It’s now official – Lorelle Van Fossen (yes, THE Lorelle) is going to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming WordCamp Israel conference!

When: Oct. 25, 9am to 4pm
Where: Michlelet Afeka – Bney Efraim, Tel Aviv Tel: 1-800-37-37-10
Cost: Free! But you must register to reserve your place.

Among the topics to be covered at the conference is blogging and business (I’m on that panel ), how to create an effective web presence with WordPress, and practical tips on installing WordPress and using Plugins.

The conference now has an official web site, but if Hebrew ain’t your cup o’ tea, you can get most of the information on the English blog (written by…me!). You can also download banners in English and Hebrew to put on your blogs and sites, like the image at the top of this post, over here.

The Israel Internet Association (ISOC-IL) and Michlelet Afeka are the main sponsors behind the event, and have contributed the venue and Lorelle’s plane ticket.

What’s amazing about this event is that it’s been organized by some run-of-the-mill bloggers who thought it would be a good idea. Most of all, Tal Galili, a Masters student in Tel Aviv’s Mathematics Dept., has invested a huge amount of time organizing this whole thing, and WordCamp Israel exists basically because of him.

I’m really excited! I think that some of the lectures will be better than others, but most of all this is a great opportunity to meet the people behind the Israeli blogging and Internet scene, which is full of dynamic, innovative and creative individuals and companies.

This post was originally published at Lorelle is coming to WordCamp Israel! on WP Garage - WP Garage - wordpress tricks, hacks, and tips.

Here is a great example of the power of blogging. One guy in Israel, Tal Tzafrir read about WordCamp Beijing, and asked on his blog if we should organize a WordCamp Israel. Well, within minutes the response was enthusiastic, and Tal Galili got moving on it. Since then a group of devotees have been pushing forwards with the arrangements. There’s already a wiki, a Google Group, and of course, a blog. While most of the information and discussion being published is in Hebrew, there is one English post on the blog about it so far (aside from this one), along with a brief mention on The Blog Herald by Lorelle and Ring of Blogs. A WordPress blogging “giant” has already expressed interest in coming to Israel to speak at the conference. I don’t know if I can say who yet, since nothing is finalized, but if it works out it’s really exciting!! If you know Hebrew, check out this thread on the WordCamp Israel Google Group to see who I’m talking about. It seems like the only thing stopping this is financing the plane ticket. This is incredibly exciting in a WordPress nerd kind of way… updates to follow…

This post was originally published at WordCamp Israel is under way! on WP Garage - WP Garage - wordpress tricks, hacks, and tips.