Introduction to the Jukebox Podcast

Welcome to the Jukebox Podcast from WP Tavern, hosted by Nathan Wrigley. This podcast is dedicated to all things WordPress, including the people, events, plugins, blocks, themes, and community building. In this episode, Nathan is joined by Héctor de Prada, one of the founders of Modular DS, a tool for managing multiple WordPress websites.

Héctor de Prada’s Background and Involvement in the WordPress Community

Héctor is based in Spain and has been involved in creating and developing websites for years. He has immersed himself in the WordPress community, attending numerous WordCamps and Meetups in various cities. More recently, he has been co-organizing the WordPress Meetup in León, a city in northern Spain, which has seen impressive growth and engagement since its revival after the pandemic.

Why Héctor Volunteers His Time to Organize WordPress Events

Héctor shares why he volunteers his free time to organize these community events, citing his desire to create a sense of community and connection among WordPress users in his city. He believes that the WordPress community has given him so much, and he wants to give back by creating a space for people to learn, network, and share their experiences.

The León WordPress Meetup

The León WordPress Meetup has been running for about 18 months, with an average attendance of 60 people. Héctor and his team have tried different formats, including presentations, panel discussions, and networking events. They have also experimented with different venues, sponsors, and topics to keep things fresh and inclusive.

Managing the Meetup and Team

Héctor’s team consists of six people, each with their own responsibilities. They use a rotation system to ensure that no one person feels overwhelmed or obligated to attend every event. They also use Meetup.com to create events and send email communications to subscribers.

Financing the Meetup

The Meetup is financed through sponsorships from local companies and WordPress community companies. Héctor’s team tries to keep costs low, focusing on food and drinks for the networking events. They have been fortunate to have sponsors who are willing to support their events.

Support Network for WordPress Meetup Organizers

Héctor mentions that there are various resources available for WordPress Meetup organizers, including Slack channels, WordPress community forums, and WordCamp events. He encourages anyone interested in organizing a Meetup to reach out to experienced organizers for advice and guidance.

The Importance of Networking and Community Building

Héctor emphasizes the importance of networking and community building in the WordPress ecosystem. He believes that the connections made at Meetups can lead to collaborations, hirings, and partnerships, which can have a positive impact on the local economy and community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Héctor de Prada’s experience organizing the León WordPress Meetup is a testament to the power of community building and networking in the WordPress ecosystem. His team’s efforts have created a thriving community of WordPress users in León, and their approach to organizing Meetups can serve as a model for others looking to create similar events. If you’re interested in learning more about Héctor’s Meetup or getting involved in the WordPress community, you can find links to his resources and bio on the WP Tavern website.