diff --git a/crates/chat/src/lib.rs b/crates/chat/src/lib.rs
index 77725881..1ccb2981 100644
--- a/crates/chat/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/chat/src/lib.rs
@@ -580,6 +580,7 @@ impl ChatRegistry {
         let room: Room = room.into().organize(&public_key);
         let room_id = room.id;
         let entity = cx.new(|_| room);
+        entity.update(cx, |room, cx| room.ensure_directory(cx));
 
         self.room_index.insert(room_id, entity.clone());
         self.rooms.insert(0, entity);
@@ -594,6 +595,7 @@ impl ChatRegistry {
 
         if let hash_map::Entry::Vacant(e) = self.room_index.entry(id) {
             let entity = room.to_owned();
+            entity.update(cx, |room, cx| room.ensure_directory(cx));
             e.insert(entity.clone());
 
             self.rooms.insert(0, entity);
@@ -670,6 +672,7 @@ impl ChatRegistry {
             } else {
                 let new_room_id = new_room.id;
                 let entity = cx.new(|_| new_room);
+                entity.update(cx, |room, cx| room.ensure_directory(cx));
                 self.room_index.insert(new_room_id, entity.clone());
                 self.rooms.push(entity);
 
diff --git a/crates/chat/src/room.rs b/crates/chat/src/room.rs
index 3b2cdb0c..ad37fc8a 100644
--- a/crates/chat/src/room.rs
+++ b/crates/chat/src/room.rs
@@ -3,12 +3,12 @@ use std::hash::{Hash, Hasher};
 
 use anyhow::{Error, anyhow};
 use common::EventExt;
-use gpui::{App, AppContext, Context, EventEmitter, SharedString, Task};
+use gpui::{App, AppContext, Context, Entity, EventEmitter, SharedString, Task};
 use instant::Duration;
 use itertools::Itertools;
 use nip4e::DeviceRegistry;
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::{Person, PersonRegistry};
+use person::{Directory, Person};
 use settings::{RoomConfig, SignerKind};
 use state::{NostrRegistry, TIMEOUT, UniversalSigner};
 
@@ -88,6 +88,9 @@ pub struct Room {
 
     /// Configuration
     config: RoomConfig,
+
+    /// Person directory, attached when the room is registered
+    directory: Option<Entity<Directory>>,
 }
 
 impl Ord for Room {
@@ -136,6 +139,7 @@ impl From<&UnsignedEvent> for Room {
             members,
             kind: RoomKind::default(),
             config: RoomConfig::new(),
+            directory: None,
         }
     }
 }
@@ -236,6 +240,32 @@ impl Room {
         self.members.len() > 2
     }
 
+    /// The room's person directory, attached when the room is registered
+    pub fn directory(&self) -> Option<Entity<Directory>> {
+        self.directory.clone()
+    }
+
+    /// Attach the person directory, tracking the room's members
+    pub(crate) fn ensure_directory(&mut self, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
+        if self.directory.is_some() {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        let directory = Directory::new(cx);
+        let members = self.members.clone();
+        directory.update(cx, |directory, cx| directory.track(members, cx));
+        self.directory = Some(directory);
+    }
+
+    /// The person for a room member
+    fn member(&self, public_key: &PublicKey, cx: &App) -> Person {
+        let Some(directory) = self.directory.as_ref() else {
+            return Person::new(*public_key, Metadata::default());
+        };
+
+        directory.read(cx).person(public_key, cx)
+    }
+
     /// Gets the display name for the room
     pub fn display_name(&self, cx: &App) -> SharedString {
         if let Some(value) = self.subject.clone() {
@@ -267,19 +297,16 @@ impl Room {
     ///
     /// Display member is always different from the current user.
     pub fn display_member(&self, cx: &App) -> Person {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-        persons.read(cx).get(&self.members[0], cx)
+        self.member(&self.members[0], cx)
     }
 
     /// Merge the names of the first two members of the room.
     fn merged_name(&self, cx: &App) -> SharedString {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-
         if self.is_group() {
             let profiles: Vec<Person> = self
                 .members
                 .iter()
-                .map(|public_key| persons.read(cx).get(public_key, cx))
+                .map(|public_key| self.member(public_key, cx))
                 .collect();
 
             let mut name = profiles
@@ -404,9 +431,10 @@ impl Room {
         let sender = nostr.read(cx).current_user()?;
 
         // Construct a direct message rumor event
+        //
         // WARNING: never sign and send this event to relays
         let mut tags = self.conversation_tags(&replies, sender, cx);
-        tags.extend(PersonRegistry::emoji_tags(&content, cx));
+        tags.extend(self.member(&sender, cx).emoji_tags(&content));
 
         let mut event = EventBuilder::new(kind, content)
             .tags(tags)
@@ -446,8 +474,6 @@ impl Room {
 
     // Build the `subject` + reply `e` tags + receiver `p` tags (excluding `sender`)
     fn conversation_tags(&self, replies: &[EventId], sender: PublicKey, cx: &App) -> Vec<Tag> {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-
         // Construct event's tags
         let mut tags = vec![];
 
@@ -463,7 +489,7 @@ impl Room {
 
         // Add all receiver tags (no intermediate allocation)
         for public_key in self.members.iter().filter(|pk| *pk != &sender) {
-            let member = persons.read(cx).get(public_key, cx);
+            let member = self.member(public_key, cx);
             tags.push(Tag::from(Nip01Tag::PublicKey {
                 public_key: member.public_key(),
                 relay_hint: member.messaging_relay_hint(),
@@ -486,15 +512,14 @@ impl Room {
         let current_user = nostr.read(cx).current_user()?;
 
         // Get sender's profile
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-        let sender = persons.read(cx).get(&current_user, cx);
+        let sender = self.member(&current_user, cx);
 
         // Get all members (excluding sender)
         let receivers: Vec<Person> = self
             .members
             .iter()
             .filter(|public_key| public_key != &&sender.public_key())
-            .map(|member| persons.read(cx).get(member, cx))
+            .map(|member| self.member(member, cx))
             .collect();
 
         Some(cx.background_spawn(async move {
diff --git a/crates/chat_ui/src/lib.rs b/crates/chat_ui/src/lib.rs
index c90a30e9..7325fcf8 100644
--- a/crates/chat_ui/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/chat_ui/src/lib.rs
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ use gpui::{
 };
 use itertools::Itertools;
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::{Person, PersonRegistry};
+use person::{Directory, Person};
 use regex::Regex;
 use settings::{AppSettings, SignerKind};
 use smallvec::{SmallVec, smallvec};
@@ -73,6 +73,9 @@ pub struct ChatPanel {
     /// Chat Room
     room: WeakEntity<Room>,
 
