# A Recap of PressConf 2025  ## Episode metadata - Episode title: A Recap of PressConf 2025 - Show: Open Channels FM - Owner / Host: Open Channels FM - Guests: [Tammy Lister](https://share.snipd.com/person/ec175566-fb3a-4dd0-b8a7-2f158bb040a3) - Episode publish date: 2025-05-13 - Episode AI description: Tammy Lister, a product creator and engineer, and co-founder of Goldenberg, shares insights on PressConf 2025. The discussion highlights the unique atmosphere that fosters community and collaboration within the WordPress ecosystem. Attendees reflect on impactful talks and cherish networking opportunities enhanced by culinary delights. The conversation also explores how event economics can improve accessibility and experience quality, emphasizing the importance of connecting and supporting newcomers in the vibrant WordPress community. - Duration: 34:49 - Episode URL: [Open in Snipd](https://share.snipd.com/episode/7d870e1e-0d0c-404d-91d8-d1877037c6f9) - Show URL: [Open in Snipd](https://share.snipd.com/show/1eb36c4b-fc1c-47d5-8175-a653d27ebfd4) - Export date: 2026-02-17T23:29:48 ## Snips ### [PressConf's Unique Business Focus](https://share.snipd.com/snip/27ecb22f-6e4e-42c2-b034-20de97b7f185) 🎧 04:13 - 06:48 (02:35) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/719680f8-1e3f-48dd-908e-abf013cddb20" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> - PressConf offers a unique intimate atmosphere focusing on WordPress business leaders and ecosystem issues. - It stands apart by fostering deep conversations rather than typical technical WordCamp talks. #### 💬 Quote > With an event that tackles the ecosystem, the issues that drive us to be in WordPress... is completely unique among all events. > — Robert Jacoby Robert Jacoby on PressConf's uniqueness #### 📚 Transcript **Michelle Frechette:** and then against other events that you have gone to? Adam Weeks has got two hands up showing us a 10. Adam, why would you rate it a 10? It **Adam Weeks:** was a really good conference. I had never been to the predecessor, which was Pressonomics. And I'd heard about it. It was an infamous conference, but I hadn't had the opportunity to go. So I wasn't really sure what to expect. I heard about this conference. It was announced right around the time of WordCamp US and that Raquel was doing this conference. And I said, I to be a part of it because it sounded amazing. And all throughout it, yes, it was amazing. The conversations were exactly what I wanted them to be. And the venue was great. Everything went really smoothly. And I'm really, was really excited by the MCs. Those guys just knocked it out of the park. **Michelle Frechette:** Who were they? I **Adam Weeks:** don't know. I **Robert Jacoby:** forget. No, **Michelle Frechette:** I mean, **Robert Jacoby:** this is the funny part. We have an MC and a speaker on the session. Yeah. And **Michelle Frechette:** yet we're still going to be honest about how we thought about things. So one of those MCs was Adam Weeks and the other was Brian Richards. And the speaker on our panel today was Timmy Lister, just in case anybody's like, well, who were they? Robert, you had your hand up. What would you rate this event? Oh, **Robert Jacoby:** that's what I wanted to say, but it was 10 out of 10 easy. I don't do the tech and sort of nitty gritty of WordPress as much as I used to. having an event that tackles the ecosystem, the issues that drive us to be in WordPress, to continue in WordPress, and to look towards the future is completely unique among all events. **Michelle Frechette:** Absolutely. Katie, there was one track at this event. So how did that play into, first of all, what was your rating and how would that play into your rating for this event? I'm going to relate the two **Katie Keith:** parts of the answer. I'm going to say nine because I thought that the talks were more relevant to me than a typical WordCamp where I go generally to practically no talks because they were more business focused. But the reason I haven't given it a 10 and I have fed this back already is because they were more general talks rather than specifically how can I make my business more successful and I felt that would have fitted very well within press comp but I think that would be a very easy thing for them to improve next year within the current format everything else was really well organized very well done and having one track did work because everybody there was interested --- ### [Emotional Openness at PressConf](https://share.snipd.com/snip/10b31870-0d0d-4694-b225-f9a768e0ca8c) 🎧 06:54 - 07:27 (00:33) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/07a1f103-682c-4b9a-9c0e-2673e81947b1" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> - PressConf featured many deeply personal talks with speakers and attendees openly sharing emotions. - It created a rare space where vulnerability was visible even