This year, I attended WordCamp Kolkata 2025 for the first time, and it turned out to be far more meaningful than I had imagined. I went with Andrea, and that alone set the tone for the experience. It felt personal from the very beginning, not just another event on the calendar, but something we were genuinely looking forward to sharing together.

What made it even more special was being involved in WordCamp in two different ways. I was selected as a speaker, and at the same time, I was also honoured to be part of the organising team. Being on the inside showed me how much effort goes into making something like this happen. From planning and coordination to handling last-minute changes and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day, it’s a lot of work that often goes unnoticed. Experiencing that firsthand gave me a deep appreciation for the community-driven nature of WordCamp. It felt good to contribute, even in a small way, to something larger than myself.

Speaking at WordCamp was a moment I’ll always remember. My talk was titled The Goldilocks of Web Design, and it was centered around an idea I’ve been thinking about for years: balance. I spoke about finding the right balance between functionality and design, and why treating one as more important than the other almost always leads to problems. Functionality without good design can feel cold, confusing, or overwhelming. Design without solid functionality might look good, but it fails the user when it matters most. The real challenge, and the real craft, lies in getting that balance just right. Being able to talk about this in front of a room full of people who build, design, and care about the web was both exciting and grounding.

Beyond the talk itself, what stood out most were the people. WordCamp has a way of bringing together individuals from very different backgrounds, skill levels, and roles, yet making everyone feel like they belong in the same space. I had the chance to meet and talk to people whose work I’ve followed for a long time, including the team from Spaceship. Those conversations were relaxed and genuine, the kind where ideas flow naturally and there’s no pressure to impress. Just shared curiosity and respect for the work we all do.

And then there’s the lighter side of it all. The atmosphere, the energy, the little moments between sessions, and yes, the swag. I genuinely love swag. It’s not just about free stuff; it’s about memories. Every sticker, t-shirt, or small item becomes a reminder of being there, of the people you met and the conversations you had. WordCamp Kolkata 2025 delivered on that front too.

Looking back, this first WordCamp experience feels like a milestone. Sharing it with Andrea, speaking on stage, working behind the scenes as part of the organising team, and being surrounded by such a thoughtful and passionate community made it incredibly special. It wasn’t overwhelming in a negative way, but full in the best sense of the word. Full of learning, connection, and perspective.

I walked away feeling grateful, inspired, and quietly confident. This was my first WordCamp, but it definitely won’t be my last.