+    /// Person directory shared with the room
+    directory: Entity<Directory>,
+
     /// Message list state
     list_state: ListState,
 
@@ -133,6 +136,13 @@ impl ChatPanel {
         let messages = Vec::new();
         let list_state = ListState::new(messages.len() + 1, ListAlignment::Bottom, px(1024.));
 
+        // Share the room's person directory
+        let directory = room
+            .read_with(cx, |room, _cx| room.directory())
+            .ok()
+            .flatten()
+            .unwrap_or_else(|| Directory::new(cx));
+
         // Get room id and name
         let (id, name) = room
             .read_with(cx, |this, _cx| {
@@ -194,6 +204,7 @@ impl ChatPanel {
             message_index: HashMap::new(),
             reactions: BTreeMap::new(),
             room,
+            directory,
             list_state,
             input,
             subject_input,
@@ -832,8 +843,7 @@ impl ChatPanel {
     }
 
     fn profile(&self, public_key: &PublicKey, cx: &App) -> Person {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-        persons.read(cx).get(public_key, cx)
+        self.directory.read(cx).person(public_key, cx)
     }
 
     fn on_command(&mut self, command: &Command, window: &mut Window, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
@@ -1085,7 +1095,7 @@ impl ChatPanel {
         }
 
         if let Some(message) = self.messages.get(index) {
-            let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
+            let directory = self.directory.clone();
             let show_author = self.is_group_start(index);
             let text = self
                 .rendered_texts_by_id
@@ -1095,7 +1105,7 @@ impl ChatPanel {
                         &message.content,
                         &message.mentions,
                         &message.emojis,
-                        &persons,
+                        &directory,
                         cx,
                     )
                 })
@@ -1210,8 +1220,9 @@ impl ChatPanel {
         items
     }
 
-    fn render_sent_reports(&self, id: &EventId, cx: &App) -> impl IntoElement {
+    fn render_sent_reports(&self, id: &EventId, cx: &Context<Self>) -> impl IntoElement {
         let reports = self.sent_reports(id);
+        let panel = cx.weak_entity();
 
         let pending = reports.as_ref().is_some_and(|reports| reports.is_empty());
 
@@ -1241,28 +1252,29 @@ impl ChatPanel {
                 this.when(!pending, |this| {
                     this.on_click(move |_e, window, cx| {
                         let reports = reports.clone();
+                        let panel = panel.clone();
 
                         window.open_dialog(cx, move |this, _window, cx| {
+                            let items = panel
+                                .update(cx, |panel, cx| {
+                                    reports
+                                        .iter()
+                                        .map(|report| panel.render_report(report, cx))
+                                        .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                                })
+                                .unwrap_or_default();
+
                             this.title(SharedString::from("Sent Reports"))
                                 .show_close(true)
-                                .child(v_flex().gap_4().children({
-                                    let mut items = Vec::with_capacity(reports.len());
-
-                                    for report in reports.iter() {
-                                        items.push(Self::render_report(report, cx))
-                                    }
-
-                                    items
-                                }))
+                                .child(v_flex().gap_4().children(items))
                         });
                     })
                 })
             })
     }
 
-    fn render_report(report: &SendReport, cx: &App) -> impl IntoElement {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-        let profile = persons.read(cx).get(&report.receiver, cx);
+    fn render_report(&self, report: &SendReport, cx: &App) -> AnyElement {
+        let profile = self.directory.read(cx).person(&report.receiver, cx);
         let name = profile.name();
         let avatar = profile.avatar();
 
@@ -1363,6 +1375,7 @@ impl ChatPanel {
                         }),
                 )
             })
+            .into_any_element()
     }
 
     fn render_actions(
@@ -1652,8 +1665,7 @@ impl ChatPanel {
 
     fn render_reply(&self, id: &EventId, cx: &Context<Self>) -> impl IntoElement {
         if let Some(text) = self.message(id) {
-            let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-            let profile = persons.read(cx).get(&text.author, cx);
+            let profile = self.directory.read(cx).person(&text.author, cx);
 
             div()
                 .w_full()
@@ -1758,7 +1770,18 @@ impl ChatPanel {
     }
 
     fn render_emoji_menu(&self, _window: &Window, cx: &Context<Self>) -> impl IntoElement {
-        let emojis = PersonRegistry::current_emojis(cx);
+        let nostr = NostrRegistry::global(cx);
+        let current_user = nostr.read(cx).current_user();
+
+        let emojis = current_user
+            .map(|current_user| {
+                self.directory
+                    .read(cx)
+                    .person(&current_user, cx)
+                    .emojis()
+                    .to_vec()
+            })
+            .unwrap_or_default();
 
         Button::new("emoji")
             .icon(IconName::Emoji)
diff --git a/crates/chat_ui/src/text.rs b/crates/chat_ui/src/text.rs
index 00ccf58a..8315fcef 100644
--- a/crates/chat_ui/src/text.rs
+++ b/crates/chat_ui/src/text.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use chat::{Mention, nevent_refs};
 use gpui::{App, Entity};
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::Url;
-use person::PersonRegistry;
+use person::Directory;
 use ui::markdown::InlineReplacement;
 pub use ui::markdown::RenderedText;
 
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ pub fn rendered_text(
     content: &str,
     mentions: &[Mention],
     emojis: &[(String, Url)],
-    persons: &Entity<PersonRegistry>,
+    persons: &Entity<Directory>,
     cx: &App,
 ) -> RenderedText {
     let mut replacements = mentions
@@ -17,7 +17,10 @@ pub fn rendered_text(
         .map(|mention| {
             InlineReplacement::new(
                 mention.range.clone(),
-                format!("@{}", persons.read(cx).get(&mention.public_key, cx).name()),
+                format!(
+                    "@{}",
+                    persons.read(cx).person(&mention.public_key, cx).name()
+                ),
             )
         })
         .collect::<Vec<_>>();
diff --git a/crates/nip29/src/group.rs b/crates/nip29/src/group.rs
index 147173dc..23589d09 100644
--- a/crates/nip29/src/group.rs
+++ b/crates/nip29/src/group.rs
@@ -6,7 +6,6 @@ use chat::Message;
 use common::emojis_from_tags;
 use gpui::{App, AppContext, Context, EventEmitter, SharedString, SharedUri, Task};
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::PersonRegistry;
 use smallvec::{SmallVec, smallvec};
 use state::NostrRegistry;
 
