Get ready for what promises to be one of the most exciting moments in the WordPress world this year! Matt Mullenweg, WordPress co-founder and CEO of Automattic, will deliver his highly anticipated annual address—State of the Word—from Tokyo, Japan on December 16, 2024. Here’s everything you need to know about tuning in and what hot topics are expected to be on the agenda.
Why 2024’s Address Stands Out
Mullenweg’s annual State of the Word is always a significant event, where he reveals the roadmap for WordPress, shares milestone achievements, and discusses the platform’s future. But 2024 is no ordinary year. This time, the address has an added layer of intrigue, thanks to an ongoing high-stakes legal clash between Mullenweg and WP Engine, one of the biggest WordPress hosting companies.
In September, Mullenweg made headlines at WordCamp US, vowing to take a hard stance against WP Engine over trademark issues and a perceived lack of support for open-source contributions. Since then, the dispute has intensified, with lawsuits, public statements, and plenty of community debate. Expect this conflict—and the broader themes it touches on regarding WordPress licensing, trademarks, and open-source collaboration—to be a major point of discussion.
How to Watch the Address
Matt Mullenweg will present from Tokyo Node Hall on December 16, 2024, at 6 PM JST / 9 AM UTC. Tickets are limited to 300 in-person attendees, so fans in Tokyo are encouraged to reserve seats quickly.
For those tuning in remotely, the event will be live-streamed on the official WordPress YouTube channel on December 17 in the U.S. Here’s when to watch:
– 2 AM Pacific Time
– 5 AM Eastern Time
To get the most out of the event, check out local WordPress meetups that may be hosting watch parties, or even consider hosting your own to join the community discussion as the event unfolds.
Key Topics and Announcements Expected at State of the Word 2024
What can you expect from this year’s address? Here’s a rundown of anticipated highlights:
Automattic vs. WP Engine Showdown
The ongoing conflict between Automattic and WP Engine is expected to be front and center, either directly or indirectly. WordPress professionals and users alike have been captivated by the unfolding debate, which could set precedents in how major hosting providers contribute to open-source projects, address trademark issues, and abide by GPL licensing requirements. While Mullenweg may avoid diving into specifics, he’s likely to address broader principles around these topics.
AI Integration in WordPress
Artificial intelligence has been a major focus in the tech world, and WordPress has been no exception. Last year, Mullenweg emphasized how WordPress could harness AI to streamline website creation and enhance functionality. Expect him to highlight new advancements and future plans for integrating AI into the platform, making it even easier for users to create and manage content.
User Experience and Accessibility Enhancements
Mullenweg has long championed an accessible, user-friendly WordPress experience across all devices. As more users prioritize usability and accessibility in their online presence, WordPress is likely to roll out new tools and features that make the platform even more intuitive. Anticipate updates on efforts to simplify the user interface and support a consistent experience for users across mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Expanding the Power of Blocks
WordPress’s Gutenberg block editor has transformed website building since its launch, and Mullenweg may announce new features that make blocks even more powerful. Look for enhancements that improve customization, offer more flexible design options, and make it easier for users to create complex layouts without coding.
Unveiling the WordPress 2025 Theme
Each State of the Word introduces a new default WordPress theme for the coming year, and excitement is building around the “2025” theme reveal. This theme typically showcases the latest in design and functionality trends and sets a standard for the year ahead, so expect a lot of interest around its unveiling.
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Mark your calendar for December 16, and get ready to dive into the latest updates from one of the most influential voices in open-source technology! Whether you’re a WordPress developer, site owner, or simply a fan, this year’s State of the Word promises to be one you won’t want to miss.
