Alright, so WordCamp Nepal 2025 just wrapped up on April 4th and 5th down at the Kundalini Durbar in Kathmandu. It was a big deal for the local WordPress folks, bringing everyone together for two days. And as one of the organizers, leading the sponsor team, I can tell you it was a fantastic experience. The first day, the Contributor Day, was all about getting hands-on and helping make WordPress even better. Then, the main conference day was packed with talks and workshops from smart people sharing their WordPress knowledge. It was a great chance to meet other WordPress enthusiasts, learn a ton, and just connect with the community here in Nepal.
So, how I ended up leading the Sponsor Team for WordCamp Nepal 2025? I was suggested to become Sponsor Team lead, and my first thought was, “Who, me?!” I’d never even been on the sponsor team before, so it felt like a big leap. I went back and forth in my head a bunch of times, but eventually, I thought, “Why not?” I decided to apply for it and was set on making it work. Honestly, I couldn’t have done it without some amazing buddies. Friends like Yam B. Chhetri, Surendra Shrestha, Nishal Gurung, and Manoj Gyawali – really came through, helping me connect with people and get sponsors on board. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, though. We had our moments with trying to keep everyone in the loop and figuring out all the behind-the-scenes stuff, but we pushed through it, determined to make the sponsorships a win for WordCamp.
Preparation
When we started reaching out to local tech businesses and colleges for WordCamp Nepal 2025 sponsorships, the response was positive! Many were excited to get involved and support the event. On the international side, we had some great talks, but a few companies hit some legal roadblocks that prevented them from sponsoring. Luckily, others were able to work through those issues and came on board as sponsors. I also had the chance to meet potential international sponsors at WordCamp Asia 2025 in the Philippines, and I was able to convince a few of them to join us as well!
Challenges
One of the significant logistical challenges we faced while organizing WordCamp Nepal 2025 involved receiving swag and promotional materials from sponsors like Woo, WordPress.com, and Bluehost (they canceled shipment later). These companies had generously sent packages, but getting them through customs in Nepal was a real hassle. The customs process was long and complicated, causing a lot of delays. After persistent efforts from our agent, we were finally able to retrieve the packages just a few days before the event. It was a stressful and challenging experience, but it taught us a valuable lesson in planning and managing international shipments, especially when it comes to navigating Nepal’s customs regulations.
Event Days
The first day of WordCamp Nepal 2025 kicked off with Contributor Day, and we spent time organizing the sponsor area and tables. We gave a few of our sponsors a sneak peek of their spots so they could see where they’d be. Then, on the second day, we were up bright and early, setting everything up with the help of our amazing volunteers. Each sponsor table was loaded with swag and banners, and you could feel the excitement building. Attendees were excited to check out all the different sponsor tables, and some of the sponsors even had fun games and challenges where people could win cool prizes. The whole sponsor area was buzzing with energy, and it made the event even more exciting for everyone involved!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend any of the sessions at WordCamp Nepal 2025 myself, but I heard from many attendees that the sessions were informative and helpful. The workshops, in particular, were a big hit. We had two halls, and both were packed with people eager to learn. It was great to hear how much everyone enjoyed the sessions and got so much out of them!
Everything at WordCamp Nepal 2025 went so smoothly, and it’s all thanks to the amazing teamwork behind the scenes. I couldn’t be more proud to have been a part of it! I had some fantastic conversations with so many inspiring people — the energy, the ideas, and the passion were just incredible. On top of that, I got to reconnect with old friends and bond even more with the community. There were so many laughs, late-night chats, and memories I’ll never forget!
Next Chapter
At the end of the Closing Ceremony of WordCamp Nepal 2025, two major announcements were made. The first was about WordCamp Pokhara, which will take place in July 2025. Also it was announced that the next WordCamp Nepal would be held in Butwal in 2026! I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be the Global Lead for it along with my friend from Butwal Krishna Neupane as Local Lead, which is both a huge opportunity and a big challenge for me. I’m confident it’s going to be a massive success, and I can’t wait to see all of you there in Butwal in 2026!