@@ -234,9 +233,9 @@ impl Group {
         &mut self,
         content: &str,
         replies: Vec<EventId>,
+        emojis: Vec<Tag>,
         cx: &mut Context<Self>,
     ) -> Task<Result<()>> {
-        let emojis = PersonRegistry::emoji_tags(content, cx);
         self.dispatch(
             move |id, prev| id.message(content, &replies, &emojis, prev),
             cx,
@@ -247,9 +246,9 @@ impl Group {
         &mut self,
         target: EventId,
         emoji: String,
+        emojis: Vec<Tag>,
         cx: &mut Context<Self>,
     ) -> Task<Result<()>> {
-        let emojis = PersonRegistry::emoji_tags(&emoji, cx);
         self.dispatch(
             move |id, prev| id.reaction(target, &emoji, &emojis, prev),
             cx,
diff --git a/crates/nip29_ui/src/lib.rs b/crates/nip29_ui/src/lib.rs
index e6eaddf1..71c550e4 100644
--- a/crates/nip29_ui/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/nip29_ui/src/lib.rs
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ use gpui::{
 };
 use nip29::{Group, GroupEvent, GroupKey, GroupsRegistry, Membership, Pin, Row};
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::PersonRegistry;
+use person::Directory;
 use serde::Deserialize;
 use settings::AppSettings;
 use smallvec::{SmallVec, smallvec};
@@ -308,6 +308,8 @@ pub struct GroupPanel {
     id: SharedString,
     focus_handle: FocusHandle,
     group: WeakEntity<Group>,
+    /// Person directory for members, message authors, and activity subjects
+    directory: Entity<Directory>,
     list_state: ListState,
     head: Option<EventId>,
     /// The message the composer is replying to, if any.
@@ -356,12 +358,14 @@ impl GroupPanel {
         subscriptions.push(cx.subscribe(&group, |this, _group, event, cx| {
             if !matches!(event, GroupEvent::Sent(_)) {
                 this.sync(cx);
+                this.track_participants(cx);
                 cx.notify();
             }
         }));
 
         subscriptions.push(cx.observe(&group, |this, _group, cx| {
             this.sync(cx);
+            this.track_participants(cx);
             cx.notify();
         }));
 
@@ -376,10 +380,11 @@ impl GroupPanel {
             ));
         });
 
-        Self {
+        let mut this = Self {
             id,
             focus_handle: cx.focus_handle(),
             group: group.downgrade(),
+            directory: Directory::new(cx),
             list_state: ListState::new(count + 2, ListAlignment::Bottom, px(1024.)),
             head,
             reply_to: None,
@@ -389,7 +394,29 @@ impl GroupPanel {
             uploading: false,
             tasks: smallvec![],
             _subscriptions: subscriptions,
-        }
+        };
+
+        this.track_participants(cx);
+
+        this
+    }
+
+    /// Track the keys rendered by this panel: members, message authors, and
+    /// activity subjects
+    fn track_participants(&mut self, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
+        let Some(group) = self.group.upgrade() else {
+            return;
+        };
+
+        let group = group.read(cx);
+        let mut keys: Vec<PublicKey> = group.members().iter().copied().collect();
+        keys.extend(group.rows().iter().map(|row| match row {
+            Row::Message(message) => message.author,
+            Row::Activity(activity) => activity.subject(),
+        }));
+
+        self.directory
+            .update(cx, |directory, cx| directory.track(keys, cx));
     }
 
     fn item_count(&self, cx: &App) -> usize {
@@ -505,11 +532,11 @@ impl GroupPanel {
         }
 
         let replies: Vec<EventId> = self.reply_to.take().into_iter().collect();
+        let emojis = self.emoji_tags(&content, cx);
 
-        let Ok(send) = self
-            .group
-            .update(cx, |group, cx| group.send_message(&content, replies, cx))
-        else {
+        let Ok(send) = self.group.update(cx, |group, cx| {
+            group.send_message(&content, replies, emojis, cx)
+        }) else {
             return;
         };
 
@@ -586,6 +613,18 @@ impl GroupPanel {
             .and_then(|group| Notice::of(group.read(cx)))
     }
 
+    /// The signed-in user's custom emoji tags referenced in `content`
+    fn emoji_tags(&self, content: &str, cx: &App) -> Vec<Tag> {
+        let Some(current_user) = NostrRegistry::global(cx).read(cx).current_user() else {
+            return Vec::new();
+        };
+
+        self.directory
+            .read(cx)
+            .person(&current_user, cx)
+            .emoji_tags(content)
+    }
+
     fn react(
         &mut self,
         group: WeakEntity<Group>,
@@ -594,7 +633,10 @@ impl GroupPanel {
         window: &mut Window,
         cx: &mut Context<Self>,
     ) {
-        let Ok(react) = group.update(cx, |group, cx| group.send_reaction(id, emoji, cx)) else {
+        let emojis = self.emoji_tags(&emoji, cx);
+
+        let Ok(react) = group.update(cx, |group, cx| group.send_reaction(id, emoji, emojis, cx))
+        else {
             return;
         };
 
@@ -877,11 +919,13 @@ impl GroupPanel {
 
         let message = match row {
             Row::Message(message) => message,
-            Row::Activity(activity) => return message::render_activity(ix, activity, cx),
+            Row::Activity(activity) => {
+                return message::render_activity(ix, activity, &self.directory, cx);
+            }
         };
 
         let nostr = NostrRegistry::global(cx);
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
+        let directory = self.directory.clone();
 
         let content = self
             .rendered_texts_by_id
@@ -891,7 +935,7 @@ impl GroupPanel {
                     &message.content,
                     &message.mentions,
                     &message.emojis,
-                    &persons,
+                    &directory,
                     cx,
                 )
             })
@@ -916,6 +960,7 @@ impl GroupPanel {
                 panel: cx.weak_entity(),
                 admin,
                 pinned,
+                persons: self.directory.clone(),
             },
             cx,
         )
@@ -990,8 +1035,7 @@ impl GroupPanel {
         let context = self.group.upgrade().and_then(|entity| {
             entity.read_with(cx, |group, cx| {
                 let message = group.message(target)?;
-                let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-                let author = persons.read(cx).get(&message.author, cx);
+                let author = self.directory.read(cx).person(&message.author, cx);
                 let preview = message.preview();
                 let line = preview.lines().next().unwrap_or_default().trim();
 
