Speakers Bureau v3.3 - Speaker Registration & Profile Management Walkthrough

Overview

This guide walks you through the complete process of becoming a speaker in the directory, featuring the secure two-step registration system, privacy controls, enhanced profile management, and anti-spam protection.

Getting Started

Who Can Register?

Anyone interested in speaking on their expertise topics

Professionals wanting to share knowledge

Subject matter experts in various fields

Consultants and educators

Industry leaders and practitioners

What You'll Need

Valid email address for verification

Basic contact information

Professional headshot photo

Brief biography and expertise description

Speaking topics and areas of interest

Password for your account (created during verification)

Optional: topic-related images and additional contact details

🆕 New Privacy Features

Privacy Controls: Mark your email or phone as private on your profile

Email Notifications: Choose to receive updates when your profile changes

Anti-Spam Protection: Simple math verification for security

Step 1: Speaker Registration

Finding the Registration Page

Method 1: Direct URL

Visit your organization's speaker registration page

Typically located at: [your-site-url]/register-speaker/

Make sure you are not logged in to use the two-step registration process

Method 2: Navigation

Look for "Register as Speaker" link on the website

May be in main navigation, footer, or speaker directory page

Follow link to registration form

Important: If you are already logged into the website, you will see the full registration form immediately. If you are not logged in, you will use the secure two-step registration process.

Two-Step Registration Process (For Non-Logged Users)

#### Step 1: Email Verification

Initial Registration Form When you visit the registration page while not logged in, you'll see a simplified form asking for only:

Full Name: Your complete name as you want it displayed

Email Address: Valid email for verification (this becomes your login email)

Security Check: Simple math problem to verify you're human (not a bot)

Submit for Verification

Fill in your name and email address

Complete the simple math verification

Click "Register" or "Submit"

You'll see a message: "Please check your email for verification instructions"

Check your email inbox (and spam folder) for the verification email

#### Step 2: Complete Registration

Email Verification

Open the verification email from the speaker bureau

Click the verification link provided

You'll be taken to a secure page to complete your registration

Password Creation

Create a secure password for your account

Confirm your password

Click "Complete Registration"

Automatic Login and Profile Completion After password setup:

You'll be automatically logged into your new account

You'll be redirected to the profile editing page with a welcome message

You can now complete your full speaker profile with all the detailed information

Full Registration Form (For Logged Users or After Verification)

#### Required Information

1. Personal Details

Full Name: Already filled from verification step

Email Address: Already verified and confirmed

Headline: Brief description of your expertise (e.g., "Digital Marketing Strategist" or "Cybersecurity Expert")

2. Professional Information

Bio/Biography: Detailed description of your background, experience, and expertise

- Include relevant education, certifications, and experience - Mention notable achievements or specializations - Keep professional but personable - Typical length: 100-300 words

3. Speaking Topics

Topics: Areas where you can speak or provide expertise

- List specific topics you're comfortable presenting - Include both technical and business topics - Use keywords that people might search for - Examples: "Cloud Computing", "Leadership Development", "Data Analytics"

#### Optional Information

4. Organization Details

Organization: Company or institution you're affiliated with

Website: Your professional or company website

Phone: Contact phone number (specify if you want it public)

5. Location Information

City: Your city location

State/Province: Your state or province

ZIP/Postal Code: For location-based searches

Country: Your country (if not automatically detected)

6. Additional Fields

Available for Online: Checkbox to indicate if you offer online/virtual speaking

Edit Profile Link: Automatically provided after registration

Cell Phone: Optional secondary contact number

Presentation Summary: Brief description of your typical presentations

7. Images with Lightbox Display

Profile Photo: Professional headshot with click-to-enlarge functionality

- Use high-quality image (400x400 pixels minimum) - Professional appearance recommended - Clear, well-lit photo - Acceptable formats: JPG, PNG, GIF - Visitors can click to view full-size in lightbox

