AI tools have exploded onto the WordPress scene, with all the heat and noise that usually accompanies an explosion. The potential is clear, but to unlock it we need to cut through the hype and determine what really works.
In this article, we’ll preview the panel discussion Luke Patterson will lead at DE{CODE} 2025, taking place April 15. Register for DE{CODE} 2025, and make sure to catch “Vetting AI in ’25: What’s hype? What’s help?” During the panel, Patterson is joined by Justin Castilla of Elastic Search and Anthony Moore and Jeffrey Zalischi of Trew Knowledge Agency to explore practical, high-ROI AI applications for WordPress.
The AI Opportunity in WordPress
Patterson, a Sr. Product Manager with WP Engine, notes that there’s a healthy amount of skepticism regarding AI tools: “There’s always a story about someone’s boss getting excited about a flashy new AI product, spending a ton of money on it, only to watch it flop—because the data wasn’t clean, or the features weren’t what they were cracked up to be. I’ve heard some awesome success stories too—but I’ve also heard plenty of tales about teams getting pulled in by marketing hype that didn’t pan out,” he says.
One key, according to Patterson, is to figure out which technologies are a natural fit for the WordPress world, and which ones aren’t quite there yet.
“To gut-check where the real value is, I wanted to hear from folks who are in the thick of this every day—people who know the difference between what’s promising and what’s just polished marketing,” he says.
AI in CMS Content: What Works?
There’s at least one technology that’s not just showing promise, but delivering definite results: vector databases. You can expect deep insights into this topic during the session at DE{CODE}.
Vector databases are revolutionizing how we interact with information by moving beyond simple keyword matching to understanding the relationships and meanings behind data. During the panel, Patterson will dive into this technology with Castilla of Elastic Search, exploring how these databases convert data—whether product descriptions, blog posts, or images—into high-dimensional vectors using machine learning, ultimately enabling systems to assess semantic similarity rather than just surface-level text matches.
In practical terms, this means that enriching your site with detailed, context-rich content—such as comprehensive post titles, complete articles, and thoughtful product descriptions—allows a vector database to perform at its best. As Patterson puts it, “You take your data, run some machine learning on it, and out pops a vector database, which basically tells you this content is semantically like this other content.”
This capability can transform your WordPress site’s search and recommendation systems, delivering results that feel more intuitive and directly relevant to what users are looking for. The bottom line is that with richer context in your content, you’ll get more precise and meaningful connections between posts, pages, and products, enhancing the overall user experience.
Real-World Applications
Next, the discussion shifts from theory to practice with a deep dive into how TrewKnowledge Agency built a transformative educational platform using WordPress and vector databases.
“Talking shop is great, but what I find most exciting is seeing what real agencies are building with AI,” Patterson notes. Attendees will get an inside look at their custom vector infrastructure, designed to map relationships between educational content like lessons, curricula, and user behavior patterns.
This portion of the panel discussion will include a live demo conducted by Jeffrey Zalischi of Trew Knowledge Agency, showcasing their AI-powered WordPress site, which uses vector embeddings to create “constellations” of content and user interactions. For example, if a teacher frequently accesses resources about project-based learning, the system not only recommends semantically related lesson plans but also incorporates trends from broader user behavior to suggest improvements or new materials.
“This isn’t just about matching keywords,” Patterson emphasizes. “It’s about understanding intent and context—then letting the LLM generate actionable insights for educators.”
Next, the discussion pivots to the business side, with Anthony Moore of Trew Knowledge Agency addressing how to decide to begin with AI, the agency’s process for identifying high-impact use cases first, and security and cost concerns.
Wrapping Up
AI’s true potential lies not in flashy buzzwords, but in solving real problems—whether that’s crafting smarter lesson plans, delivering intuitive search experiences, or turning user behavior into actionable insights. But how do you cut through the noise to focus on what actually works?
At DE{CODE} 2025, you’ll see firsthand how pioneers like Elastic Search and Trew Knowledge Agency are leveraging tools like vector databases to redefine what’s possible. From live demos to frank discussions about security, cost management, and measuring ROI, this session is designed to equip you with clarity. You’ll walk away understanding how to identify high-impact AI opportunities, avoid “magical thinking,” and implement solutions that align with real business goals—not just technical fascination.
Whether you’re a developer looking to integrate semantic search into WordPress or a business leader aiming to demystify AI for your team, this and other sessions at DE{CODE} 2025 will bridge theory and practice. You’ll hear panelists debunk hype, share hard-won lessons, and preview tools that make AI accessible without breaking the bank.
Join us at DE{CODE} 2025 to see AI in action, connect with experts, and start building strategies that deliver measurable results. Register now to secure your spot—and start turning “what if” into “what’s next.”