diff --git a/crates/nip29_ui/src/message.rs b/crates/nip29_ui/src/message.rs
index ea7edcf4..1286627f 100644
--- a/crates/nip29_ui/src/message.rs
+++ b/crates/nip29_ui/src/message.rs
@@ -2,12 +2,12 @@ use chat::Message;
 use common::TimestampExt;
 use gpui::prelude::FluentBuilder;
 use gpui::{
-    AnyElement, App, InteractiveElement, IntoElement, ParentElement, SharedString, Styled,
+    AnyElement, App, Entity, InteractiveElement, IntoElement, ParentElement, SharedString, Styled,
     WeakEntity, div, px,
 };
 use nip29::{Activity, Group, Reaction};
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::{EventId, Kind};
-use person::PersonRegistry;
+use person::Directory;
 use settings::AppSettings;
 use state::NostrRegistry;
 use theme::{ActiveTheme, TextStyle, Typeset as _};
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ pub(crate) struct Actions {
     pub panel: WeakEntity<GroupPanel>,
     pub admin: bool,
     pub pinned: bool,
+    pub persons: Entity<Directory>,
 }
 
 pub(crate) fn render(
@@ -37,10 +38,10 @@ pub(crate) fn render(
     cx: &App,
 ) -> AnyElement {
     let nostr = NostrRegistry::global(cx);
-    let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
     let hide_avatar = AppSettings::get_hide_avatar(cx);
 
-    let author = persons.read(cx).get(&message.author, cx);
+    let persons = actions.persons.clone();
+    let author = persons.read(cx).person(&message.author, cx);
 
     let reaction_groups = group_reactions(
         reactions.iter().map(|reaction| {
@@ -66,6 +67,7 @@ pub(crate) fn render(
         .when(!message.replies_to.is_empty(), |this| {
             this.children(replies(
                 &message.replies_to,
+                &persons,
                 &actions.group,
                 &actions.panel,
                 cx,
@@ -162,7 +164,22 @@ fn react_menu(
         )
     });
 
-    let emojis = PersonRegistry::current_emojis(cx);
+    let emojis = panel
+        .upgrade()
+        .and_then(|panel| {
+            let current_user = NostrRegistry::global(cx).read(cx).current_user()?;
+            Some(
+                panel
+                    .read(cx)
+                    .directory
+                    .read(cx)
+                    .person(&current_user, cx)
+                    .emojis()
+                    .to_vec(),
+            )
+        })
+        .unwrap_or_default();
+
     if emojis.is_empty() {
         return menu;
     }
@@ -185,9 +202,13 @@ fn react_menu(
     })
 }
 
-pub(crate) fn render_activity(ix: usize, activity: &Activity, cx: &App) -> AnyElement {
-    let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-    let subject = persons.read(cx).get(&activity.subject(), cx);
+pub(crate) fn render_activity(
+    ix: usize,
+    activity: &Activity,
+    persons: &Entity<Directory>,
+    cx: &App,
+) -> AnyElement {
+    let subject = persons.read(cx).person(&activity.subject(), cx);
     let hide_avatar = AppSettings::get_hide_avatar(cx);
 
     h_flex()
@@ -262,6 +283,7 @@ fn action(activity: &Activity) -> String {
 
 fn replies(
     targets: &[EventId],
+    persons: &Entity<Directory>,
     group: &WeakEntity<Group>,
     panel: &WeakEntity<GroupPanel>,
     cx: &App,
@@ -275,8 +297,7 @@ fn replies(
     for (ix, id) in targets.iter().enumerate() {
         let context = entity.read_with(cx, |group, cx| {
             let message = group.message(*id)?;
-            let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-            let author = persons.read(cx).get(&message.author, cx);
+            let author = persons.read(cx).person(&message.author, cx);
 
             Some((author.name(), message.preview()))
         });
diff --git a/crates/nip4e/src/lib.rs b/crates/nip4e/src/lib.rs
index de761c21..698957b8 100644
--- a/crates/nip4e/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/nip4e/src/lib.rs
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ use gpui::{
     SharedString, Styled, Subscription, Task, Window, div, px, relative,
 };
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::PersonRegistry;
+use person::Directory;
 use settings::AppSettings;
 use smallvec::{SmallVec, smallvec};
 use state::{Announcement, CLIENT_NAME, NostrRegistry, UniversalSigner};
@@ -63,6 +63,8 @@ pub struct DeviceRegistry {
     pub(crate) pending_request: bool,
     /// Whether an announcement has been made for this device
     pub(crate) announcement_existed: Arc<AtomicBool>,
+    /// Person directory for requesters shown in notifications
+    directory: Entity<Directory>,
     /// Relay notification listener
     notification_listener: Option<Task<Result<(), Error>>>,
     tasks: Vec<Task<Result<(), Error>>>,
@@ -122,6 +124,7 @@ impl DeviceRegistry {
             signer,
             pending_request: false,
             announcement_existed: Arc::new(AtomicBool::new(false)),
+            directory: Directory::new(cx),
             notification_listener: None,
             tasks: vec![],
             _subscriptions: subscriptions,
@@ -690,7 +693,11 @@ impl DeviceRegistry {
     }
 
     /// Build a notification for the encryption request.
-    fn notification(&self, event: Event, cx: &Context<Self>) -> Result<Notification, Error> {
+    fn notification(
+        &mut self,
+        event: Event,
+        cx: &mut Context<Self>,
+    ) -> Result<Notification, Error> {
         const MSG: &str = "You've requested an encryption key from another device. \
                            Approve to allow Coop to share with it. Before approving, \
                            compare the code with the one shown on the requesting \
@@ -705,8 +712,8 @@ impl DeviceRegistry {
             .context("Request has no valid requester key")?;
 
         let code = authorization_code(&requester);
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-        let profile = persons.read(cx).get(&requester, cx);
+        let directory = self.directory.clone();
+        directory.update(cx, |directory, cx| directory.track([requester], cx));
         let code_label = code.clone();
 
