The attendee experience (AX) is a crucial part of any WordCamp. Attendees experience on the event ranges from registration and check-in to meeting new people and joining community activities.
SiteSaga is an official media partner of WordCamp Kathmandu 2026. It’s scheduled for September 18 and 19 at Alice Receptions, Kathmandu, Nepal.
So, we interviewed Susmita Poudel, who leads the Attendee Experience (AX) Team alongside Arun Pariyar. We asked her what AX means to the team, what’s their aim, how they are preparing for beginners, networking, and accessibility. Plus, she even stated what attendees can expect this year.
Susmita is a UI/UX designer with 6+ years of experience. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and connecting with people.
Personally, I have met Susmita in various WordCamps and other community events. I have known Susmita as an active contributor of the WordPress community, always taking initiative to build meaningful experiences.
Now, let’s hear from Susmita about how the AX Team is shaping the attendee experience at WordCamp Kathmandu 2026.
Most importantly, the schedules for WCKTM 2026 are already live. Check them here:
Day 1: Contributor Day Schedule + Day 2: Conference Day Schedule.
“Seeing WordCamp Through the Eyes of an Attendee”: WCKTM 2026 AX Team Interview
1. Welcome! Please briefly introduce yourself and the Attendee Experience (AX) Team, and explain your team’s main role in WordCamp Kathmandu 2026.
Hi, I am Susmita Poudel, and I lead the Attendee Experience team for WordCamp Kathmandu 2026, along with Arun Pariyar who is also part of the team.
In simple terms, our mission is to look at every aspect of the event through the eyes of an attendee. From the moment someone first hears about WordCamp Kathmandu to the moment they walk out of the venue on the final day, we are constantly asking: “How does this feel for them?”
We oversee everything from registration, smooth check-ins, and clear venue navigation to creating an inviting atmosphere – ensuring the event feels genuinely warm, inclusive, and seamless, not just well-organized on paper.
2. What does “attendee experience” mean to your team, and what kind of experience are you aiming to create for everyone attending WordCamp Kathmandu 2026?
To us, attendee experience is not just about logistics running smoothly, though that matters too. It’s about how people feel throughout the day.
Do they feel welcomed the moment they walk in? Do they know where to go without feeling lost? Do they feel comfortable enough to talk to a stranger sitting next to them? That is what we are really aiming for this year, an event that feels warm and easy to be part of, not just efficiently run.
3. This year’s theme is “Where Ancient Culture Meets Open Source.” How is the AX Team weaving Kathmandu’s local culture, heritage, and community spirit into the overall attendee experience?
What made our job exciting is that Kathmandu itself sets the perfect backdrop. This year, Teej falls just a few days before WordCamp, and Indra Jatra follows shortly after, so a good number of our attendees, especially the ones travelling in from outside the valley or from abroad, will actually get to experience a piece of that living culture around their trip, not just hear about it.
Beyond the timing, we are also putting together a guide for attendees on things to do around the city, from trying real Newari food to catching a traditional dance performance at a heritage restaurant, so people who want to explore Kathmandu beyond the venue have an easy starting point.
4. Registration and check-in are often an attendee’s first interaction with an event. What can attendees expect when they arrive, and what have you done to make the process smooth and welcoming?
The moment attendees arrive at Alice Receptions, Gairidhara, they will be greeted by a clearly designated check-in desk staffed with enthusiastic volunteers ready to assist them. We have streamlined the verification and badge collection process to eliminate bottlenecks.
Especially on Contributor Day, when excitement is high, we want people to settle in and join their chosen workshops or tables without being stuck waiting in long lines.
5. WordCamp Kathmandu draws many first-time attendees, students, and freelancers who might feel intimidated. How is your team helping newcomers feel comfortable, oriented, and integrated into the broader community?
We know how overwhelming your first tech conference can be, especially when you arrive alone. Our volunteers are briefed to be approachable guides, readily available to point people in the right direction, introduce newcomers to community members, and answer any questions.
We make sure the atmosphere is open and low-pressure, encouraging students and freelancers to share conversations over tea breaks. At WordCamp, there are no hierarchies – everyone is here to learn and connect, and we make sure every newcomer feels that right away.
6. Accessibility and inclusivity are important parts of a welcoming community. What steps has the AX Team taken to make WordCamp Kathmandu 2026 accessible and inclusive for attendees with different needs?
We are working closely with the venue and our organizing team to make sure the space itself is easy to move through, and that attendees with different needs are not an afterthought in our planning.
This includes thinking about physical accessibility at the venue, clear communication for anyone who needs it, and simply asking attendees in advance if there is anything specific we should be aware of, so we can actually plan for it rather than react to it on the day.
7. Beyond the sessions, networking and community interaction are a big part of the WordCamp experience. How is the AX Team creating opportunities and spaces for attendees to connect and engage with one another?
We’re setting up a dedicated Job Board at the venue where attendees and companies can post and explore job openings, freelance gigs, and collaboration opportunities. This naturally sparks meaningful conversations between folks who might not otherwise cross paths.
There is also an after party planned for a more relaxed evening where the usual conference formality drops away.
8. Contributor Day on September 18 is all about giving back, but many first-timers hesitate because they aren’t sure how to contribute. How is the team ensuring that beginners feel supported and ready to participate?
We specifically tailored two hands-on workshops to dismantle that hesitation:
- WordPress Training with Full Site Editing (FSE): Walks beginners through building a complete website step-by-step.
- Plugin Workshop: Breaks down how plugins work under the hood with zero prior experience required.
Beyond the workshops, we have Table Leads across teams like Core, Patterns, Photo, Polyglots, and several others, and their whole role is to welcome people in and explain what their team is working on that day. So really, you do not need to know how to contribute before you arrive, someone there will show you.
9. Is there anything attendees should know or do in advance to make the most of their WordCamp experience?
Come with an open mind and a healthy dose of curiosity – that’s truly the biggest asset! Ahead of time, take a look at the schedule to earmark the talks and workshops you’re most excited about.
If you’re joining Contributor Day, bring your laptop and think about which area sparks your interest – whether design, coding, writing, translation, or community support – so you can hit the ground running.
10. Finally, for those still deciding whether to attend, why should they join WordCamp Kathmandu 2026?
Because it is one of those events where you walk in as a stranger and walk out knowing people you will stay in touch with for years.
Whether you are here to learn something new, meet the people behind the tools you use every day, or just be part of a community that genuinely wants you there, WordCamp Kathmandu 2026 is built for exactly that. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Get Ready for WordCamp Kathmandu 2026!
According to Susmita, WordCamp is an event where “you walk in as a stranger and walk out knowing people.” Similarly, the AX team is working hard to make that experience welcoming, inclusive, and easy for everyone.
That’s why we’re eager to attend WordCamp Kathmandu 2026. Most of all, we’re looking forward to meeting and connecting with anyone possible.
Still unable to decide and plan? Check out the official WCKTM 2026 website.
Now, get ready for WordCamp Kathmandu 2026 to live this beautiful experience. See you soon on 18th and 19th of September at Alice Receptions, Kathmandu, Nepal.
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