Joomla User Group Chicago

The end of 2020 is here. Looking back at JUGCN, we’ve covered some great topics, hosted fantastic guest speakers, and are looking forward to 2021.

JUGCN

Joomla! User Group Chicago North (JUGCN) has been around for many years, perhaps with different names, but always here for Chicagoland Joomlers.  A few years back, when I stepped into the leadership role, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into.  All I knew is that I wanted to be apart of the community that brought together so many people that build fantastic Joomla! websites. 

Our Members

The Chicagoland Joomlers are beginners, implementers, web designers, web developers, business owners, marketers, and more.  The experiences and viewpoints that they have brought to our discussions have influenced our selection of topics, speakers, and events.  With the addition of online access, we’ve gained members from all parts of Chicagoland, neighboring communities, and around the world.

We welcome everyone regardless of skill level and always look forward to meeting new Joomlers.

Our Sessions

Having improved our online meeting access, we were able to include fantastic guest presenters from beyond our borders. I am thankful for their time and willingness to share their experiences and expertise, and even in some cases losing some much-needed rest.  At every session, I come away having learned something new that I can put to immediate use.  I am also grateful to the extension vendors for their assistance with our roundup and deep-dive sessions.

Sessions this year included:

• Web Trends & SEO for Your Joomla Site
• Joomla Custom Fields and EasyLayouts - with guest presenter Tony Partridge
• J2Store - with guest presenter Kendall Cabe
• AcyMailing - with guest presenter Joris Stolker
• Image Gallery Roundup
• Get to Know Balbooa
• Going from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4: What We Know So Far - with guest presenter Patrick Jackson
• JoomlaDay Chicago Recap

Events

This year JoomlaDay Chicago was a virtual event with presenters and attendees worldwide. You may have read about it in the October issue of the Joomla Magazine. The event included an All-Day Beginner's Workshop, 13 Talks, and a Keynote Address by OSM President Brian Mitchell.

Also, at the November JUGCN meeting, a recap of each of the sessions was given sharing my thoughts, insights, and feedback received on the event.

Looking Ahead to 2021

This is the time of the year when I look ahead to the sessions, the potential guest speakers, and other activities to help bring Joomlers together.

If you would like to be a guest presenter for JUGCN, covering any Joomla or Joomla related topic, we’d be happy to have you.  You can drop me a note at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thank you to the other JUGs for sharing advice, sharing information, and providing support, it has been invaluable. 

Happy New Year!