Topic Images: Visual representations of your expertise areas

- Related to your speaking topics - Professional quality preferred - Can include charts, diagrams, or relevant photos - Also display in lightbox when clicked - Optional but helpful for visual identification

8. Social Media Links

Facebook URL: Your professional Facebook page or profile

X/Twitter URL: Your Twitter/X handle or profile

YouTube URL: Your YouTube channel or profile

Image Upload Process

1. Profile Photo Upload

Click "Upload" button next to Profile Image field

Select image file from your computer

Preview will appear after selection

Ensure image is clear and professional

2. Topic Image Upload

Click "Upload" button next to Topic Image field

Choose image that represents your expertise

Preview displays selected image

Can upload multiple topic images if form allows

Image Guidelines:

File Size: Keep under 2MB for faster loading

Dimensions: Minimum 400x400 pixels for profile photos

Quality: High resolution for best display

Content: Professional, relevant to your expertise

Format: JPG, PNG, or GIF files accepted

Completing Registration

1. Review Information

Double-check all entered information for accuracy

Verify contact details are correct

Confirm speaking topics are well-described

Check that images uploaded successfully

2. Submit Registration

Click "Submit" or "Complete Registration" button

Wait for confirmation message

Note any additional instructions provided

3. Confirmation and Account Creation

Success message confirms registration completion

Your WordPress user account is automatically created with 'speaker' role

You receive confirmation email with profile and login information

Administrator receives notification of new registration

Your profile is immediately published to the directory (no approval needed)

You can now log in at the /account-login/ page

4. Immediate Access

Use your email and the password you created to log in

Access your profile at /my-profile/ page

Make updates or changes anytime

Step 2: Accessing Your Profile

Profile Edit Page

Finding Your Profile

Visit the profile management page: [your-site-url]/my-profile/

If not logged in, you'll be automatically redirected to /account-login/

Look for "Edit Profile" or "My Profile" links on the site

Login Process

Go to [your-site-url]/account-login/

Enter your email address and password (created during registration)

Use "Forgot Password?" link if you need to reset your password

After login, you'll be redirected back to your intended page

Or navigate directly to /my-profile/ after logging in

Profile Management Interface

Page Header

Your profile title as an H2 heading (better for SEO)

Profile status indicator (Published/Draft) displayed in top-right

Professional layout with clear navigation

Form Layout

Same 20 fields as available in registration form

Pre-populated with your current information

Organized in logical sections (Profile, Overview, More Information)

Save button to apply changes

Available Actions

Edit text fields: Update any text information

🔒 Privacy Controls: Mark email and phone fields as private

📧 Email Notifications: Control whether you receive update emails

Upload new images: Add photos with lightbox functionality

Replace images: Change current images with new ones

Remove images: Delete images from profile

Update contact info: Modify email, phone, website

Revise topics: Add, remove, or modify speaking topics

Update social media: Modify Facebook, Twitter, YouTube links

Toggle online availability: Update virtual speaking status

Step 3: Managing Your Images with Lightbox

Enhanced Image Display Features

Lightbox Functionality All images in speaker profiles now feature click-to-enlarge lightbox display:

Click any image on your public profile to view full-size

Smooth overlay with dark background for better viewing

Easy closing by clicking outside image or close button

Mobile-friendly responsive design

Profile Photo Management

Upload: Add new profile photo with lightbox capability

- Click "Upload" button - Select file from computer - Preview appears immediately - Public visitors can click to enlarge - Save profile to confirm

Replace: Change existing photo

- Click "Replace" button next to current image - Select new file - Old image is replaced automatically - Save to apply changes

Remove: Delete current photo

- Click "Remove" button - Confirms removal - Save to finalize deletion

Topic Image Management

Same upload, replace, remove options as profile photo

All topic images also feature lightbox display

Can manage multiple topic images

Each image field operates independently

Preview shows selected images in admin form

Visitors see thumbnails that expand to full size when clicked

🔒 Privacy Controls (Enhanced in v3.1)

Field-Level Privacy

You now have complete control over which personal information is displayed publicly:

