The website content had been updated, the ticket registration form had been created and tested successfully, reminders were posted to Twitter and Facebook, a blog post was published, an email was sent to the email list, and the clock was counting down. Brian’s stomach was in knots. I almost felt sick. In just a couple minutes, we were going to flip the switch on the WordCamp Sacramento 2015 website and put tickets for sale.
The clock hit 10:00 am, we updated the page with 150 tickets available for purchase, and quickly published tickets now on sale announcements that went out via social media, email, and the meetup list. Then we held our breaths.
I knew tickets would sell, but still we were sitting there, looking anxiously at our computer screens, freaking out, and hoping please, oh please. I hope people buy tickets and it isn’t just crickets. I was sweating. — I’m not kidding.
Then it started happening. In the first two minutes six tickets were purchased! I was happy, thrilled, elated. Five minutes later, I was giddy. My stomach was doing flip-flops and Brian and I were high-fiving in my office, as 63 tickets were already gone. Watching the tickets fly off the virtual shelf was exciting — I couldn’t look away and neither could Brian. Adrenaline was pumping through our systems and with each ticket sale it pumped faster.
We knew at that point, nothing else would get done until the tickets were gone.
In only 30 minutes, 80 tickets were gone. They were getting snatched up like free WordPress t-shirts at WordCamp! By 11:30 am only 11 tickets of 150 were left. Then finally at 12:20 the last ticket was purchased and I could finally relax!
WordCamp Sacramento Is Sold Out
The experience was stressful and awesome all at the same time. But here’s what I am the MOST excited about: Most of the tickets were purchased by locals.
While we do have speakers, sponsors, and attendees driving and flying in from out of town for WordCamp, the majority of all speakers, sponsors, and attendees are local to the greater Sacramento region — how cool is that.
Growing our local WordPress community for designers, developers, consultants, bloggers, and users of all experience levels is something that has been and continues to be hugely important to both Brian and I and Bourn Creative as a company.
- That’s why we both volunteer our time and resources to co-organize the monthly Sacramento WordPress Meetup
- It’s why we signed on to be part of the organizing team for WordCamp Sacramento 2015
- And why we signed on to sponsor WordCamp Sacramento
The WordPress community has been a huge influence for us and getting involved allows us to pay forward the benefits we have experienced, give back to the community, and help other improve their sites, skills, and businesses.
- If you are one of the lucky 150 who snagged a ticket, congratulations — it is going to be a GREAT day! We’re confirming the last few speakers now and will be publishing the schedule, sessions, and speakers very soon.
- If you were unable to get a ticket, be sure to follow WordCamp Sacramento on Twitter and like our page on Facebook (and turn on page notifications) — There are always people who can’t go at the last minute and won’t be using their ticket, and we’ll do out best to share any that come available on our social accounts.
With a full day of fun, two tracks of sessions, 20 speakers, a catered lunch, an after party, swag, and more, I simply can’t wait for WordCamp to get here!
And if yesterday’s ticket sales experience taught me anything, it’s that next year, we’re going to need a bigger venue — hopefully I can convince my alma mater Sacramento State to step up ;)
