{"id":6,"date":"2026-03-26T22:29:26","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T19:29:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/?p=6"},"modified":"2026-05-30T17:49:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-30T14:49:44","slug":"call-for-speakers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Call for Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-6409c26b54d2d702b104c1a8a840a7c5 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c9a371c5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:5px;border-top-right-radius:5px;border-bottom-left-radius:5px;border-bottom-right-radius:5px;background-color:#1a2853;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div id=\"apply-now\" class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"call-for-speakers-closed\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4b1924db80e70d262fea0a2a36b24380\" style=\"color:#ff9800\">\ud83d\udce2 Call for Speakers: Closed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"thank-you-for-applying\" class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fbc2cccc5cc2230d92591d66e77c53c5\"><strong>Thank You for Applying!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Call for Speakers for WordCamp Masaka 2026 officially closed on <strong>30 May 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A massive thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their proposals. We are incredibly inspired by the diversity and depth of the topics received this year!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What happens next?<\/strong> Our organizing team is currently reviewing all submissions. Successful candidates will be contacted via email regarding the status of their application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay tuned for speaker announcements, and we look forward to seeing you at Equator University on <strong>July 4, 2026<\/strong>!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c9a371c5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#000000;border-width:2px;border-top-left-radius:12px;border-top-right-radius:12px;border-bottom-left-radius:12px;border-bottom-right-radius:12px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<p data-wp-context---core-fit-text=\"core\/fit-text::{&quot;fontSize&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-wp-init---core-fit-text=\"core\/fit-text::callbacks.init\" data-wp-interactive data-wp-style--font-size=\"core\/fit-text::context.fontSize\" class=\"has-fit-text wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"speaker\">Speakership Overview<\/p>\n\n\n\n<nav aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents\"><ol><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#call-for-speakers-closed\">\ud83d\udce2 Call for Speakers: Closed<\/a><ol><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#thank-you-for-applying\">Thank You for Applying!<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#a-stage-designed-for-everyone\">A Stage Designed for Everyone<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#what-can-you-speak-about\">What Can You Speak About?<\/a><ol><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#business-marketing\">Artificial Intelligence<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#business-marketing\">Business, Marketing &amp; Growth<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#development\">Development &amp; Design<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#community-people\">Community, Culture &amp; Impact<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#community-people\">Hands-On Workshops<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#design\">Other<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#session-formats-tracks\">Session Formats &amp; Tracks<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#why-join-our-stage\">Why Join Our Stage?<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"wp-block-table-of-contents__entry\" href=\"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/call-for-speakers\/#our-diversity-goals\">Our Diversity Goals<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>WordCamp Masaka 2026 officially invites contributors from every corner of the WordPress ecosystem to the stage at Equator University on July 4, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our mission is to foster a professional environment where the global community connects with rising talent. We seek more than just presentations; we are looking for the shared insights that will serve as the <strong>technical and professional infrastructure<\/strong> for the next decade of progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"a-stage-designed-for-everyone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Stage Designed for Everyone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We believe that a diverse stage leads to a more innovative community. Whether you are a local developer solving daily challenges, a business owner scaling an agency, or a global contributor with years of experience\u2014<strong>your voice is an essential part of this narrative.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For the First-Time Speaker:<\/strong> Your &#8220;standard&#8221; workflow might be exactly what someone else needs to learn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For the Quiet Innovator:<\/strong> If you\u2019ve built something that works, we want to see it. We value authentic, practical lessons over polished sales pitches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For the Global Contributor:<\/strong> Join us to bridge the gap between global standards and local innovation. Your presence helps build a legacy of excellence in one of Africa\u2019s fastest-growing tech hubs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c51f9e8f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"what-can-you-speak-about\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Can You Speak About?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c9a371c5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#14213d;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:12px;border-top-right-radius:12px;border-bottom-left-radius:12px;border-bottom-right-radius:12px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h3 id=\"business-marketing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Artificial Intelligence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Local Integration<\/strong>: Using AI to scale content creation and editorial workflows for regional businesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Smart Development<\/strong>: Leveraging AI for code generation, testing, and debugging in WordPress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Designing the Future<\/strong>: AI-driven personalization and improving web accessibility through AI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ethics &amp; Risks<\/strong>: Cybersecurity and the possibilities of AI in open-source contribution management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c9a371c5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#14213d;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:12px;border-top-right-radius:12px;border-bottom-left-radius:12px;border-bottom-right-radius:12px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h3 id=\"business-marketing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Business, Marketing &amp; Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Scaling in Africa<\/strong>: Moving from freelancing to a full-service WordPress product company or agency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Modern SEO &amp; Marketing<\/strong>: Using automation and open-source tools to compete globally.