State of the Word 2022 Will Be Livestreamed from New York City on December 15

Matt Mullenweg’s annual State of the Word (SOTW) address will be delivered in New York City this year before a live audience, on December 15. The event format is similar to last year where a small group of invited guests will join in person.

Traditionally, the State of the Word has been given at WordCamp US, capping off the event with an inspiring review of WordPress’ progress and a lively Q&A session. Starting in 2020, due to the pandemic, the SOTW transitioned to a separate, smaller event that can be broadcast to all who cannot attend. Organizers are planning to livestream this year’s event across WordPress.org’s social media platforms.

Unlike last year, where prominent members of the community were invited to attend, organizers have created a form where anyone can request an invitation to attend. Seats are available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The form states that masks will not be required at the event, a policy that is as controversial today as it was last year, and makes it impossible for medically vulnerable people to attend:

“While at the event, masks are not mandatory but encouraged, as is using hand sanitizer and social distancing.”

Since the majority of people will be watching via live stream, the Q&A portion of the event will be handled via email for virtual participants. Anyone can ask a question in advance by emailing ask-matt@wordcamp.org or may ask during the event in the live stream chat on YouTube. WordPress Executive Director Josepha Haden-Chomphosy said there may be a follow-up post published with answers to questions not covered at the event.

The live stream will be embedded in the announcement post and will also air on WordPress’ YouTube channel on December 15, 2022, at 1–2:30 P.M. EST (18–19:30 UTC). Those who are hosting watch parties are encouraged to email support@wordcamp.org for additional resources from the Community Team.