         let entity = cx.entity().downgrade();
@@ -719,6 +726,8 @@ impl DeviceRegistry {
             .with_kind(NotificationKind::Info)
             .title("Encryption Key Request")
             .content(move |_this, _window, cx| {
+                let profile = directory.read(cx).person(&requester, cx);
+
                 v_flex()
                     .gap(px(theme::SPACE))
                     .text_style(TextStyle::Callout)
diff --git a/crates/person/src/directory.rs b/crates/person/src/directory.rs
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..eb8588a9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/person/src/directory.rs
@@ -0,0 +1,234 @@
+use std::cmp::Reverse;
+use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
+use std::sync::RwLock;
+
+use anyhow::Error;
+use common::emojis_from_tags;
+use gpui::{App, AppContext, Context, Entity, Subscription, Task};
+use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
+use smallvec::{SmallVec, smallvec};
+use state::NostrRegistry;
+
+use crate::{Person, PersonEvent, PersonRegistry};
+
+/// Directory of persons tracked by a view
+#[derive(Debug)]
+pub struct Directory {
+    persons: HashMap<PublicKey, Person>,
+    /// Keys awaiting their first update, guarded for render-time access
+    pending: RwLock<HashSet<PublicKey>>,
+    tasks: SmallVec<[Task<()>; 2]>,
+    _subscriptions: SmallVec<[Subscription; 1]>,
+}
+
+impl Directory {
+    /// Create a directory following the registry's events
+    pub fn new(cx: &mut App) -> Entity<Self> {
+        let registry = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
+
+        cx.new(|cx| {
+            let subscription = cx.subscribe(&registry, |this: &mut Self, _registry, event, cx| {
+                this.handle_event(event.clone(), cx);
+            });
+
+            Self {
+                persons: HashMap::new(),
+                pending: RwLock::new(HashSet::new()),
+                tasks: SmallVec::new(),
+                _subscriptions: smallvec![subscription],
+            }
+        })
+    }
+
+    /// Load known profiles from the database, request the rest
+    pub fn track(&mut self, keys: impl IntoIterator<Item = PublicKey>, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
+        /// Profiles and emoji lists loaded from the database
+        type Loaded = (Vec<Person>, Vec<(PublicKey, Vec<(String, Url)>)>);
+
+        let missing: Vec<PublicKey> = keys
+            .into_iter()
+            .filter(|key| {
+                !self.persons.contains_key(key)
+                    && !self.with_pending(|pending| pending.contains(key))
+            })
+            .collect();
+
+        if missing.is_empty() {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        // Accept events that arrive while the database query is running
+        self.with_pending(|pending| {
+            pending.extend(missing.iter().copied());
+        });
+
+        let nostr = NostrRegistry::global(cx);
+        let client = nostr.read(cx).client();
+        let authors = missing.clone();
+
+        let task: Task<Result<Loaded, Error>> = cx.background_spawn(async move {
+            let mut metadata_events: Vec<Event> = client
+                .database()
+                .query(Filter::new().kind(Kind::Metadata).authors(authors.clone()))
+                .await?
+                .into_iter()
+                .collect();
+
+            // Keep only the newest event per author
+            metadata_events.sort_by_key(|event| Reverse(event.created_at));
+            let mut seen = HashSet::new();
+
+            let persons = metadata_events
+                .into_iter()
+                .filter(|event| seen.insert(event.pubkey))
+                .map(|event| {
+                    let metadata = Metadata::from_json(event.content).unwrap_or_default();
+                    Person::new(event.pubkey, metadata)
+                })
+                .collect();
+
+            let mut emoji_events: Vec<Event> = client
+                .database()
+                .query(Filter::new().kind(Kind::Emojis).authors(authors))
+                .await?
+                .into_iter()
+                .collect();
+
+            // Keep only the newest event per author
+            emoji_events.sort_by_key(|event| Reverse(event.created_at));
+            let mut seen = HashSet::new();
+
+            let emojis = emoji_events
+                .into_iter()
+                .filter(|event| seen.insert(event.pubkey))
+                .map(|event| (event.pubkey, emojis_from_tags(&event.tags)))
+                .collect();
+
+            Ok((persons, emojis))
+        });
+
+        self.tasks.push(cx.spawn(async move |this, cx| {
+            let loaded = task.await;
+
+            this.update(cx, |this, cx| {
+                let remaining = match loaded {
+                    Ok((persons, emojis)) => {
+                        let found: HashSet<PublicKey> =
+                            persons.iter().map(Person::public_key).collect();
+                        this.bulk_insert(persons, cx);
+
+                        // Emojis apply on top of loaded or already received data
+                        let mut updated = false;
+
+                        for (public_key, emojis) in emojis {
+                            if emojis.is_empty() {
+                                continue;
+                            }
+
+                            let person = this
+                                .persons
+                                .entry(public_key)
+                                .or_insert_with(|| Person::new(public_key, Metadata::default()));
+                            person.set_emojis(emojis);
+                            updated = true;
+                        }
+
+                        if updated {
+                            cx.notify();
+                        }
+
+                        missing
+                            .into_iter()
+                            .filter(|key| !found.contains(key))
+                            .collect()
+                    }
+                    Err(e) => {
+                        log::warn!("Failed to load persons from the database: {e}");
+                        missing
+                    }
+                };
+
+                if !remaining.is_empty() {
+                    let registry = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
+                    registry.read(cx).fetch(remaining);
+                }
+            })
+            .ok();
+        }));
+    }
+
+    /// The person for a key, or a placeholder that queues a request
+    pub fn person(&self, public_key: &PublicKey, cx: &App) -> Person {
+        if let Some(person) = self.persons.get(public_key) {
+            return person.clone();
+        }
+
+        if self.with_pending(|pending| pending.insert(*public_key)) {
+            let registry = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
+            registry.read(cx).fetch([*public_key]);
+        }
+
+        Person::new(*public_key, Metadata::default())
+    }
+
+    /// Merge event data into the tracked person
+    fn handle_event(&mut self, event: PersonEvent, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
+        let public_key = match &event {
+            PersonEvent::Metadata(person) => person.public_key(),
+            PersonEvent::Emojis { public_key, .. }
+            | PersonEvent::Announcement { public_key, .. }
+            | PersonEvent::MessagingRelays { public_key, .. } => *public_key,
+        };
+
+        if !self.persons.contains_key(&public_key)
+            && !self.with_pending(|pending| pending.remove(&public_key))
+        {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        let person = self
+            .persons
+            .entry(public_key)
+            .or_insert_with(|| Person::new(public_key, Metadata::default()));
+
+        match event {
+            PersonEvent::Metadata(updated) => person.set_metadata(updated.metadata()),
+            PersonEvent::Emojis { emojis, .. } => person.set_emojis(emojis),
+            PersonEvent::Announcement { announcement, .. } => {
+                person.set_announcement(announcement);
+            }
+            PersonEvent::MessagingRelays { relays, .. } => person.set_messaging_relays(relays),
+        }
+
+        cx.notify();
+    }
+
+    /// Insert loaded persons, keeping data already received from relays
+    fn bulk_insert(&mut self, persons: Vec<Person>, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
+        let mut inserted = false;
+
+        for person in persons {
+            let public_key = person.public_key();
+
+            if self.persons.contains_key(&public_key) {
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            self.persons.insert(public_key, person);
+            inserted = true;
+        }
+
+        if inserted {
+            cx.notify();
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Run `then` with the pending set, tolerating poisoning: it is only a dedupe cache
+    fn with_pending<R>(&self, then: impl FnOnce(&mut HashSet<PublicKey>) -> R) -> R {
+        let mut pending = match self.pending.write() {
+            Ok(pending) => pending,
+            Err(poisoned) => poisoned.into_inner(),
+        };
+        then(&mut pending)
+    }
+}
diff --git a/crates/person/src/lib.rs b/crates/person/src/lib.rs
index 91e035e2..aec3cf1d 100644
--- a/crates/person/src/lib.rs
+++ b/crates/person/src/lib.rs
@@ -1,17 +1,18 @@
-use std::cmp::Reverse;
 use std::collections::{HashMap, HashSet};
 use std::sync::RwLock;
 
