Matt Mullenweg will appear in a fireside chat about ‘where open source stands today’, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 4:00pm, closing out WCUS 2026 in Phoenix. →https://us.wordcamp.org/2026/pull-up-a-chair-for-the-state-of-open-source/… (h/t: @theWPWeekly)

Pull Up a Chair for the State of Open Source

Source: https://us.wordcamp.org/2026/pull-up-a-chair-for-the-state-of-open-source/ Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 4:00pm

Closing out WCUS 2026,Robert Jacobisits down withMa.tt Mullenwegfor a fireside chat about where open source stands today, followed by 30 minutes where the floor is yours.

Every WordCamp needs a great send-off, and this year, we’re doing it the way our community actually talks to each other: two chairs, a real conversation, and a room full of people who get it. Think of it less like a keynote and more like the best hallway conversation of the week, just given a mic and a stage.

The conversation we’ve all been havingcomes to the big stage.

WordPress is evolving alongside AI, changing user expectations, and a rapidly shifting web. How do we keep open source thriving? What should we hold onto? What needs to change? And where do we go from here?

That’s what this conversation is about. Not prepared talking points, but an honest discussion between two people who’ve spent decades helping shape, support, and steward the WordPress ecosystem from different perspectives. Even better, it doesn’t end on stage. The final 30 minutes belong to the community, with live audience Q&A.

Two perspectives shaped by decades in open source.

Ma.tt Mullenweg has helped guide the project since co-founding WordPress more than twenty years ago, while also leading Automattic and its portfolio of products supporting publishing, commerce, and the open web.

Robert Jacobi has spent his career guiding organizations build, secure, and scale open source technologies, contributing across hosting, infrastructure, community leadership, and digital strategy.

Together, they bring two distinct perspectives on the opportunities, challenges, and decisions shaping WordPress today. It’s a conversation grounded in years of experience, but one that’s ultimately about where the project goes from here and what that means for everyone building with it.

The best conversations don’t end when the session does.

By the time Wednesday afternoon arrives, you’ll have spent four days learning new skills, meeting people from across the community, and sharing ideas that continue long after the event ends. This conversation is a chance to zoom out and connect those experiences to the bigger picture.

Expect an honest discussion about open source, the evolving web, AI, community, and the future of WordPress. Then, the conversation opens up to you. The final 30 minutes are dedicated to audience Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, share perspectives, and be part of the discussion that closes out WordCamp US 2026.

See you at the closing keynote!

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 4:00pm, closing out WCUS 2026 in Phoenix.

View the fullscheduleandspeakersto plan your time with us.

Grab your ticketif you haven’t already!

And join the conversation online using #WCUS #WordPress