WordCamp Europe 2025 in Basel, Switzerland (June 5–7) kicks off soon, bringing together open-source enthusiasts, developers, and WordPress professionals from around the world. We announced the event on our Top WordPress Events to Attend in 2025 article at the beginning of the year, let’s dive into details!
Over three days of learning, networking, and collaboration, you’ll find fresh perspectives, engaging conversations, and countless opportunities to connect with the WordPress community.
If you’re attending, it pays to have a plan so you can make the most of the experience. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to WordCamp Basel, from what to toss in your backpack to which sessions are worth your time.
What to bring (and wear) to WCEU Basel
Let’s start with the basics: packing for WordCamp. The dress code is casual—think jeans, your favorite WordPress t-shirt, and shoes you can walk in all day. You’ll be moving between sessions in the sizable Messe Basel Congress Center, which is located right in the heart of the city with easy access by foot and tram, so practical footwear is a must.
Basel’s early June weather is pleasantly warm (around 22°C by day) but can cool off in the evenings, so having a light jacket or sweater on hand is wise. The venue is fully modern and likely well air-conditioned, meaning that an extra layer could save you from conference-room chill. (But seriously, when is packing NOT all about layers?)
In your day pack, a few items will make your life easier. A refillable water bottle is highly recommended as the venue prides itself on sustainability and avoids disposable products whenever possible, so you’ll find water refill stations instead of endless plastic bottles.
If you’re coming from abroad, don’t forget a travel adapter for Swiss outlets (Type C and Type J), or you might be networking with a dead phone by lunchtime.
What to see: Sessions, tracks, and Basel sights
The schedule for WCEU Basel is absolutely packed this year. Over two main conference days (June 6 and 7), there will be 45 sessions running on three parallel tracks and even four hands-on workshops.
In total, 52 speakers from 23 countries will be sharing their knowledge, making this one of the most international WordCamps ever. You’ll have to make some choices—and since you can’t be in three places at once, it’s wise to plan ahead on the event website’s schedule.
The good news is that the content offers something for everyone. Prepare for hands-on workshops and engaging sessions covering AI, design, development, content creation, and SEO strategies that deliver real results. WordCamp Europe is known for covering the latest and greatest, so even hot-off-the-press developments like the new European Accessibility Act and the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act are on the agenda.
Sessions that deserve a front row seat
So, what are the must-see sessions? First and foremost, do not miss the fireside chat with WordPress Executive Director Mary Hubbard (who was also present at CloudFest 2025 WordPress day) and co-founder Matt Mullenweg. On Saturday, these two will sit down to discuss all things WordPress and its community, followed by an in-person audience Q&A session.
Besides the Matt-and-Mary show, there are a few other talks generating buzz. For instance, the schedule includes a session where Google’s Jason Mayes will demonstrate how AI agents can build smarter user experiences on the web. (If you’re not yet familiar with the phrase “agentic AI”, get ready to start hearing it a lot.)
On the security front, keep an eye out for Oliver Sild’s presentation about the EU Cyber Resilience Act and WordPress. With new regulations coming into effect, Oliver (who already spoke at CloudFest 2025) will explain what WordPress site owners and developers should expect from these rules and how to stay compliant.
And SEO enthusiasts, rejoice: industry veteran Danny Sullivan is on the roster, bringing his search engine expertise to help untangle the latest SEO trends. Getting SEO tips straight from someone who has been a key voice in the search world (and now works at Google, liaising with webmasters) is a huge opportunity. Definitely a session to bookmark if you care about your site’s Google rankings.
Beyond the scheduled talks, don’t miss WordCamp’s unofficial tracks. The sponsor hall offers more than just bowls of Swiss chocolate at a sponsor’s table. It’s where you’ll discover new plugins, potential job opportunities, and have meaningful conversations with the people behind your favorite tools. Meanwhile, this year’s Community Hub area hosts impromptu meetups and round-tables on topics from diversity in tech to WordPress core development. It’s the perfect spot to drop in when you need a break from formal presentations.
Breathe in the city in between the sessions
Lastly, take some time to enjoy Basel itself. The conference location isn’t an accident: Basel is a beautiful city filled with historical architecture, museums, and riverside charm. Every attendee staying in a hotel gets a BaselCard, which lets you hop on and off all the trams and buses for free. WordCamp isn’t just about sessions. It’s about experiencing the host city too. Don’t hesitate to skip a less essential talk for some fresh Swiss air.
Final thoughts: Choose Your Own Adventure
WordCamp is a judgment-free zone where a developer with a decade of experience and a blogger who started last week can sit at the same table and find common ground. Bring your curiosity, your stories, and even your goofy WordPress-themed apparel (now is the time to rock that Wapuu pin!).
You don’t need to see every session, shake every hand, or collect every sticker to get value out of WCEU Basel. Focus on the touchpoints that matter to you: the talk that sparks an idea, the hallway chat that turns into a collaboration, the quiet walk along the Rhine that gives you space to rethink your next big project. WordCamp gives you the structure, but what you build with it is entirely your own.