Email Privacy

Checkbox appears below email field: "Keep this email address private"

When checked: Email hidden from public profile, still used for login/notifications

When unchecked: Email displays on public profile for contact purposes

Phone Privacy

Checkbox appears below phone fields: "Keep this phone number private"

When checked: Phone number hidden from public profile

When unchecked: Phone displays on public profile as clickable tel: link

Privacy Benefits

✅ Prevent spam and unwanted contact

✅ Control your public information exposure

✅ Maintain professional boundaries

✅ Still receive important system notifications

Email Notification Controls

Update Notification Settings At the bottom of your profile edit page, you'll find:

Checkbox: "Send me an email notification when my profile is updated"

Default: Checked for regular users, unchecked for administrators

Smart Emails: Includes your complete profile data in HTML format

Admin Copy: Site administrator automatically receives a copy (BCC)

What You'll Receive

Professional HTML email with your complete speaker listing

Direct links to view and edit your profile

Only sent when you choose to receive them

Immediate delivery after profile updates

Image Best Practices

Profile Photo Tips:

Use recent, professional headshot

Good lighting and clear image quality

Dress appropriately for your field

Smile and appear approachable

Avoid busy backgrounds

Consider that visitors will click to view full-size

Topic Image Suggestions:

Charts or graphs related to your expertise

Professional photos of you presenting

Diagrams or infographics you've created

Industry-relevant stock photos

Visual representations of concepts you discuss

High-resolution images look great in lightbox display

Step 4: Optimizing Your Profile

Writing Effective Content

Compelling Headline

Concise description of expertise

Use keywords people search for

Examples:

- "Cloud Security Architect" - "Executive Leadership Coach" - "Digital Transformation Expert" - "Sustainable Business Consultant"

Engaging Biography

Start with current role or main expertise

Include relevant background and experience

Mention notable achievements or certifications

Add personal touch while maintaining professionalism

Use keywords relevant to your topics

Clear Topic Descriptions

Be specific about what you can speak about

Use industry-standard terminology

Include both technical and business angles

Consider your audience's search terms

Update as your expertise evolves

Contact Information Strategy

Email Visibility

Consider whether to make email public

Balance accessibility with privacy

May receive speaking inquiries directly

Phone Number Sharing

Optional for most profiles

Useful for urgent speaking opportunities

Consider separate business line

Website Links

Include professional website or LinkedIn

Ensure website is current and professional

Can drive additional traffic to your site

Search Optimization

Keyword Usage

Include relevant industry keywords in bio

Use terms people commonly search for

Balance keyword usage with natural language

Consider synonyms and related terms

Location Information

Complete address information helps with local searches

Enables location-based speaker discovery

Useful for organizations seeking local speakers

Step 5: Monitoring Your Profile

Public Profile View

Viewing Your Profile

Visit the speaker directory page at /speakers/

Search for your name or topics

Click your profile card to view full profile

Review how information appears to public

Test the lightbox functionality by clicking your images

Profile Sections (Organized by configured layout)

Section 1 - Profile: Photo, headline, location, and basic info

Section 2 - Overview: Biography, topics, contact details

Section 3 - Topics: Additional topic information

Section 4 - Background: Professional background details

Section 7 - More Information: Social media links

All images feature click-to-enlarge lightbox functionality

Keeping Information Current

Regular Updates

Review profile quarterly or after major changes

Update bio with new achievements or roles

Add new speaking topics as expertise grows

Refresh photos periodically

Content Refresh

Add recent speaking engagements or achievements

Update organization if you change jobs

Revise topics based on current interests

Ensure contact information remains accurate

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Access Problems

Can't Access Profile Edit Page

Verify correct URL: /my-profile/

If not logged in, you'll be redirected to /account-login/

Use your email and password from registration

Clear browser cache and try again

Forgot Login Information

Go to /account-login/ page

Click "Forgot Password?" link

Enter your email address

Check email for password reset instructions

Create new password and log in

Contact administrator if email issues persist

Two-Step Registration Issues

Check spam folder for verification email

Ensure verification link hasn't expired (24-hour limit)

