How to Prepare for Contributor Day

Register in Advance
Ensure you’ve registered for Contributor Day to secure your spot. Visit the official registration page for details on how to sign up: WordCamp Asia 2025 Contributor Day. You can also check out the event announcement and registration guidelines:

By registering early, you not only confirm your participation but also get access to pre-event materials, resources, and potential team assignments. This can help streamline your experience on the day of the event.

Familiarize Yourself with WordPress Teams
WordPress Contributor Day consists of various teams, such as Core, Design, Docs, Polyglots, and Marketing. Research these teams and choose one that aligns with your skills and interests. Learning about the teams in advance will help you engage more effectively on the day of the event. Start by reading: Getting Started as a First-Time Contributor.

Each team has a unique role within the WordPress ecosystem:

  • Core Team: Works on improving WordPress, fixing bugs, and developing new features.
  • Design Team: Focuses on user experience, interface design, and creating visual assets.
  • Docs Team: Helps in improving documentation, making WordPress resources more accessible.
  • Polyglots Team: Contributes to translating WordPress into different languages.

You can check the complete list of team on WordPress. Understanding each team’s focus will help you make an informed choice on where to contribute.

Set Personal Goals
Define what you want to achieve during Contributor Day. Whether your goal is to learn, contribute code, improve documentation, translate content, or network with others, having a clear focus will help you make the most of the experience.

Consider setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals. For example:

  • Contribute at least one bug fix to the Core team.
  • Translate five WordPress strings into another language.
  • Write or edit two documentation pages.
  • Connect with three experienced contributors for mentorship.

Having clear objectives will make your participation more meaningful.

Prepare Your Tools
Bring your laptop, charger, and any necessary accessories. Install essential software such as GitHub, a local development environment, and communication tools in advance. This ensures you can start contributing immediately without technical delays.

Some essential tools include:

  • Local Development Setup: If you plan to contribute to Core, set up a local WordPress environment, using WordPress-recommended tools in the readme file.
  • GitHub & SVN: Many contributions, especially for development and documentation, require familiarity with version control systems.
  • Text Editors: Install an editor like VS Code or Sublime Text for code and documentation contributions.

Accounts you need to sign:

Preparing your setup beforehand ensures you can dive straight into contributing without wasting time troubleshooting technical issues.

Review WordCamp Asia’s Contributor Day Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with the Contributor Day schedule, roles, and expectations. Understanding the Code of Conduct and event structure will help you navigate the day smoothly. Useful resources include:

Knowing the guidelines ensures you adhere to the event’s best practices and have a productive, respectful experience.

Brush Up on WordPress
Stay up-to-date with the latest WordPress developments, especially if you plan to contribute to the Core or Development teams. Reading recent updates and releases will provide valuable context for your contributions.

Resources to review:

  • The latest WordPress release notes, changelogs and news.
  • Developer documentation and best practices.
  • Community discussions and issues on GitHub or Trac.

A good understanding of WordPress’s latest features will enable you to contribute effectively and engage in meaningful discussions.

Prepare Questions or Ideas
If you’re new to contributing, consider bringing questions or ideas to discuss with experienced contributors. You can also take advantage of the Human Library Books to get inspiration from seasoned contributors.

Examples of questions you might ask:

  • What’s the best way to start contributing as a beginner?
  • How does the contribution review process work?
  • Are there any beginner-friendly tasks available?
  • How can I stay involved after Contributor Day?

Having a list of questions or discussion points will help you gain maximum value from interacting with experienced contributors.

Be Ready to Collaborate
Contributor Day thrives on teamwork. Approach the event with a collaborative mindset, be open to learning from others, and share your knowledge and skills with fellow contributors.

Some collaboration tips:

  • Introduce yourself to your team and actively participate in discussions.
  • Ask for help when needed—experienced contributors are there to guide you.
  • Offer assistance to others, even if you’re new.

Contributor Day is a team effort, and your willingness to collaborate will make the experience more fulfilling.

Network and Build Relationships
Engage with fellow contributors, table leads, and organizers. Establishing connections can open doors for future collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and deeper involvement in the WordPress community.

Consider:

  • Connecting with contributors on LinkedIn or Twitter.
  • Joining WordPress Slack channels to stay in touch.
  • Participating in follow-up discussions or online meetups.

Networking can lead to long-term opportunities within the WordPress community.

Bonus: Participate in Post-Event Meetups or Sessions
Your involvement doesn’t have to end with Contributor Day. Continue attending WordPress meetups and future WordCamp events to stay engaged and contribute to the community in the long term.

Ways to stay involved:

  • Follow WordCamp Asia’s social media for upcoming events.
  • Join local WordPress meetups in your city.
  • Participate in online contribution sprints and discussions.

Ongoing engagement helps you build on what you learned and continue making valuable contributions to WordPress.