Jacob Martella

October 19, 2017October 19, 2017

Sponsor Shoutout: WP SEO Hub

thanksgiving square written in mosaic tiles

We’re happy to have WP SEO Hub as one of our Wildfire sponsors for this year’s WordCamp DFW. You can learn more about what WP SEO Hub does here.

What is WP SEO Hub about?

Scheduled to launch in early November, WP SEO Hub is a do-it-yourself SEO platform for WordPress websites. It is an agency level solution with do-it-yourself pricing. The platform includes keyword research, rank tracking, monthly reporting, how to information, an SEO checklist, coaching corner and more. SEO for WordPress made simple.

How do y’all use WordPress?

We specialize in SEO for WordPress websites. We have 8 years of industry experience and operate an search engine marketing agency, webShine in Basalt, Colorado. Via webShine, we have developed a process for optimizing WordPress websites and a toolset. WP SEO Hub is designed to spill this not so secret sauce.

Why did you want to sponsor WordCamp DFW?

WP SEO Hub wanted to sponsor WordCamp DFW to contribute to a great event. We’re new in the WordPress community and attended WordCamp in Denver in August. It was awesome and we are really excited to be a part of WordCamp DFW.

October 18, 2017

WCDFW Speaker Spotlight: Adam Warner

Topic: 360 Degrees of Security – Setting Standards for Your Websites and Yourself

Adam W. Warner first discovered WordPress in 2005 and has since founded several WordPress-focused businesses that provide education, plugins and consulting services for online business owners. In 2016 he brought his passion for WordPress to SiteLock as a Product Evangelist. Adam has since delivered his zeal for WordPress by speaking at several WordCamps and other events. In addition to WordPress, Adam is passionate about his family, robots and of course, life, the universe, and everything.

How did you get involved in WordPress?

I had been creating HTML websites since 1996 and in 2005, was running a photo memorial DVD business. I was interested in blogging and in a faster way to update my business website. I tried a few platforms and WordPress was the one that I became most comfortable with right away.

What do you do with WordPress?

A lot through the years. As I became more familiar with the software and what it could do, I started writing WordPress and blogging tutorials. I eventually learned to create my own themes and plugins (which were ugly and sometimes unusable by others), but this led to a greater understanding of the WordPress eco-system and what was possible aside from a simple blog.

I was also working full time for an audiobook publisher and convinced the IT Director that blogging and podcasting are what we should be doing for marketing the business, and was put in charge of that project, utilizing WordPress. That experience led me to a Web Development and Internet Marketing Manager position for a ventilation systems company in Florida, where I managed eight web properties with WordPress Multisite.

In turn, that experience led me to find a business partner and launch FooPlugins, a free and premium plugin business. After several years of working from home, I needed to get back out into the community I loved so much and learned of the Community Evangelist position at SiteLock.com, where I now work full time spreading the word about website security and other topics related to WordPress. It’s who I am and I plan to continue listening to the needs and wants of the community indefinitely.

What has your experience with the WordPress community been like?

The WordPress community is what allowed me to follow my passion with WordPress and democratizing the web. I’ve learned so much from others through the years and it’s my mission to give back and help others succeed with their WordPress-powered businesses however and wherever I can.

Why did you want to speak at WordCamp DFW?

Of all the WordCamps and other events I’ve attended, I’ve never been to WordCamp DFW.

Why did you decide to speak on security?

Security is often a topic that people see as “too technical”. But in order to mitigate the most risk, you only need to know and employ a few concepts and tools. This topic not only covers website security best practices but also personal security as well. I feel it’s important for all of us to understand the various types of threats in order to create a holistic view and approach to keeping ourselves, and our businesses, as secure as possible.

What do you hope the audience gets from your talk?

My hope is that I’ll prove the benefits of being “security minded” in your daily life without being overly paranoid. Additionally, I hope to show that putting a solid security framework together is not as difficult as it may seem and that security is not a “set it and forget it” process, but should rather be an ongoing and organic part of your daily focus.

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s WordCamp DFW held on Nov. 11-12. There are also plenty of opportunities to sponsor the event or help run it. We hope to see you there!

October 17, 2017

Sponsor Shoutout: Jilt

We’re happy to have Jilt as one of our Bonfire sponsors for this year’s WordCamp DFW. You can learn more about what Jilt does here.

What is Jilt about?

Jilt’s main goal is to help eCommerce merchants drive more sales. Converting existing users into orders is hard as it is — Jilt sends automated emails to save abandoned carts and encourage repeat purchases, helping merchants using WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads increase revenue without needing to attract more visitors.

How do y’all use WordPress?

Jilt is built by the SkyVerge team — we’ve been building WordPress plugins and WooCommerce extensions for 5 years, supporting stores from 1-person shops to 8-figure online businesses.

Why did you want to sponsor WordCamp DFW?

