August 14, 2016 — One of the most powerful (and proper) ways to modify WordPress core, themes, or plugins is through the use of action and filter hooks. Come learn what these hooks are, how to find them, and how to use them effectively to alter the default behavior of WordPress core, themes, and plugins to make them do our bidding. We will be diving into code, so experience with PHP is recommended.

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August 14, 2016 — Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has evolved through the years. Whether updated webmaster guidelines from Google itself, or the introduction of Google RankBrain, Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), Rich Answers, and Real-Time Penguin Updates, Google continues to change and offer new challenges. This ain’t your grandma’s SEO!

Understand the factors that drive organic rankings and learn the most effective strategies for SEO success today and into the future. Uncover what it takes to secure more organic traffic to your website through superior technical implementation, off-the-beaten-path keyword & topic research, crazy creative content strategies, and the integration of SEO with branding, neuromarketing, social marketing, and PR.

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August 9, 2016 — A software developer doing a talk about creativity? Yeah, I know. I used to think I wasn’t creative too. Now I totally get that I am. And you need to know, if you don’t already, that you are too, and that I am, and that everyone is. Find out how this can be and why it’s important.

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August 9, 2016 — Using real examples of exploits reported in themes and plugins, Tim will be discussing steps you can take to improve the security of your WordPress site. If you’re a developer or theme designer, you can learn from other’s mistakes and make sure you don’t repeat them. However, it’s not just developers – security is for everyone so Tim will cover practical tips to help anyone keep their site nice and safe.

August 9, 2016 — The worst of times can lead to the best of times when we begin to look at our ‘story’ differently

Using the literary concept of ‘the hero’s journey’, this talk addresses what is actually happening when we fall flat on our face, whether at work or in our personal life. It needn’t be quite so humiliating, and it doesn’t have to slow us down. It should take us further. ‘Abysmal’ circumstances can lead to greater success, bigger dreams, better relationships and a stronger sense of self. But, we must have the courage to ride into the storm and the wisdom to understand the true nature of the voyage.

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasures that you seek”. Joseph Campbell

August 9, 2016 — If you plan to make changes to your theme’s files and code, better build a child theme if you want those changes to stick. In this brief talk, I’ll explain what a child theme is, why you need it, and how to set one up.

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August 9, 2016 — Some of the most aesthetically pleasing sites are also the slowest, but you don’t have to limit yourself to square corners and solid background colors to speed up your WordPress site. There are a number of tips and simple techniques you can adopt in your current process to get both performance and great design in future projects.

August 9, 2016 — Diane will be doing a deep dive into what makes a powerful brand in 2016 as well as related trends in communications and design that are changing, and will change, the way people perceive and engage with online content. Expect some insights, practical tidbits and a little bit of fun!

August 9, 2016 — In this presentation, Troy and Kristina will deliver 101 practical ways you can improve your performance, the quality of the projects you deliver, and your overall business as a freelancer. These tips and tools will help you find and qualify clients, take a great brief, write proposals, price your services, setup monthly website maintenance plans, avoid scope creep and get referrals from existing clients. This is a dynamic and entertaining presentation with lots of great takeaways.

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August 9, 2016 — This talk is designed to break down website security at it’s most fundamental level and understand that there is no 100% solution out there, there never will be. Security is about technology, processes, and people, and we need to know how to mitigate risk in these areas.

The talk will cover:

Hosting and how it plays a role in website security
Understanding what a Firewall actually protects
Dispelling the myth of “why would anyone hack me?”
Different types of online threats (external and internal)
WordPress security essentials (Passwords, updates, user roles, backups, etc.)
DIY tools to help mitigate risk and improve your online posture
Resources for staying informed
If you own or manage a website, whether it’s an ecommerce store, a blog, or just a simple marketing site, you need to know how to keep it protected and become a responsible steward of the world wide web!

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