 use anyhow::{Error, anyhow};
-use common::{EventExt, emojis_from_tags};
-use gpui::{App, AppContext, Context, Entity, Global, Subscription, Task};
+use common::emojis_from_tags;
+use gpui::{App, AppContext, Context, Entity, EventEmitter, Global, Subscription, Task};
 use instant::Duration;
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
 use smallvec::{SmallVec, smallvec};
 use state::{Announcement, BOOTSTRAP_RELAYS, NostrRegistry, TIMEOUT};
 
+mod directory;
 mod person;
 
+pub use directory::*;
 pub use person::*;
 
 pub fn init(cx: &mut App) {
@@ -22,6 +23,30 @@ struct GlobalPersonRegistry(Entity<PersonRegistry>);
 
 impl Global for GlobalPersonRegistry {}
 
+/// A change to a person's data
+#[derive(Debug, Clone)]
+pub enum PersonEvent {
+    /// Profile metadata
+    Metadata(Box<Person>),
+    /// Custom emoji list (NIP-30)
+    Emojis {
+        public_key: PublicKey,
+        emojis: Vec<(String, Url)>,
+    },
+    /// Profile encryption keys announcement (NIP-4e)
+    Announcement {
+        public_key: PublicKey,
+        announcement: Announcement,
+    },
+    /// Messaging relay list (NIP-65)
+    MessagingRelays {
+        public_key: PublicKey,
+        relays: Vec<RelayUrl>,
+    },
+}
+
+impl EventEmitter<PersonEvent> for PersonRegistry {}
+
 #[derive(Debug, Clone)]
 enum Dispatch {
     Person(Person),
@@ -33,10 +58,8 @@ enum Dispatch {
 /// Person Registry
 #[derive(Debug)]
 pub struct PersonRegistry {
-    /// Collection of all persons (user profiles)
-    persons: HashMap<PublicKey, Entity<Person>>,
-    /// Set of public keys that have been seen
-    seen: RwLock<HashSet<PublicKey>>,
+    /// Public keys with a metadata request in flight
+    in_flight: RwLock<HashSet<PublicKey>>,
     sender: flume::Sender<PublicKey>,
     tasks: SmallVec<[Task<()>; 4]>,
     _subscriptions: SmallVec<[Subscription; 1]>,
@@ -57,7 +80,6 @@ impl PersonRegistry {
     fn new(cx: &mut Context<Self>) -> Self {
         let nostr = NostrRegistry::global(cx);
         let client = nostr.read(cx).client();
-        let entity = cx.entity().downgrade();
 
         // Channel for communication between nostr and gpui
         let (tx, rx) = flume::bounded::<Dispatch>(100);
@@ -103,17 +125,8 @@ impl PersonRegistry {
             }
         });
 
-        // Load all user profiles from the database
-        cx.defer(move |cx| {
-            _ = entity.update(cx, |this, cx| {
-                this.load(cx);
-                this.load_emojis(cx);
-            });
-        });
-
         Self {
-            persons: HashMap::new(),
-            seen: RwLock::new(HashSet::new()),
+            in_flight: RwLock::new(HashSet::new()),
             sender: metadata_tx,
             tasks,
             _subscriptions: smallvec![subscription],
@@ -146,12 +159,6 @@ impl PersonRegistry {
                             log::warn!("Channel closed, dropping metadata event");
                         }
                     }
-                    Kind::ContactList => {
-                        let public_keys = event.extract_public_keys();
-                        if let Err(e) = get_metadata(client, public_keys).await {
-                            log::warn!("Failed to get metadata for contact list: {e}");
-                        }
-                    }
                     Kind::InboxRelays => {
                         _ = tx.send_async(Dispatch::Relays(event.into_owned())).await;
                     }
@@ -198,72 +205,6 @@ impl PersonRegistry {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Load all user profiles from the database
-    fn load(&mut self, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
-        let nostr = NostrRegistry::global(cx);
-        let client = nostr.read(cx).client();
-
-        let task: Task<Result<Vec<Person>, Error>> = cx.background_spawn(async move {
-            let filter = Filter::new().kind(Kind::Metadata).limit(200);
-            let events = client.database().query(filter).await?;
-            let persons = events
-                .into_iter()
-                .map(|event| {
-                    let metadata = Metadata::from_json(event.content).unwrap_or_default();
-                    Person::new(event.pubkey, metadata)
-                })
-                .collect();
-
-            Ok(persons)
-        });
-
-        self.tasks.push(cx.spawn(async move |this, cx| {
-            if let Ok(persons) = task.await {
-                this.update(cx, |this, cx| {
-                    this.bulk_insert(persons, cx);
-                })
-                .ok();
-            }
-        }));
-    }
-
-    /// Load cached emoji lists from the database
-    fn load_emojis(&mut self, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
-        let nostr = NostrRegistry::global(cx);
-        let client = nostr.read(cx).client();
-
-        type EmojiLists = Vec<(PublicKey, Vec<(String, Url)>)>;
-
-        let task: Task<Result<EmojiLists, Error>> = cx.background_spawn(async move {
-            let filter = Filter::new().kind(Kind::Emojis).limit(200);
-            let mut events: Vec<Event> =
-                client.database().query(filter).await?.into_iter().collect();
-
-            // Keep only the newest list per author
-            events.sort_by_key(|event| Reverse(event.created_at));
-            let mut seen = HashSet::new();
-
-            let lists = events
-                .into_iter()
-                .filter(|event| seen.insert(event.pubkey))
-                .map(|event| (event.pubkey, emojis_from_tags(&event.tags)))
-                .collect();
-
-            Ok(lists)
-        });
-
-        self.tasks.push(cx.spawn(async move |this, cx| {
-            if let Ok(lists) = task.await {
-                this.update(cx, |this, cx| {
-                    for (public_key, emojis) in lists {
-                        this.set_emojis_for(public_key, emojis, cx);
-                    }
-                })
-                .ok();
-            }
-        }));
-    }
-
     /// Subscribe to the signed-in user's emoji list
     fn get_emojis(&mut self, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
         let nostr = NostrRegistry::global(cx);
@@ -283,130 +224,82 @@ impl PersonRegistry {
     }
 