with speakers crying on stage. #### 💬 Quote > I've never seen so many speakers crying on stage... people were bearing their souls it wasn't recorded people were more raw and more open. > — Katie Keith Katie Keith on personal talks at PressConf #### 📚 Transcript **Katie Keith:** incredible. They were so much more personal than a typical WordCamp. I've never seen so many speakers crying on stage. Or attendee. Yeah, and attendee everybody because people were bearing their souls it wasn't recorded people were more raw and more open and even the talk that weren't about business it was fascinating to learn more about the people behind wordpress and maybe relate some aspects of it to your own life and things like that. Yeah, I 100% agree with that. Zach, --- ### [One Location Enhances Networking](https://share.snipd.com/snip/2b2a150e-9d9c-4a48-abf1-f02cba4049b8) 🎧 11:24 - 14:15 (02:51) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/39d09edc-4f70-4d14-8fbe-94f4cf234b21" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> - The venue and event encouraged natural, spontaneous networking with food outings and casual conversations. - Being in one hotel fostered late-night chats and deeper connections among attendees. #### 💬 Quote > Everybody was staying there... natural networking really late at night doesn't happen if people are splitting off to different hotels. > — Katie Keith Katie Keith on the benefits of a single location press conference #### 📚 Transcript **Tammy Lister:** but I think that was the thing we all supported each other and each speaker was beautifully supported and afterwards that's just like the support that's stoic english face that means they don't show it maybe i don't know um but honestly the support was amazing and every speaker felt that and afterwards yeah it was a little bit like a speaker therapy session i think in the best way. **Michelle Frechette:** I love that. **Tammy Lister:** Christian, you were one of only **Michelle Frechette:** two official media partners for the event. So what was your rating and how did your part of being a media partner in this event kind of play into that? And what were your experiences that way? **Christian Taylor:** Yeah, phenomenal event. I would give it a 9 out of 10. It was great to be a media partner. I think capturing some interviews from people that maybe wouldn't typically be at a WordCamp was fulfilling. Also just getting to vlog my experience. That's something that Raquel really wanted. So looking forward to putting that content out. Writing go-karts with people in the community and getting absolutely schooled by Adam Weeks. That was great. It was so much fun. Yeah. I think the main feedback reason it was a 9 out of 10, I've shared this with Raquel already, is it would be great to have a little bit more time for talks next year. One of the things I appreciate about PressConf is they really want everyone to be in the room for every talk and avoid the hallway track as much as possible. But it did seem like the more the event went on, more people started hanging out outside because there wasn't really an opportunity to book meetings with people. So I think next year, iterating on that, it's going to be even better. **Michelle Frechette:** I myself would also give it a 9 out of 10, but for a very different reason. This was the first time in a very long time I attended an event simply as an attendee. So I had no official role there, spent my own money to be there, all of that kind of thing. Not sponsored in any way. And it was wonderful as an attendee to have no responsibilities, but I had paid the full price to include that Saturday, and neither of those events were inclusive of accessibility. So I can't get in and out of a go-kart. I can't really golf. And I didn't ask for a refund or anything like that because I still had fun and I hung out with people all day. Miriam and I went out and did some things. But to her credit, Raquel reached out to me over the weekend and said, you didn't do anything. I want to give you that money back. And I said, just hold it for next year as my deposit because I'm definitely coming back. And if for some reason I'm not able to come back, gift it to somebody else who could use an extra $100 towards their attendance. So, yeah. So, I mean, I really can't complain at all. But it would be fun if I could have gone to something that would have been inclusive of somebody who has mobility issues. --- ### [Media Partner Experience Highlights](https://share.snipd.com/snip/eaa7d4a9-3726-4ca2-8990-4588acbcd872) 🎧 11:59 - 13:08 (01:09) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/137b6640-d62b-4690-a60e-68cc9bf158c8" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> - Media partners captured interviews with high-level WordPress decision-makers and created vlogs to share authentic event experiences. - The Snack Shack was a standout