November 14, 2024 — Take your WordPress development to the next level by learning some (not so difficult) techniques specific to WordPress. We’ll discuss and review (at a high level) techniques you can learn and features you can employ to build better and smarter themes or plugins which also provide a richer experience for your visitors. To get the full benefit from this session you should be familiar with PHP and already writing custom code for WordPress.
Presented byAmanda Giles

Presentation Slides »

November 14, 2024 — When site owners go to the plugins section of WP-Admin, they are met with a cryptic list. What are all these things supposed to be doing, and how did they get there?
Do you really need “Mario’s Magic Slideshow”? Will your site break if you deactivate it or delete it? Or worse, is it malware?
In this talk, I’ll show you how you can make informed decisions about your plugins. I’ll also present alternatives to commonly used plugins, and ways to trim your plugin count down, resulting in a leaner, cleaner site.
Presented byBen Dunkle

November 13, 2024 — Your website is live—what’s next? In this session, we’ll explore the five key actions to take after launching your website to ensure it is secure and visible. We’ll compare and contrast different tools for each critical step, giving you the flexibility to choose what works best for your needs.
Learn how to set up backups using options like UpdraftPlus or WP Timecapsule and securing those backups in a cloud environment like Dropbox or AWS, and review update strategies with tools like BlogVault. We’ll also discuss the importance of using staging environments such as InstaWP or Local by Flywheel to safely test updates before applying them to your live site.
On the security front, we’ll cover options like AIO Security and SolidWP, and show how to implement captchas on forms and enforce two-factor authentication (2FA). You’ll also gain insights into monitoring your site’s performance using Google Analytics and Tag Manager.
For SEO, we’ll examine popular plugins like AIO SEO and Yoast, helping you optimize your site for search engines. Additionally, we’ll talk about the importance of getting your website listed in key directories like Google Business Profile, so you can start appearing in local and organic searches.
Whether you’re new to website management or looking to refine your processes, this talk will provide practical insights into securing and optimizing your site using a variety of tools.
Presented byRon Brennan

November 13, 2024 — Most recently, I’ve discovered I have a different way of doing Project Management than my colleagues. I also look at data differently and while I’m really good with it It takes me a long time to find that groove, But once I do, good luck in getting me off that track. Having ADHD and being in Project Management can be a blessing or a curse but if you can find the nexus between the two, watch us soar.
It’s not always easy working with us and sometimes we make it really difficult. Just know that we have the best interests of the project (and those around us) at heart.
Presented byShanta R. Nathwani (TantienHime)

November 13, 2024 — In the fast-paced world of freelancing and WordPress development, it can be easy to get caught up in deadlines, client demands, and the constant push for success. But what if you could achieve not just professional fulfillment, but also personal joy in the process? This talk will explore how More Room For Joy’s principles—self-management, interconnectivity, automation and purpose-driven work—can transform your freelance career and elevate your contributions to the WordPress community.
Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience in professional fields and personal life lessons, Christine Baker Marriage will share actionable strategies to help freelancers and developers design workflows that bring them not only efficiency but also fulfillment. From intentional time management to balancing personal well-being with client satisfaction, this session will empower attendees to find purpose in their work while building sustainable careers.
Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer, a WordPress developer, or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this talk will give you the tools and mindset shifts needed to align your business with a life of joy, purpose, and fulfillment.

November 12, 2024 — Explore some of the new features that have been introduced in WordPress 6.7.

November 11, 2024 — Meet John, a seasoned engineer and inspiring leader. Join him as he shares his personal journey from coding whiz to accomplished manager. In this thought-provoking talk, he will reveal the essential skills and mindset needed to thrive in leadership roles, navigate challenges, and empower your team to achieve their full potential. Discover invaluable lessons learned along the way and gain the inspiration to unlock your own leadership potential.

November 7, 2024 — This lesson provides an overview of WordPress block theme structure, including key terms and the hierarchy of blocks, patterns, templates, and themes. You’ll learn the differences between posts and pages and gain a clear understanding of how each component fits together to create a cohesive, customizable site.

November 7, 2024 — Discover how Indigenous accessibility diverges from general compliance principles. Join Meggan from Design de Plume as she delves into cultural considerations and Indigenous perspectives that foster inclusive solutions. Gain valuable insights from agency experiences on applying accessibility standards meaningfully for Indigenous audiences. Explore the power of engaging and creating projects that resonate with Indigenous communities. Challenge norms, embrace inclusivity, and focus on creating positive change through this insightful presentation.

November 6, 2024