     /// Set profile encryption keys announcement
-    fn set_announcement(&mut self, event: &Event, cx: &mut App) {
+    fn set_announcement(&mut self, event: &Event, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
         let Some(announcement) = Announcement::from_event(event) else {
             log::warn!("Ignoring announcement with missing or invalid key tag");
             return;
         };
 
-        if let Some(person) = self.persons.get(&event.pubkey) {
-            person.update(cx, |person, cx| {
-                person.set_announcement(announcement);
-                cx.notify();
-            });
-        } else {
-            let person =
-                Person::new(event.pubkey, Metadata::default()).with_announcement(announcement);
-            self.insert(person, cx);
-        }
+        cx.emit(PersonEvent::Announcement {
+            public_key: event.pubkey,
+            announcement,
+        });
     }
 
     /// Set messaging relays for a person
-    fn set_messaging_relays(&mut self, event: &Event, cx: &mut App) {
-        let urls: Vec<RelayUrl> = nip17::extract_relay_list(event).collect();
-
-        if let Some(person) = self.persons.get(&event.pubkey) {
-            person.update(cx, |person, cx| {
-                person.set_messaging_relays(urls);
-                cx.notify();
-            });
-        } else {
-            let person = Person::new(event.pubkey, Metadata::default()).with_messaging_relays(urls);
-            self.insert(person, cx);
-        }
+    fn set_messaging_relays(&mut self, event: &Event, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
+        cx.emit(PersonEvent::MessagingRelays {
+            public_key: event.pubkey,
+            relays: nip17::extract_relay_list(event).collect(),
+        });
     }
 
     /// Set custom emoji for a person from their emoji list event
-    fn set_emojis(&mut self, event: &Event, cx: &mut App) {
+    fn set_emojis(&mut self, event: &Event, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
         self.set_emojis_for(event.pubkey, emojis_from_tags(&event.tags), cx);
     }
 
     /// Set custom emoji for a person
-    fn set_emojis_for(&mut self, public_key: PublicKey, emojis: Vec<(String, Url)>, cx: &mut App) {
-        if let Some(person) = self.persons.get(&public_key) {
-            person.update(cx, |person, cx| {
-                person.set_emojis(emojis);
-                cx.notify();
-            });
-        } else {
-            let person = Person::new(public_key, Metadata::default()).with_emojis(emojis);
-            self.insert(person, cx);
-        }
+    fn set_emojis_for(
+        &mut self,
+        public_key: PublicKey,
+        emojis: Vec<(String, Url)>,
+        cx: &mut Context<Self>,
+    ) {
+        cx.emit(PersonEvent::Emojis { public_key, emojis });
     }
 
-    /// Insert batch of persons
-    fn bulk_insert(&mut self, persons: Vec<Person>, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
-        for person in persons.into_iter() {
-            let public_key = person.public_key();
-            self.persons
-                .entry(public_key)
-                .or_insert_with(|| cx.new(|_| person));
-        }
-        cx.notify();
-    }
-
-    /// Insert or update a person
-    pub fn insert(&mut self, person: Person, cx: &mut App) {
+    /// Publish a person's profile metadata to every directory
+    pub fn insert(&mut self, person: Person, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
         let public_key = person.public_key();
+        self.release_in_flight(&public_key);
 
-        match self.persons.get(&public_key) {
-            Some(this) => {
-                this.update(cx, |this, cx| {
-                    this.set_metadata(person.metadata());
-                    cx.notify();
-                });
-            }
-            None => {
-                self.persons.insert(public_key, cx.new(|_| person));
-            }
-        }
+        cx.emit(PersonEvent::Metadata(Box::new(person)));
     }
 
-    /// Get single person by public key
-    pub fn get(&self, public_key: &PublicKey, cx: &App) -> Person {
-        if let Some(person) = self.persons.get(public_key) {
-            return person.read(cx).clone();
-        }
+    /// Queue a batched metadata request for keys without one in flight
+    pub(crate) fn fetch<I>(&self, keys: I)
+    where
+        I: IntoIterator<Item = PublicKey>,
+    {
+        let mut queue = Vec::new();
+        {
+            let mut in_flight = match self.in_flight.write() {
+                Ok(in_flight) => in_flight,
+                Err(poisoned) => poisoned.into_inner(),
+            };
 
-        let public_key = *public_key;
-
-        if self.seen.write().unwrap().insert(public_key) {
-            let sender = self.sender.clone();
-
-            // Spawn background task to request metadata
-            cx.background_spawn(async move {
-                if let Err(e) = sender.send_async(public_key).await {
-                    log::warn!("Failed to send public key for metadata request: {e}");
+            for key in keys {
+                if in_flight.insert(key) {
+                    queue.push(key);
                 }
-            })
-            .detach();
+            }
         }
 
-        // Return a temporary profile with default metadata
-        Person::new(public_key, Metadata::default())
+        for public_key in queue {
+            if let Err(error) = self.sender.send(public_key) {
+                log::warn!("Failed to queue metadata request: {error}");
+            }
+        }
     }
 
