WordCamp Europe 2018 has begun early bird ticket sales for its sixth edition in Belgrade, Serbia, June 14-16. Attendees who purchase a ticket before December 31, 2017, will receive a limited-edition swag item.
WordCamp Europe has sold out in many previous years and organizers of the 2017 event in Paris anticipated that it would be the largest event in WordPress history. They expected to host more than 3,000 attendees but the actual number on the ground was 1,900 – 5% fewer than the 2,000 who attended in Vienna the previous year. WCEU 2017 posted a 24% no-show rate, which was more than double that of previous years.
Putting tickets on sale too early was one of the factors that contributed to the Paris event’s high no-show rate, in addition to higher local sales, an expensive location, and attendees’ problems obtaining visas. This year ticket sales are starting a little later and batches will be staged out into 2018.
The WCEU organizing team for Belgrade includes 54 people leading 10 teams to manage sponsors, PR, volunteers, design, and on-site responsibilities. The event has also added a new Attendee Services team that will assist with things like ticket invoices, visa letters, and other services on the ground.
A batch of 1,000 early bird tickets were released today and more than 10% have already been purchased on the first day of sales. Tickets are €40.00 and include two days of presentations, lunch, coffee and snacks, a t-shirt, and a ticket to the After Party. The ticket also gives the attendee access to Contributor Day, which will take place the day before the conference and requires a separate sign up. Tickets are non-refundable but can easily be resold or gifted in the event that the purchaser cannot attend.