Laura Byrne

July 21, 2017August 15, 2017

Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship Applications Open

Two people wearing conference badges standing together, the subject on the right has their arm around the person the left. The person on the left is Kim Parsell, the person on the right is Jose.

We are pleased to announce that applications for the Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship are being accepted as of today.

Kim Parsell was an active member of the WordPress community until her untimely passing in 2015. She was given the nickname “WPMom” because of the care she took in making sure any member of the community that she encountered felt welcomed and valued.

Kim actively participated in WordPress Meetups in her native Ohio, often driving over 90 minutes each way to do so. She also attended multiple WordCamps from Ohio to San Francisco and everywhere in-between. As a contributor, she contributed to every release of WordPress from 3.7 to 4.2.

Online, Kim could often be found on Twitter encouraging community members in whatever they were doing. She’d also post comments on countless WordPress sites to give members a shout out, boost of confidence, or help if they needed it.

For the reasons above, and so many more, a scholarship for a women who has never attended WordCamp US before is named after Kim Parsell.

Applications for the 2017 Kim Parsell Memorial Scholarship are now closed. Applicants will be contacted in the fall regarding their status.

April 21, 2017April 26, 2017

The Renaissance Nashville Hotel is the WCUS 2017 Official Hotel

The Renaissance Nashville Hotel, one of the Nashville’s premier hotels, is the official hotel for WordCamp US 2017. It is just a short walk away from Music City Center, our official venue.

Cool off in the indoor pool, burn off some steam in the fitness center, or relax and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby while you work on a few lines of code.

Several trendy eateries and bars are located within the hotel proper, and there are multiple other options within walking distance of the hotel.

We have also been able to secure a special rate for WordCamp US attendees of $189 a night for rooms that feature either a King or two Queen beds. Reservations can be made online at this specific link. Alternatively, attendees can call 1 (800) 468-3571 or (615) 255-8400 and mention WCUS to get the special rate.

Don’t wait until the last second! Reservations are being accepted now through October 31, 2017.

Buy your tickets to WordCamp US today!

Contributing Writer: Eleasha Drew
Photo Credit: Marriott International

April 14, 2017April 20, 2017

Nashville’s Music City Center is Home to WordCamp US 2017

Nashville is hosting WordCamp US, y’all. We are excited to announce that WordCamp US 2017 will take place at the phenomenal Music City Center. Even though this venue is just 4-years-old, it has already made its mark as an amazing destination center.

Music City Center is able to boast its 2.1 million square foot presence in the heart of Nashville. It’s the perfect site for everything from intimate bridal shows to massive comic conventions. With its downtown location, visitors find themselves just steps away from Nashville’s many offerings.

In addition to hosting events, Music City Center is the host to public artwork. The center represents over 50 artists and displays with over 100 pieces of eye-catching artwork. The art pieces include a mixture of paintings, suspended pieces, new media, mosaics, and light works that can be observed throughout the building.

There are many attractions within walking distance of Music City Center. Highlights include the popular: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Johnny Cash Museum, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and Bridgestone Arena.

A couple of bus stops or a short cab ride away are attractions like Centennial Park with its Parthenon showpiece, Vanderbilt University, and the world famous Grand Ole Opry.

All you foodies out there won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re looking for something high-end to good, old-fashioned home cooking, there’s a place for you. Withing walking distance of Music City are a variety of eateries to explore including: Etch, The Southern Steak & Oyster, Bakersfield Tacos, Merchants, and more. Just a short cab ride away is the Germantown section of Nashville which is home to one of the hottest rising destination food scenes in the US.

Nashville is growing by leaps and bounds as a diverse city with many possibilities. Here are just some of the accolades Nashville has received in recent years:

Nashville named WalletHub’s #1 best city for women-led businesses
Nashville named the 2015 Destination of the Year by Travel and Leisure Magazine
Nashville named 2011 Best Music Scene by Rolling Stone Magazine
Nashville ranked within the top 10 on Cvent’s list of Top 50 Meeting Destinations in the United States. (August 2015)
Nashville listed in Collaborate Magazine’s list of the Top 12 Foodie Cities for Meetings.
Nashville named #3 Best Convention City in the 10 Best USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards.
Nashville named in GreenBiz.com’s list of Top 10 U.S. Cities for Green Meetings in 2014.

With all that Downtown Nashville has to offer, you can see why the Music City Center was chosen as a great venue to host WordCamp US. We can’t wait for you to come and enjoy the conference as well as the wonderful city!

Buy your tickets for WordCamp US today!

Photo credit: Randy Hicks.
Contributing Writer: Eleasha Drew