Many members of our team were introduced to WordCamps and learned about WordPress through them. They’re an amazing part of our community, and we’re excited to be able to support WordCamps to help newcomers learn what WordPress is about, support continued learning, and to help connect developers and companies who can make awesome things together.

You can view all of our wonderful sponsors here.

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s WordCamp DFW held on Nov. 11-12. There are also plenty of opportunities to sponsor the event or help run it. We hope to see you there!

October 16, 2017

WordCamp DFW Speakers: Round Four

With WordCamp DFW just 26 days away, the organizing team is ready to announce the final round of speakers for this year’s event. The schedule for WordCamp DFW 2017 will be released in the near future.

So, here is the final round of confirmed speakers for WordCamp DFW 2017:

Isaac Irvine

Topic: Using social media to grow personal brand and build your freelance business

A cheerleader for small business owners and buying local, Isaac “loves the heart and soul that local businesses put into their products and services.” He’s especially interested in helping people build their personal brand using stories on social media. When he’s not at work, you can usually find Isaac and his kids riding their bikes at the local skatepark or sampling local coffee offerings. Isaac is a native of Northern California who transplanted to Phoenix ten years ago to work for GoDaddy.

Jeff VanDrimmelen

Topic: Integrating VR (Virtual Reality) Content into WordPress Websites

Jeff VanDrimmelen’s biggest claim to fame is that he build the University of North Carolina’s WordPress Network. This initiative has now grown into tens of thousands of websites that runs all their web systems on campus. Since then he has owned several WordPress based website and software companies and is currently the Senior Marketing Director at a Virtual Reality start-up that is focused on making virtual collaboration and productivity spaces. He is the father of 4, and husband to one amazing woman. Together they reside in Frisco and work to try and figure out how to raise these amazing kids they have been blessed with.

Aaron Edwards

Topic: Introduction to WordPress Multisite

CTO of WPMU DEV (140+ premium plugins and support) and Edublogs (hosting 3 million+ education blogs), managing a team of 30 developers around the globe. WordPress plugin developer specializing in Multisite for 9 years, working from home in Dallas. Proud father of 3 and a world travel nut.

Matt Hayman

Topic: Sales 101 – Finding clients and freeing up dollars

Sales, Sales Management, Team Builder, Branding, Speaker, Trainer. As the Head of SAP Anywhere, Matt is responsible for working with the broader team to declare product market fit, achieve financial aspirations and maximize customer satisfaction. He currently oversees the Sales, Customer Success, Support, and overall execution of SAP Anywhere’s employees/clientele on a global scale. Matt has spent the majority of his career focused on SMB sales. From door2door sales, selling to fortune 100 companies, or running his own companies, Matt has a diverse sales background which he now uses to manage, teach, and train others. As an international sales leader he travels the globe sharing his insights through keynotes, blogs, and social media, on overcoming the 2 major obstacles in sales; prospecting and freeing up dollars without making major changes to how you work today. Matt currently resides in Dallas, TX with his wife and 6 kids. When he isn’t traveling he spends his time coaching multiple youth sports and building his community. Come to listen, learn and participate in a fun presentation!

Chris Wallace

Topic: The State of User Experience in WordPress

Chris Wallace is the VP of Experience Design at 10up, a full-service digital agency creating amazing web and content management experiences with a team of 120+ strategists, designers and engineers working around the globe. Chris has spoken at various conferences like PressNomics, Squares Conference, and WordCamp DFW on topics ranging from WordPress themes to combating workaholism. In addition, Chris has appeared on a number of podcasts in the WordPress and design community and previously led the St. Louis WordPress Meetup for a year and organized the inaugural WordCamp St. Louis in 2011.

Cathy Rueter

Topic: Five Tips for Better Blogging as a Beginner

Cathy Rueter took time away from an active freelance writing and editing career to work as a reporter and newsletter editor for ten years. She’s returned to her passion of writing and pursuing a career as a Christian author, blogger, and Development Editor. She is currently the vice president of the DFW Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. Originally from the Greater Grand Rapids, MI area, she now lives in Dallas/Fort Worth with her family. After a few stumbles, her WordPress website – “Up in the Attic” with Cathy Rueter – is growing up thanks to the wonderful people at the Fort Worth Chapter of WordPress. Running her own website/blog, FB Writers page, guest blogging, editing, and writing keeps the words tumbling out of the attic. Open one of the boxes “Up in the Attic” and discover a variety of topics and treasures.

Peter Walker

Topic: Get Paid! Plugins, Gateways, BitCoin: WordPress Ecommerce Project Management

Peter Walker has been on the online journey for over 25 years, starting with the Star Fleet Command BBS in October 1988. His previous experience on his digital journey include being a professional audio engineer and a post secondary new media instructor. His main purpose in professional life is content editing & managing, UX/UI, front end HTML5 development, WordPress and project management.

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s WordCamp DFW held on Nov. 11-12. There are also plenty of opportunities to sponsor the event or help run it. We hope to see you there!