The PressConf Story: How Raquel Manriquez Launched the Best WordPress Business Conference
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 at https://pressconf.events
Table of Contents
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Show notes
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
The PublishPress Podcast
On the PublishPress Podcast, we talk with people interested in WordPress publishing. You'll hear interviews with publishers who are using WordPress, and also people in the WordPress community.
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