feature enjoyed immensely by attendees for its variety and quality. #### 💬 Quote > The snack shack was everything that it was hyped up to be the warm cookies... it was worth the price of admission alone. > — Christian Taylor Christian Taylor on media partnership and snack shack at PressConf #### 📚 Transcript **Michelle Frechette:** of being a media partner in this event kind of play into that? And what were your experiences that way? **Christian Taylor:** Yeah, phenomenal event. I would give it a 9 out of 10. It was great to be a media partner. I think capturing some interviews from people that maybe wouldn't typically be at a WordCamp was fulfilling. Also just getting to vlog my experience. That's something that Raquel really wanted. So looking forward to putting that content out. Writing go-karts with people in the community and getting absolutely schooled by Adam Weeks. That was great. It was so much fun. Yeah. I think the main feedback reason it was a 9 out of 10, I've shared this with Raquel already, is it would be great to have a little bit more time for talks next year. One of the things I appreciate about PressConf is they really want everyone to be in the room for every talk and avoid the hallway track as much as possible. But it did seem like the more the event went on, more people started hanging out outside because there wasn't really an opportunity to book meetings with people. So I think next year, iterating on that, it's going --- ### [Pricing Reflects Business Retreat](https://share.snipd.com/snip/641a8e3a-8b8d-4deb-8a1b-15914d049d7a) 🎧 21:23 - 24:08 (02:45) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/9b2f461a-3e35-4bd2-9576-4afee9043233" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> - Understand the pricing reflects a business leadership retreat with high costs and value, not a typical WordCamp. - Look for possible scholarships to ensure this higher-cost event remains accessible. #### 💬 Quote > Think of it like a leadership retreat... they're in the thousands... it's actually an incredible bargain. > — Tammy Lister Tammy Lister on the rationale behind PressConf's pricing #### 📚 Transcript **Michelle Frechette:** for a wordpress event It was in the hundreds of dollars. I don't remember exactly what we paid. And there was early bird prices and things like that. But ultimately, it was around $700, $800, depending on when you made a purchase. I've heard people say, well, that was a gatekeeping thing. It kept people out who couldn't afford it. WordCamps and things like that are supposed to be inexpensive. I don't necessarily, you know, I'm the queen of let's not gate people, but an event costs money. And they were not trying to have a million sponsors for the event and that kind of thing and turn it into a WordCamp. So what are your thoughts on the pricing? I mean, just for the Snack Shack alone, it would have been helpful. It would have been very wild. But tell us a little bit about the thoughts behind that and your thoughts behind that. **Adam Weeks:** That's a great question. And I think we do get spoiled by the price for WordCamps. And I remember hearing the history about WordCamps and that originally they were free. And that was the idea was like, we want everybody to come to these because this project is built on the backs of volunteers. started charging because people would just register and then cancel. And so they needed to charge something, but it was almost more of a nominal fee. But really, the sponsors are what made those events happen. With this event, Raquel stepped out and has started her own company. And her own company. This is the, this was the first event of Wonderland Curious and it's got to make money. It's amazing how much things cost. I being on the other side of with that, I'd see some of the like price tags for the things we were covering for the event. Like, Oh, goodness, yeah, this stuff adds up. These venues, they find ways to make money and they make lots of it. I would love to make sure that events like this are not gate kept. One of the benefits, though, of an event like this is it is more of that C-level type of event. We're going to have a smaller event. You're not going to have thousands of people here. And that is a byproduct of it. Obviously, we'd love to have everyone there. And hopefully there may be some opportunities for some scholarships for people who need to be there in the future. But yeah, these things are expensive. And I think the price tag reflected it. And I would say that compared to other business conferences, it actually isn't expensive. **Michelle Frechette:** Yeah, I agree. It's also not supposed to be the kind of event that somebody who just started using WordPress to have a blog. It's not that kind of event. It falls on the heels of Pressnomics, right? So it's really about the economics of WordPress, which really does fall to people who are