levels start at $250, which would be out of reach for most individuals and even some small companies. I get it! This is the first year that I’ve been able to contribute as more than a speaker and volunteer. The addition of micro-sponsorships gives the average person the ability to show their support in a small yet meaningful way.
As we explain on our tickets booth page, micro-sponsorships are an “enhanced” ticket you can purchase that includes the $20 for your own ticket plus a chosen amount added on to support WordCamp efforts. The committee has been so impressed with our community that has given more generously than we even expected.
This tells us that people see the value in what the WordCamp Fayetteville community provides.
I recently conducted a poll in our online meetup group that asked how many WordCamp Fayetteville events that group members have attended so far. While I only got about 25 or so responses, the results showed that about 40 percent of the people had only attended one WordCamp Fayetteville and most of the remaining responses indicated they had attended at least two events.
Four of those responding (including myself) have attended all eight previous WordCamp Fayetteville events and are signed up to attend this year.
What does this tell me? My biggest takeaway is that WordCamp Fayetteville has consistently provided quality content that people want to return. This means two things to me: that new people can be assured of quality content year after year, and that returning participants are accumulating an amazing amount of knowledge and community through attending each time.
Ticket prices are consistently incredibly low. This year, they are only $20 for a full weekend of learning, fun, community, and food. In most places, the t-shirt alone would cost that much! We are blessed in Northwest Arkansas to have many fantastic learning opportunities including conferences that would cost $100-200 for just one day. With WCFAY, you’re getting all of that for $20 thanks to our sponsors.
For those of us who have attended all eight WordCamps Fayettevilles, that means we have received at least $1,000 worth of training for having spent around $100. Not to mention the thousands of dollars I’ve personally saved myself and clients through getting free help in the community.
Our committee just announced that our early bird ticket sales have been extended until June 9. The early bird tickets are what gets you a guaranteed lunch choice and t-shirt. I hope that you will consider the consistent value you have received and will continue to receive through WordCamp Fayetteville. More importantly, I hope you will see how this simple event empowers an entire community.
Do you have your ticket yet? If not, get it now! And consider clicking on the micro-sponsor option. https://2018.fayetteville.wordcamp.org/tickets/