Try registering again if verification fails

Contact administrator for assistance

Upload Issues

Images Won't Upload

Check file size (should be under 2MB)

Verify file format (JPG, PNG, GIF)

Try different browser

Check internet connection

Contact administrator if problems persist

Images Not Displaying

Refresh page after upload

Clear browser cache

Try uploading again

Verify image file isn't corrupted

Test lightbox functionality by clicking images on public profile

Lightbox Not Working

Ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser

Clear browser cache and reload page

Try different browser to test

Contact administrator if issue persists

Profile Display Issues

Information Not Updating

Ensure you clicked "Save" after changes

Refresh page to see updates

Clear browser cache

Check for error messages

Profile Not Appearing in Directory

Verify profile is published (contact admin)

Check that required fields are completed

Ensure profile hasn't been set to private

Contact administrator for status check

Getting Speaking Opportunities

Making Your Profile Stand Out

Professional Presentation

High-quality profile photo

Well-written, engaging biography

Clear, specific topic descriptions

Complete contact information

Regular profile updates

Search Visibility

Use relevant keywords in your bio and topics

Complete location information for local opportunities

Include varied expertise areas

Use industry-standard terminology

Responding to Inquiries

Contact Preparation

Monitor email for speaking inquiries

Respond promptly to requests

Have speaker materials ready (bio, photos, topics)

Be clear about availability and requirements

Professional Communication

Respond professionally to all inquiries

Provide requested information promptly

Be clear about speaking fees, travel, etc.

Follow up appropriately

Support and Help

Getting Assistance

Technical Issues

Contact site administrator for technical problems

Report broken links or error messages

Get help with login or access issues

Profile Optimization

Ask administrator about best practices

Request help with image sizing or formatting

Get guidance on content optimization

Speaking Opportunities

Contact organization directly for speaking inquiries

Network with other speakers in the directory

Attend organization events to build relationships

What's New in Version 3.0

Enhanced Security

Two-Step Registration: Email verification prevents spam and ensures valid contact information

Anti-Spam Protection: CAPTCHA verification blocks automated registrations

Privacy Controls: Field-level privacy for email and phone information

Secure Login: Frontend authentication with password reset capability

Account Protection: Users create their own secure passwords

Improved User Experience

Simplified Registration: New users only provide name and email initially, then complete profile after verification

Automatic Login: Users are automatically logged in after email verification and redirected to complete their profile

HTML Email Notifications: Rich email templates with complete profile data

Smart Email Controls: Choose when to receive profile update notifications

Lightbox Images: Click any speaker image to view full-size in beautiful overlay

Welcome Messages: Clear guidance for new users with step-by-step instructions

Profile Status: Clear indicators of profile publication status

Better SEO: Improved heading structure and semantic markup

Advanced Features

Display Customization: Complete control over directory appearance and layout

Privacy Management: Hide sensitive contact information from public view

Social Media Integration: Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube profile links

Online Availability: Checkbox for virtual speaking capabilities

Enhanced Search: Better search functionality excluding irrelevant results

Mobile Responsive: Optimized display on all devices

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Congratulations! You're now ready to create and manage your speaker profile effectively using the Speakers Bureau v3.3 features. Your expertise can help organizations find the right speakers for their events and audiences.

🆕 What's New in v3.3

Topics Index Block: New Gutenberg block for organized topic browsing

Enhanced Discovery: Site visitors can easily browse speakers by expertise area

Search Integration: Topics link directly to relevant speaker search results

Responsive Design: Topics display beautifully on all device sizes

Admin Tools: Better topic management and analytics for site administrators

Previous Updates - v3.2

Improved Pagination: Speaker directory pagination now works correctly

Better Import System: Enhanced phone number handling and auto-import features

Auto-Publish Option: Completed profiles can be automatically published

PHP 8.x Ready: Fixed all compatibility warnings for modern WordPress

Yoast SEO Support: Better SEO integration and compatibility