Post Status has launched a new weekly webinar series spotlighting talks that didn’t make the cut for WordCamp programming. The WP Speakers Virtual Stage Series offers a second chance for speakers to share their ideas with the WordPress community, with the first webinar happening next week.
Executive Director Michelle Frechette launched the initiative after sharing on X that her talk had been declined for WordCamp Europe 2025. Nishat Shahriyar, Product Marketing Lead at WPManageNinja, replied, encouraging her to record it live.
“While I was feeling a bit sad (and yes, rejected), I posted across my social accounts asking if anyone had any interest in my talk,” Frechette wrote in this week’s Post Status newsletter. “And yes, there was some interest. But Nishat… had an even better idea. Instead of just creating a video to share, why not do it live and invite engagement?”
That idea quickly grew after several other people also shared on social media that their talk ideas had been rejected.
“Then I thought, ‘why not open that opportunity to more people through Post Status?’” Frechette added.
She went on to post a callout on X:
“WordCamps can’t accept every talk submission, so if yours was declined, hit me up. I’ll start a webinar series for WP Speakers & @post_status, and I promise not to call it ‘failed talk ideas.’ Although I can’t do 400 either, let’s see what kind of content we can make together.”
The series kicks off next week, streaming live on YouTube via Streamyard at 11 a.m. EST. Frechette told The Repository that virtual spaces offer a more inclusive alternative for those who can’t travel—and ensure talks are accessible for replay immediately after the live broadcast. All topics are welcome, and applications are open on a rolling basis. While only a limited number of talks can be scheduled, Frechette said more time slots may be added.
According to the submission page:
“Every year more and more people apply to speak at flagship WordCamps, which results in more and more peoples’ talk submissions being declined. Which, although understandable, doesn’t really feel good.”
“If you have a talk that would be amazing to get out there, but you haven’t (yet) pitched it successfully, then here is a venue to consider.”
Speakers must have a WP Speakers profile to apply. The directory, launched independently by Frechette in 2023, helps WordPress event organizers find speakers for meetups, WordCamps, and other events.
Anyone interested in submitting a talk to the WP Speakers Virtual Stage Series can fill out the application form.
Image credit: Ryonosuke Kaneko.
