# Project Brief: HVAC Community Events Management System

**Status**: Active Development
**Last Updated**: 2025-03-25 08:51:21
**Project Type**: WordPress Plugin Development

## Project Overview

The HVAC Community Events Management System is a specialized WordPress plugin that extends The Events Calendar suite to create a comprehensive platform for HVAC trainers. The system enables independent trainers to manage their own events, sell tickets, and track performance without accessing the WordPress admin panel.

## Core Objectives

1. Create a user-friendly platform for HVAC trainers to manage training events
2. Provide comprehensive event management capabilities
3. Enable ticket sales and attendee tracking
4. Implement performance monitoring and reporting
5. Ensure seamless integration with existing WordPress infrastructure

## Development Philosophy

The project follows a lean development approach by maximizing the use of existing functionality:

1. **WordPress Core Integration**
   - Utilize WordPress user management system
   - Leverage WordPress roles and capabilities
   - Use WordPress hooks and filters
   - Take advantage of WordPress REST API

2. **The Events Calendar Suite Integration**
   - Build upon existing event management features
   - Utilize built-in ticket management system
   - Leverage existing attendee tracking
   - Use provided template system
   - Extend existing shortcodes and widgets

3. **Custom Development Focus**
   - Only build custom features when existing functionality cannot be extended
   - Maintain compatibility with parent plugins
   - Follow WordPress and The Events Calendar coding standards
   - Ensure upgradability of parent plugins

## User Journeys

### Trainer Journey
1. Register through Trainer Registration Page
2. Log in through Community Login page
3. Access personalized Dashboard
4. Create and manage events
5. View order details
6. Access attendee information
7. Communicate with attendees
8. Perform attendee Check-In
9. Generate completion certificates (Phase 3)

### Trainee Journey
1. View Upskill HVAC website
2. Browse Training Events
3. Register for events
4. Attend events
5. Receive completion certificates (Phase 3)
6. Access personal training history (Phase 3)
7. Request additional training (Phase 3)

## Technical Requirements

### WordPress Environment
- WordPress 5.9+
- PHP 7.4+

### Required Plugins
1. The Events Calendar Suite:
   - The Events Calendar (6.10.2+)
   - Events Calendar Pro (7.4.2+)
   - Event Tickets (5.19.3+)
   - Event Tickets Plus (6.2.0+)
   - Community Events (4.10.0+)
2. Additional Plugins:
   - Spectra Pro (2.0.0+)
   - Premium Starter Templates (4.4.14+)
   - Essential Blocks (5.3.2+)

## Implementation Phases

### Phase 1: Core Functionality
- Community Registration Page
- Community Login Page
- Trainer Profile Page
- Basic Dashboard
- Event Creation/Management
- Event Summary Page

### Phase 2: Enhanced Features
- Zoho CRM API Integration
- Email Attendees functionality
- Enhanced event management
- Comprehensive transaction reporting

### Phase 3: Advanced Features
- Certificate generation system
- Request Training Page
- My Training Page
- Advanced reporting capabilities

## Technical Considerations

### Development Approach
- Leverage existing WordPress and The Events Calendar functions whenever possible
- Extend rather than replace existing functionality
- Implement containerized development environment
- Comprehensive testing framework
- Security-first implementation

### Testing Framework
- Playwright-based automated testing
- Cross-browser compatibility
- Mobile device emulation
- Comprehensive test reporting

### User Interface Guidelines
- Consistent navigation structure
- Mobile-friendly, responsive design
- Accessible color choices
- Theme compatibility
- Gutenberg editor compatibility

## Security Requirements

1. Input validation and sanitization
2. User capability verification
3. Protection against common vulnerabilities
4. Secure data handling
5. Role-based access control

## Success Criteria

1. Successful trainer registration and event management
2. Accurate ticket sales and attendee tracking
3. Reliable reporting and performance metrics
4. Positive user feedback from trainers and trainees
5. Seamless integration with existing systems

2025-03-25 08:51:21 - Updated to emphasize integration with existing functionality