We just got very excited. Next week, Justin and I will be hopping over to San Francisco (one of my favorite cities) (no seriously, see picture) to attend EECI2010, the ExpressionEngine CodeIgniter conference. It is a super combination of a MasterClass, hands-on workshops and a variety of fabulous speakers. We couldn't pass up this opportunity to check in with all the brilliant people we met at the ExpressionEngine Roadshow last October and meet others we have only seen online or heard their voices over Skype. In between grabbing a burrito in the Mission and picking up some Northbeach Pizza, we will learn a ton about all the novel ways people are using ExpressionEngine to develop ingenious sites AND get a crash course in CodeIngniter.

Web sites are evolving faster than deer mice in Nebraska. Not too long ago, they were made up of inert pages and static text. Now, users expect sites to be kept up-to-date in real time and have software-like functionality. Building a site that is powered by a Content Management Systems (CMS) makes it easier for a site owner to keep their site current and lays a foundation for the addition of site features.

Just like there are standards for building solid, long-lasting houses, there are standards for building Web sites so they are more stable and viable for the future. A site built with Web standards is a sound investment and will add value to a business, increasing its longevity and sustainability. Standards-based sites are faster and more search engine friendly. They also are more scaleable, more accessible to those with disabilities and render more consistently across browsers.