For three days, IT decision-makers, hosting providers, agencies, software vendors, and open-source enthusiasts from all over the world come together to connect, discover new technologies, and shape the digital future – all in a truly unique setting: right in the middle of Europa-Park, before the official season even begins.
Roller coasters, talks, and a strong sense of community – it creates an atmosphere that’s probably one of a kind.
It was my first time there – and what can I say? It was a real experience.
Sunday Evening: Let’s Go – With Excitement, a Suitcase, and Good Vibes
The kickoff for me was Sunday evening, March 16. Together with a few colleagues, we made our way to Rust. I was part of a carpool and got picked up by three teammates.
The drive was already a highlight: music, snacks, a bit of small talk – but also the first strategic conversations. Because for us, this event wasn’t just a reunion – it was also a clear mission.
In total, seven of us from Syde went to CloudFest. And it was so nice to see everyone on the Sunday evening to catch up.
Monday: Arrive, Set Up, Get Started
Monday morning, we were standing between roller coasters, circus tents, and a slightly vibrating Europa-Park as we set up our booth. Everyone pitched in, and before we knew it, the booth was ready to go.
Despite the festival vibes, we had a clear plan. Even before the event, we had mapped out how we wanted to approach CloudFest strategically:
Before things officially kicked off, we sat down as a team for an internal kick-off meeting to align on our SMART goals. And those goals went beyond just “being there” – we wanted to actively approach potential partners and make new connections.
From then on, it was all go: networking, interviews, surveys, feedback sessions – we gathered a ton of impressions, met great people, and soaked up the full energy of the event.
The Event Begins: Between Code, Community, and Coasters
The days at CloudFest were intense – but also incredibly exciting. We networked, ran surveys, had tons of inspiring conversations, and came away with fresh insights.
A personal highlight for me: interviewing Alain Schlesser on why WordPress is scalable, secure, and global. He is a renowned Software Engineer and architect who specializes in advancing WordPress for enterprise use. Check out the full interview.
Another highlight was seeing our Commercial Director, Ronny Marx, on stage – first in a lively panel discussion, then stepping into the ring to talk about why WordPress is the perfect solution for enterprise businesses. You don’t want to miss the recording of Ronny’s dynamic ring session.
What I loved most: everyone from Syde had the chance to actively engage with people, pitch ideas, and explore new opportunities – always with the shared goal of making Syde more visible and creating real connections.
And because at CloudFest business and fun go hand in hand, there was also plenty of action: roller coasters (yes, really!) and laid-back networking evenings. Some handled the loops better than others.
Conclusion: My First CloudFest – But Definitely Not My Last
CloudFest wasn’t just a professional highlight for me – it was a real experience. I met inspiring people, took home new ideas, and got a deeper insight into how WordPress is perceived outside the usual community bubble.
What stood out to me personally was how structured and focused we were as a team. From the pre-event messaging to the internal kickoff to the follow-up – we didn’t just show up; we made it count.
Oh, and we brought our first printed white paper with us, too. Want to download it? Click here: WordPress for Scalable, Secure, and Global Websites.
Can’t wait for next time. Though I might give the roller coasters a pass next round.