In a move set to shake up the WordPress ecosystem, InstaWP has announced the inaugural AnyoneCanWP Hackathon—a groundbreaking event poised to be the largest of its kind in WordPress history.
Slated to commence on 30 August, this hackathon is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the vibrant WordPress community.
A Historic Moment for WordPress
The AnyoneCanWP Hackathon marks a pivotal moment for the WordPress community. As the first hackathon dedicated solely to WordPress, this event is designed to highlight the creativity and technical prowess of WordPress enthusiasts worldwide. With a prize pool exceeding $10,000, InstaWP is setting the stage for a competition that promises to be as rewarding as it is challenging.
Event Overview and Timeline
The hackathon is set to kick off on October 1, with participants having until October 26 to submit their projects. The event will include a public voting phase from October 18 to October 28, followed by final presentations and judging on November 10. Here’s a detailed timeline for the event:
- Registration Begin: October 1
- Hackathon Start Date: October 11
- Submission Deadline: October 26
- Public Voting Period: October 18 – October 28
Final Presentations and Judging: November 11
The Prize Pool: What’s at Stake
The AnyoneCanWP Hackathon boasts a prize pool that is both impressive and enticing. Here’s how the prizes are distributed:
- First Place: $3,000
- Second Place: $1,000
- Third Place: $500
In addition to cash prizes, all top ten winners will receive InstaWP credits and additional partner credits. Winners will also gain access to a complimentary one-year premium account with InstaWP, unlocking advanced features and tools that can significantly enhance their WordPress projects.
Keynote Address: Joost de Valk, Founder of Yoast SEO
We are excited to announce that Joost de Valk, the pioneering mind behind Yoast SEO, will be delivering the keynote address at AnyoneCanWP on October 11, 2024 – the very day submissions open.
As a key figure in the WordPress space, Joost has been instrumental in shaping the platform’s development and community. His keynote will explore the current landscape and future possibilities of WordPress, providing actionable insights for developers and content creators to stay ahead in the ever-changing digital world.
Participants can look forward to an informative and engaging session from one of the most forward-thinking voices in the field.
The Judging Panel: Meet the Experts
A critical component of any hackathon is the judging panel, and the AnyoneCanWP Hackathon is no exception. The panel comprises some of the most respected figures in the WordPress community, ensuring that the competition is both rigorous and fair. The esteemed judges include:
- Miriam Schwab: Head of WordPress Relations at Elementor and co-founder of Strattic. Miriam brings extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of WordPress.
- Jamie: A well-known WordPress trainer from Pootlepress, Jamie has a decade of experience in WordPress education and plugin development.
- Kevin Geary: CEO of Digital Gravy and creator of Automatic.css. Kevin is a prominent WordPress educator with a reputation for innovative web design.
- Davinder Singh Kainth: A seasoned digital creative with 15 years of experience in WordPress development. Davinder’s expertise lies in creating impactful online spaces.
Anne-Mieke Bovelett: An accessibility advocate and multilingual WordPress expert. Anne-Mieke’s focus on inclusivity and user experience will be crucial in evaluating submissions.
How to Get Involved
Participating in the AnyoneCanWP Hackathon is straightforward and open to all WordPress professionals. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Register: Sign up with your email to receive an invitation and further details about the hackathon.
- Build Your Site: Utilize InstaWP’s staging site feature to develop your WordPress website. Participants are required to use only free plugins and themes, and projects must be completed within 15 days.
- Submit Your Project: Follow the submission guidelines to present your website. Include all required elements, such as project descriptions, screenshots, and any relevant files.
- Promote and Vote: During the public voting phase, actively promote your project to gather votes. Engage with the WordPress community to increase visibility and support for your submission.
Why You Should Participate
The AnyoneCanWP Hackathon is more than a competition; it’s an opportunity to:
- Showcase Your Expertise: Demonstrate your WordPress skills and creativity to a global audience of industry professionals.
- Expand Your Network: Connect with other WordPress enthusiasts, developers, and designers.
- Gain Recognition: Stand out in the WordPress community and gain recognition for your innovative work.
- Win Valuable Prizes: With substantial cash prizes and InstaWP credits, the hackathon offers significant rewards for top performers.
The Bigger Picture: Fostering Innovation and Collaboration
InstaWP’s AnyoneCanWP Hackathon is a testament to the platform’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the WordPress community. By providing a stage for WordPress professionals to showcase their talents, InstaWP is not only celebrating the platform’s capabilities but also encouraging a spirit of community and shared growth.
The event aims to highlight the diverse ways in which WordPress can be utilized, from building complex websites to crafting elegant and functional designs. It’s a chance for participants to push the boundaries of what’s possible with WordPress and to inspire others in the process.
Conclusion
The AnyoneCanWP Hackathon is set to be a defining moment for the WordPress community. With a substantial prize pool, an expert judging panel, and a focus on creativity and collaboration, this event offers an unparalleled opportunity for WordPress professionals to showcase their skills and make a mark in the industry.
Mark your calendars for October 11 and prepare to be part of this historic event. For more information and to register, visit the hackathon page on InstaWP’s website.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of WordPress history!