April 21, 2026 — miniOrange began product development with a CyberSecurity plugin more than a decade ago. Since then, it has launched numerous products on WordPress and other marketplaces, and now has cloud services as well as on-prem products of its own. WordPress has immense benefits for a person who wants to be a founder and have their own company. In this session, Anirban wants to share his own journey and wants to share what the learnings are along the way, and why WordPress continues to be one of the main focuses for miniOrange and is likely to be its main focus going forward as well. The session will also cover the traps that a startup founder should not get into while being on WordPress, and what the expectations are from a community point of view if a startup takes off from WordPress. It will also cover basic startup needs like barrier to entry, how to create a niche, opportunities for product development in AI and CyberSecurity, etc.

April 21, 2026 — It’s time to have a conversation about ethics in plugin and product design. We’ll learn that recognising and rejecting dark patterns isn’t about stricter rules, it’s about building trust through transparent, user-centred design.

April 21, 2026 — A deep dive into timeless design systems, resilient layout strategies, and block-based UX that adapts to content, change, and scale.

April 21, 2026 — Understanding the core components of code quality: functional, structural, performance, and security. How proper requirement gathering and client communication prevent most bugs before coding begins. Practical steps to write maintainable, scalable, and predictable WordPress code. How to use tools like PHPCS, WordPress Coding Standards, and code reviews to improve quality. Real-world examples that show how small defects can damage user trust — and how to avoid them. A simple quality framework attendees can apply immediately in their day-to-day development workflow.

April 21, 2026 — What can developers learn to become more valuable beyond just improving coding skills?
2 directions of growth: vertical and horizontal – 3 lessons that can help developers growth in their careers

April 21, 2026 — How can WordPress bridge the gap between classrooms and real world contribution? How do we move students from just learning about open source to actively building it, contributing to it, and shaping its future? This panel focuses on practical pathways. We will discuss: How academic institutions can collaborate through WP Credits to formalise contribution How Campus Connect initiatives can create real exposure inside colleges How student clubs can become contribution hubs, not just event groups How structured mentorship can help students submit their first PR with confidence The goal is simple. Stop treating open source as a chapter in a syllabus. Start treating it as a career runway. Together with moderator Raitis Sevelis, Anand Upadhyay, Destiny Kanno, and Maciej Pilarski will explore how WordPress is building sustainable learning models that connect classroom education with real hands-on contribution, mentorship, and global collaboration. This is not just about learning WordPress. It is about participating in it. The discussion will cover: Integrating WordPress contributions into academic programs Building global student communities through Campus Connect Creating accessible learning pathways for beginners Supporting educators who want to introduce open source in classrooms The future of education within the WordPress ecosystem Whether you are a student looking to start contributing, an educator planning to introduce open source, or a community organiser building local ecosystems, this panel will give you practical direction and clarity on the next steps. Because the future of WordPress will not be built only by developers. It will be built by students who start early.

April 21, 2026 — Some key areas where WordPress is unbeatable, and how to position those advantages to sell WordPress better. If you are selling WordPress to your clients, or even internally as the choice of CMS, this talk will give you the right insights and arguments to do so successfully.

April 21, 2026 — 1.Understanding how real-life experiences outside IT can lead to a successful career in WordPress. – How lessons from different industries can be applied to web development and client work. 2.Practical insights on transitioning from subcontracted work to building direct client relationships. – How to grow step by step and establish a sustainable business. 3.The power of the WordPress community as an “accelerator.” – How Meetups, WordCamps, and connections with people can shape career direction and business growth. 4.Inspiration to take the first step. – Whether starting a new career, exploring block themes, or engaging with the community, small steps can lead to major transformation.

April 21, 2026 — Gratitude cycle: A perspective of giving back in your own way for the benefits you receive from open source.

April 21, 2026 — As WordPress continues to evolve, so do the questions around its future, from the role of AI to how contributors and communities grow alongside the platform. Join Mary Hubbard, Executive Director of the WordPress Project, in a fireside chat moderated by Shilpa Shah. Together, they will explore what lies ahead for WordPress and its global community. This conversation will touch on key areas shaping the ecosystem, including emerging technologies, education initiatives, contribution pathways, and the changing needs of the next generation of contributors. Designed as an open and engaging discussion, the session will offer insights into where WordPress is today and where it’s headed, while leaving space for thoughtful dialogue and audience questions. Whether you’re a long-time contributor or just starting your journey, this session will help you better understand the direction of the project and how you can be part of it.