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Remote Excellence<\/strong>: Best practices for thriving in distributed\/remote teams.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c9a371c5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#14213d;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:12px;border-top-right-radius:12px;border-bottom-left-radius:12px;border-bottom-right-radius:12px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h3 id=\"development\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Development &amp; Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The future of the Block Editor (Gutenberg) and Full Site Editing (FSE).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Website performance, security, and Core Web Vitals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accessibility-driven design and user psychology (UX).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headless WordPress and modern development frameworks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c9a371c5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#14213d;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:12px;border-top-right-radius:12px;border-bottom-left-radius:12px;border-bottom-right-radius:12px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h3 id=\"community-people\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community, Culture &amp; Impact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open Source contribution and building sustainable communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using WordPress for social impact, education, and professional transformation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Case studies on how the open web is changing lives and industries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c9a371c5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#14213d;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:12px;border-top-right-radius:12px;border-bottom-left-radius:12px;border-bottom-right-radius:12px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h3 id=\"community-people\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hands-On Workshops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Technical Deep Dives<\/strong>: Live coding, plugin development, or site optimization.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Design &amp; Content<\/strong>: Hands-on UX auditing or content strategy workshops.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Business &amp; Strategy<\/strong>: Practical agency management or sales framework sessions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WordPress + AI<\/strong>: Practical implementation of AI workflows in real-time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-border-color has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c9a371c5 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-color:#14213d;border-width:1px;border-top-left-radius:12px;border-top-right-radius:12px;border-bottom-left-radius:12px;border-bottom-right-radius:12px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h3 id=\"design\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your topic doesn\u2019t fit a specific category, <strong>that is exactly why we want to hear from you.<\/strong> We are looking for innovative, inspiring, and unconventional ideas that challenge the status quo and bring new perspectives to the WordPress community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"session-formats-tracks\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Session Formats &amp; Tracks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We have designed our program to be inclusive of different learning and teaching styles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-border-color has-contrast-3-border-color has-fixed-layout\" style=\"border-width:1px\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Format<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Duration<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best For&#8230;<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Lightning Talk<\/strong><\/td><td>15 Minutes<\/td><td>Quick, impactful tips or inspiring personal stories.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Standard Talk<\/strong><\/td><td>30 Minutes<\/td><td>In-depth case studies, technical walkthroughs, and Q&amp;A.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Joint Session<\/strong><\/td><td>40 Minutes<\/td><td>Paired experiences or contrasting viewpoints on one topic.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hands-On Workshop<\/strong><\/td><td>90+ Minutes<\/td><td>Practical, interactive learning and live demonstrations.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"why-join-our-stage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Join Our Stage?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Inclusivity First:<\/strong> You don\u2019t need to be a &#8220;pro speaker.&#8221; If you have built something or lived a journey, your voice matters. <strong>Speaker Mentorship<\/strong> is available for all first-time speakers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Professional Legacy:<\/strong> Connect with global contributors and establish your authority in a rising tech hub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Speaker Perks:<\/strong> All selected speakers receive a complimentary event pass and an invitation to the exclusive Speaker &amp; Sponsor dinner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"our-diversity-goals\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Diversity Goals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We believe a diverse stage is a stronger stage. Our goal for 2026 is to feature <strong>60% local talent<\/strong> and <strong>40% non-male speakers.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\ud83d\udce2 Call for Speakers: Closed Thank You for Applying! The Call for Speakers for WordCamp Masaka 2026 officially closed on 30 May 2026. A massive thank you to everyone who took the time to submit their proposals. We are incredibly inspired by the diversity and depth of the topics received this year! What happens next? [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18452122,"featured_media":2815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27],"tags":[32],"class_list":["post-6","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-call-for-speakers","tag-open-calls"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/files\/2026\/03\/WordCamp-Masaka-2026_Call-for-speakers.jpeg?fit=2560%2C1221&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/ph074h-6","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18452122"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3162,"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6\/revisions\/3162"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2815"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/masaka.wordcamp.org\/2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}