business owners or freelancers, those kinds of people who are trying to really make money --- ### [PressConf Essential for WordPress Business](https://share.snipd.com/snip/df62f500-2d99-452b-9b56-8dc3b5192e93) 🎧 29:50 - 30:15 (00:25) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/7e3f56f8-36a8-4a7b-ab09-10a3dd0f9f06" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> - If your business depends on WordPress, PressConf is invaluable for connecting with leaders shaping the ecosystem. - This yearly event gathers critical players and innovators in WordPress business space. #### 💬 Quote > If your business in any way hinges on the success of WordPress... you should be there. > — Zach Stepik Zach Stepik on the importance of PressConf for WordPress business #### 📚 Transcript **Zach Stepik:** businesses, you should be there. And, know, I will definitely be there again next year. Hopefully not on a whirlwind trip that start the day after I start a new job. You know, I was not originally supposed to be there and then found out on Tuesday that I was going and flew on Wednesday. So it worked out very well and I was glad to have been there and I would love to be again next year. Fantastic. --- ### [PressConf Skips Networking Line](https://share.snipd.com/snip/bfe2930a-ff8d-40ac-98f4-924b66335f79) 🎧 31:23 - 32:27 (01:04) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/bd9f5037-7791-4f67-ab3f-26ae693a7104" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> - Attending PressConf helped newcomers quickly connect with influential people and build essential relationships. - The event accelerates relationship-building far faster than cold outreach. #### 💬 Quote > If you're new... PressConf is an incredible way to, for lack of a better term, skip the line... meet these people. > — Adam Weeks Adam Weeks on networking benefits for newcomers at PressConf #### 📚 Transcript **Adam Weeks:** in a very short amount of time get to know a lot of influential and important people and just a compact, like this would have taken him, like through cold emails. Can you imagine how long these relationships would have taken him if he just started like messaging these people on LinkedIn? Like he never would have gotten that. So if you're new to the WordPress ecosystem, PressConf is an incredible way to, for lack of a better term, skip the line, like you're gonna meet these people in that way. And I also think of these events for those who have been in the ecosystem a long time. I've known these people, but sit and have breakfast together. And you're sitting next to them and you're in the booth and you just find out about who they are and that it's people first. And that's really what good business is built on is first on relationships. And we got to do that. **Michelle Frechette:** Does that mean you'd be back again next year? **Adam Weeks:** Yeah, I think so. Raquel's making me. Even --- ### [Come with Clear Goals for PressConf](https://share.snipd.com/snip/cdc4225f-0a62-4070-bf03-f70cba5ec916) 🎧 32:30 - 33:35 (01:05) <iframe src="https://share.snipd.com/embed/obsidian-player/snip/519876ef-a18b-492f-8659-b0e1ec518570" width="100%" height="100" style="border: none; border-radius: 12px;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-forms allow-popups allow-clipboard-write" ></iframe> - Attend PressConf with clear goals to maximize value from conversations and connections. - Matching your event objective to your business stage enhances the conference experience. #### 💬 Quote > If you have that in mind when you go of what are you trying to do... there is going to be an opportunity for it. > — Tammy Lister Tammy Lister advises on maximizing PressConf attendance #### 📚 Transcript **Adam Weeks:** be a good one what **Michelle Frechette:** about you Christian yeah **Christian Taylor:** I agree with what Tammy and Adam said that you have to have a goal going into every event my goal as a media partner was just have interesting conversations with people at the top of WordPress. And I walked away doing exactly that. I got to speak to some automaticians, decision makers in their company to understand what's actually happening in WordPress right now, both from the commercial side and the open source side. And that perspective was invaluable. I know it's going to impact my content in the coming months. And obviously the interviews themselves that people will get to watch. But overall, amazing event. I like what Adam said about skipping the line. If you're a product owner in WordPress and you really want to grow connections with other people in the industry, PressConf is a great way to do that. And I would absolutely come back next year. And **Michelle Frechette:** for myself, of course, I absolutely loved the event. I didn't come into it with a very specific goal this year --- Created with [Snipd](https://www.snipd.com) | Highlight & Take Notes from Podcasts