Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in partnership with Automattic as part of the WordCamp US 2026 campaign. As always, all opinions are our own.
A few days ago, we received an email from Automattic that caught our attention.
It wasn’t promoting a new feature or announcing another WordPress update. Instead, it focused on something we’ve been thinking about a lot lately: how quickly the online world is changing.
If you’ve been blogging for any length of time, there is zero doubt you have noticed it too.
Search traffic doesn’t behave the way it used to. Raise your hand if your website traffic has taken a hit over the past year. Hi… It’s us.👋🏼
AI is answering questions before people ever click a website. Social algorithms seem to change every time you finally figure them out. We’ve seen it firsthand, and it’s forced us to rethink how we approach blogging.
Since our website is how we make our living, we’ve had plenty of conversations about what all of this means.
We’ve spent years building Arner Adventures, publishing more than 1,000 articles, growing our email list to more than 70,000 subscribers, and creating content we genuinely hope helps people.
Neither of us comes from a web development background. Everything we’ve learned about WordPress and running a website has come from years of building, testing, breaking things, fixing them, and figuring it out as we go.
So when the rules change, we pay attention.
That’s exactly why WordCamp US 2026 caught our attention.
Arner Adventures has grown from a small travel blog into a business.
WordPress has grown with us. We’ve learned how to organize content, improve SEO, manage plugins, build an email list, and continually adapt our website as the online world changes.
That’s another reason WordCamp stood out to us. It’s an opportunity to learn from the people who build, use, and improve the platform every day.
Running a Website Is About Much More Than Writing
When most people think about blogging, they picture someone typing away at a laptop in a coffee shop.
We wish it were that simple.
Running a website means doing a little bit of everything.
On any given day, we might be updating older articles, troubleshooting plugins, checking page speed, optimizing SEO, sending newsletters, creating Pinterest graphics, negotiating brand partnerships, answering emails, or trying to understand the latest Google update.
Then there are the days when something breaks for no apparent reason.
Some days it feels creative. Other days, it feels like you’re just putting out little fires all day.
That’s why we stay open to learning more.
Why We Decided to Attend WordCamp US
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that the creators who keep learning are usually the ones who keep growing.
Sometimes that means reading articles to stay up to date.
Sometimes it means watching tutorials and attending webinars.
Sometimes it means finding and then talking with other people who understand exactly what you’re working through.
That’s what stood out to us about WordCamp US 2026.
Instead of trying to piece everything together on our own, WordCamp brings together the people who build WordPress, create plugins, improve SEO tools, and publish content every day.
For anyone who manages a WordPress website, that’s a valuable room to be in.
It’s Not Just for Developers
Before we looked into WordCamp, we assumed it was mostly for developers and weren’t sure it would be worth the time and travel investment.
If you’re picturing days filled with programming sessions, you’re not alone.
After looking through this year’s schedule, it’s clear the event goes far beyond that.
There are sessions focused on artificial intelligence, content strategy, accessibility, SEO, website performance, marketing, business growth, and community building.
Those are topics that matter whether you’re a travel blogger, photographer, small business owner, freelancer, nonprofit, or someone who’s simply trying to build a better website.
You don’t have to write code to benefit from understanding how the internet is changing.
Learning Is Part of the Job
One of the biggest shifts we’ve made over the years is treating learning as part of our work, rather than something we squeeze in when we have time.
The internet doesn’t stand still.
Neither does WordPress.
The strategies that worked five years ago aren’t necessarily the strategies that work today.
We’ve seen that firsthand.
Every year we’ve had to learn something new, whether it was Pinterest, Core Web Vitals, affiliate marketing, email newsletters, or now, AI.
None of us gets to graduate from learning, and that is actually a pretty cool thing, right?!
The Value of Meeting Other Creators
Working online can be surprisingly isolating.
Most days it’s just the two of us, our laptops, and a very opinionated pair of chihuahuas supervising from nearby.
That’s one reason events like WordCamp stand out.
There’s something valuable about spending time with people who understand the challenges of publishing online because they’re facing many of the same ones.
Sometimes one conversation can save you hours of frustration.
Sometimes a single idea changes the way you approach your website.
Those moments are hard to find when you’re working alone.
Is WordCamp US 2026 Worth Considering?
We think so.
Not because conferences magically reshape your business.
Not because every session will apply to everyone.
But because investing in your skills almost always pays off.
WordCamp US 2026 takes place August 16–19 in Phoenix, Arizona, and brings together the WordPress community for four days of learning, workshops, networking, and conversations about where WordPress is headed.
If you publish on WordPress, manage your own website, or make your living creating content online, this looks like a worthwhile opportunity to sharpen your skills and connect with people who are solving many of the same challenges. If you’re interested, consider attending WordCamp US 2026.
General admission is $100, and if you’re planning to attend, use the discount code AF26 to save $20 when you purchase your ticket through the official WordCamp US website.
We don’t know exactly what the future of blogging will look like.
Nobody does.
What we do know is this: the people who stay curious, keep learning, and continue adapting usually put themselves in the best position for what comes next.
That’s why WordCamp US 2026 caught our attention. If you’re building a website, growing a business, or creating content online, maybe we’ll see you there.
If you are attending, let us know! We would love to meet up!
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
WordCamp US is the flagship annual conference for the WordPress community in North America. It brings together bloggers, content creators, developers, designers, marketers, business owners, and anyone who uses WordPress to learn, share ideas, and connect with others.
Yes! If your website is built on WordPress and you’re interested in improving your content, SEO, website performance, or growing your online business, it’s worth it. It’s an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and connect with others who face many of the same challenges.
No. WordCamp welcomes people with all levels of experience. Whether you’re launching your first website or have been using WordPress for years, there are sessions designed for a wide range of interests and skill levels.
