This year’s WordCamp Europe was something very special for me: for the first time, I was not only there as a participant, but also as a sponsor. Together with my team from devowl.io, we presented our WordPress plugin Real Cookie Banner at the stand for the entire duration of the event, held many discussions, collected feedback and made exciting contacts. And I can say that the perspective from the “other end of the table” was a completely new and intense experience.
Even as a visitor, a WordCamp feels like a big class reunion of the open source community. But being right in the middle of it as a sponsor, with a booth, website checks and lots of questions from the community, gives the whole thing a different dynamic. In this review, I would like to share how it felt for me, why Basel brought a very special atmosphere and which exciting new projects were published.
From participant to WCEU sponsor
In recent years, I’ve been to several WordCamps, whether in Germany or in other European countries, including as a volunteer. The community, learning from each other, the conversations between sessions – I’ve always loved it. But this time was different.
As a plugin sponsor, we had the opportunity to present Real Cookie Banner live to an international audience again, answer questions directly and enter into a completely different dialogue. Many visitors came specifically with feedback, use cases or simply curiosity. I was particularly pleased to see how many already knew and actively used the plugin. The direct feedback on site was worth its weight in gold.
Basel was different
With its location in the border triangle, the city of Basel has a very special atmosphere: International, open, cosy. It reminded me of my years in Zurich, where I also attended my first WordCamp in 2014. The Congress Centre Basel was also a great location for the event. Everything was compact, very well organised and allowed for spontaneous encounters. These “chance conversations” in the corridor or at the coffee machine, or for me rather the kettle for tea 😋, are what make a WordCamp so magical for me.
Due to the full programme and some tasks, I wasn’t in any individual sessions this time, but I was in a few talks on the Hallway track. Not only in the community is it particularly exciting to see who knows who, but also how diverse the WordPress ecosystem is. Lately, the infrastructure has always been a topic of discussion, as Automattic is the main company behind WordPress.org. This leads me directly to the next point.
FAIR & altctrl: WordPress rethinks package management
In addition to the official WordCamp programme, there was another exciting event in Basel: AltCtrl.org. There, AspirePress and FAIR presented a concept that rethinks package management in the WordPress world. At the heart of the FAIR project is the idea of a decentralised, transparent and sustainable infrastructure for plugins and themes.
We recommend the blog post on KrautPress and the podcast episode on kraut.press. The project will take place under the umbrella of the Linux Foundation, which has already pledged its support. Further information can be found in the official announcement: Linux Foundation announces the FAIR Package Manager Project.
I find the approach extremely exciting. Especially in the context of open source, independence and data protection, FAIR can be an important impetus for the future of WordPress development. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on the project.
Between talks, sessions and community
As always, however, the real highlight of a WordCamp for me was the people. Seeing familiar faces again, making new contacts, celebrating something together in the evening at the social and side events. As always, the community was warm, open and helpful. And it showed once again how lively and diverse the WordPress ecosystem is.
Impressions in pictures
In addition to all the talks, sessions and new impulses, there was also plenty of time for taking photos. The official photos from WordCamp can be found on Flickr. Here are a few visual impressions of mine.
Conclusion: Basel, you were special.
WCEU 2025 was a milestone for me in many ways. Gaining new insights as a sponsor, discovering exciting projects like FAIR and maintaining old WordPress friendships – it all makes me want more. I’m already looking forward to the next WordCamp. Which will be in Gdynia, where I am currently based. Perhaps with new ideas again. But definitely with this special community again.
Outlook: WordCamp Europe 2026 in Kraków
After WordCamp Europe is before WordCamp Europe: The next WordCamp Europe will take place from 4 to 6 June 2026 in beautiful Kraków. The official website is already online: europe.wordcamp.org/2026
I look forward to seeing you there again 😉
