A Milestone Week: Thesis Success and WordCamp Europe 2026

This week marks one of the most memorable milestones of my academic and professional journey.

I am delighted to share that I successfully defended my Bachelor’s Thesis and received the highest possible grade- 10/10 with Distinction. It was an incredible moment and the culmination of years of study, research, learning, and personal growth. Being recognized for my work at this level is something I will always be grateful for.

My thesis focused on factors influencing attendee experiences at WordPress events, particularly WordCamp Europe, and explored how tourism-related elements can contribute to event success and participant satisfaction. During my research, I examined various aspects of attendee experience, including accessibility, local infrastructure, destination attractiveness, and collaboration with tourism stakeholders.

What makes this achievement even more special is that immediately after my thesis defense, I had the opportunity to attend WordCamp Europe 2026 in Kraków, Poland, where I am currently participating in Contributor Day activities alongside contributors from around the world.

One particularly interesting observation is how some of the findings discussed in my thesis can already be seen in practice. This year’s WordCamp Europe included free public transportation for attendees, making it easier for participants to navigate the city and attend event activities. This simple but highly effective initiative demonstrates how collaboration between event organizers and local tourism stakeholders can improve the overall attendee experience.

Based on both my research and my experience at WordCamp Europe 2026, I believe future WordCamps may continue to strengthen partnerships with tourism organizations, transportation providers, local governments, and destination management stakeholders. Such integrations can help reduce travel-related barriers, enhance visitor satisfaction, and potentially increase participation. In fact, these practices could serve as valuable examples not only for WordPress events but also for international conferences and professional gatherings across various industries.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to WPBakery, whose sponsorship made it possible for me to attend WordCamp Europe 2026. Their support has given me an opportunity to learn, network, contribute, and experience the global WordPress community firsthand. I am truly thankful for their investment in contributors and emerging professionals.

A special thank you goes to Ratis Sevelis, my thesis supervisor, lecturer at Riga Nordic University, and Head of Product at WPBakery. Throughout my thesis journey, his guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback helped me stay focused and motivated. What I admire most is how he successfully balances both academic and professional responsibilities. His ability to contribute meaningfully to higher education while leading product development in the WordPress ecosystem demonstrates that academic excellence and industry leadership can go hand in hand. His journey has been a genuine source of inspiration for me.

I would also like to thank Anand Upadhyay, Founder of WPVibes and my mentor throughout the WordPress Credits internship program. His support, guidance, and willingness to share knowledge made the contributor journey significantly smoother and more enjoyable. His encouragement helped me navigate the program with confidence and gain a deeper understanding of the WordPress community.

As I participate in Contributor Day and engage with members of the WordPress ecosystem from across the world, I am reminded that learning does not stop after graduation. This week represents not only the successful completion of one chapter but also the beginning of many new opportunities.

From defending my thesis with distinction to contributing at WordCamp Europe 2026, this has been a week I will never forget.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.