In this episode of the PublishPress Podcast, Raquel joins Dan and Steve to chat about bringing PressConf to life. PressConf is the spiritual successor to Pressnomics, a business-focused WordPress conference. Raquel tells the PressConf story and shares her lessons for other event organizers, including Dan who was part of the WordCamp Canada team.

Raquel talks about what it’s really like to organize large events, the ups and downs along the way, and why community is at the heart of it all. We dive into the behind-the-scenes details: how sponsorships work, how to make speakers feel safe and supported, and why global representation matters so much. Raquel shares what made PressConf 2025 such a success and what’s next for her events.

Check out PressConf 2026: https://pressconf.events

Timestamps:

00:00 The Birth of PressConf
03:04 Organizing Large Events: Challenges and Strategies
06:07 The Unique Experience of PressConf
09:07 Sponsorship Dynamics in Smaller Conferences
12:02 Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability
15:01 The Global Reach of PressConf
17:57 Reflections on the Success of PressConf 2025
29:11 Navigating Visa Challenges for Events
30:51 Funding Models for Conferences
34:51 Balancing Ticket Prices and Sponsorships
36:22 Understanding Event Costs
39:07 PressConf's Future and Expansion Plans
41:21 Attracting New Audiences and Diversity
45:31 The Future of PressConf and Open Source Events
49:38 The Role of the Host in Event Success
51:01 Building Trust in Event Organization
56:32 Looking Ahead to PressConf 2026