-    /// The signed-in user's custom emoji
-    pub fn current_emojis(cx: &App) -> Vec<(String, Url)> {
-        let registry = Self::global(cx);
-        let nostr = NostrRegistry::global(cx);
-
-        let Some(public_key) = nostr.read(cx).current_user() else {
-            return Vec::new();
+    /// Allow future fetches for a key once its metadata has arrived
+    fn release_in_flight(&self, public_key: &PublicKey) {
+        let mut in_flight = match self.in_flight.write() {
+            Ok(in_flight) => in_flight,
+            Err(poisoned) => poisoned.into_inner(),
         };
-
-        registry.read(cx).get(&public_key, cx).emojis().to_vec()
-    }
-
-    /// An `emoji` tag for every signed-in user's custom emoji referenced.
-    pub fn emoji_tags(content: &str, cx: &App) -> Vec<Tag> {
-        let registry = Self::global(cx);
-        let nostr = NostrRegistry::global(cx);
-        let Some(public_key) = nostr.read(cx).current_user() else {
-            return Vec::new();
-        };
-
-        registry.read(cx).get(&public_key, cx).emoji_tags(content)
+        in_flight.remove(public_key);
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/crates/person/src/person.rs b/crates/person/src/person.rs
index b88548c6..1cee8030 100644
--- a/crates/person/src/person.rs
+++ b/crates/person/src/person.rs
@@ -57,21 +57,6 @@ impl Person {
         }
     }
 
-    /// Build profile encryption keys announcement
-    pub(crate) fn with_announcement(mut self, announcement: Announcement) -> Self {
-        self.announcement = Some(announcement);
-        self
-    }
-
-    /// Build profile messaging relays
-    pub(crate) fn with_messaging_relays<I>(mut self, relays: I) -> Self
-    where
-        I: IntoIterator<Item = RelayUrl>,
-    {
-        self.messaging_relays = relays.into_iter().collect();
-        self
-    }
-
     /// Get profile public key
     pub fn public_key(&self) -> PublicKey {
         self.public_key
@@ -92,12 +77,6 @@ impl Person {
         self.emojis = emojis;
     }
 
-    /// Build custom emoji from the person's emoji list
-    pub(crate) fn with_emojis(mut self, emojis: Vec<(String, Url)>) -> Self {
-        self.emojis = emojis;
-        self
-    }
-
     /// An `emoji` tag for every custom emoji referenced as `:shortcode:` in `content`
     pub fn emoji_tags(&self, content: &str) -> Vec<Tag> {
         let mut tags = Vec::new();
diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/new_chat.rs b/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/new_chat.rs
index 39796ffe..620cadca 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/new_chat.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/new_chat.rs
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ use gpui::{
     Window, div, px, uniform_list,
 };
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::PersonRegistry;
+use person::Directory;
 use settings::AppSettings;
 use state::NostrRegistry;
 use theme::{ActiveTheme, TextStyle, Typeset as _};
@@ -39,6 +39,8 @@ pub struct NewChat {
     input: Entity<InputState>,
     /// Current user's contacts
     contacts: Option<Vec<PublicKey>>,
+    /// Person directory for contacts and selected members
+    directory: Entity<Directory>,
     /// Public keys selected as members of the chat
     members: Vec<PublicKey>,
     /// Whether a NIP-05 address is being resolved
@@ -69,6 +71,7 @@ impl NewChat {
             dock,
             input,
             contacts: None,
+            directory: Directory::new(cx),
             members: Vec::new(),
             resolving: false,
             error: None,
@@ -112,6 +115,9 @@ impl NewChat {
             match task.await {
                 Ok(contacts) => {
                     this.update(cx, |this, cx| {
+                        this.directory.update(cx, |directory, cx| {
+                            directory.track(contacts.iter().copied(), cx)
+                        });
                         this.contacts = Some(contacts);
                         cx.notify();
                     })?;
@@ -133,7 +139,6 @@ impl NewChat {
             return Vec::new();
         };
 
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
         let query = self.input.read(cx).value().trim().to_lowercase();
 
         if query.is_empty() {
@@ -146,7 +151,7 @@ impl NewChat {
                 if public_key.to_hex().to_lowercase().contains(&query) {
                     return true;
                 }
-                let name = persons.read(cx).get(public_key, cx).name();
+                let name = self.directory.read(cx).person(public_key, cx).name();
                 name.to_lowercase().contains(&query)
             })
             .cloned()
@@ -318,7 +323,6 @@ impl NewChat {
         contacts: &[PublicKey],
         cx: &mut Context<Self>,
     ) -> Vec<AnyElement> {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
         let start = range.start;
 
         contacts
@@ -327,7 +331,7 @@ impl NewChat {
             .flatten()
             .enumerate()
             .map(|(offset, public_key)| {
-                let profile = persons.read(cx).get(public_key, cx);
+                let profile = self.directory.read(cx).person(public_key, cx);
                 let public_key = *public_key;
 
                 Nav::new(start + offset)
@@ -350,13 +354,11 @@ impl NewChat {
     }
 
     fn render_members(&self, cx: &mut Context<Self>) -> impl IntoElement {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-
         h_flex()
             .flex_wrap()
             .gap_1()
             .children(self.members.iter().map(|public_key| {
-                let profile = persons.read(cx).get(public_key, cx);
+                let profile = self.directory.read(cx).person(public_key, cx);
                 let public_key = *public_key;
                 let id = SharedString::from(format!("m-{}", public_key.to_hex()));
 
diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/profile.rs b/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/profile.rs
index 4683b8b9..fc8313ec 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/profile.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/profile.rs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ use gpui::{
 };
 use instant::Duration;
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::{Person, PersonRegistry, shorten_pubkey};
+use person::{Directory, Person, PersonRegistry, shorten_pubkey};
 use settings::AppSettings;
 use state::{NostrRegistry, upload};
 use theme::{ActiveTheme, TextStyle, Typeset as _, button_radius};
@@ -34,6 +34,8 @@ struct ProfileDialog {
     public_key: PublicKey,
     /// Whether the profile belongs to the signed-in user
     is_current_user: bool,
+    /// Person directory for the profile
+    directory: Entity<Directory>,
     /// Whether the metadata inputs are shown
     editing: bool,
     /// User's name text input
@@ -74,9 +76,15 @@ impl ProfileDialog {
                 .placeholder("A short introduce about you.")
         });
 
+        let directory = Directory::new(cx);
+        directory.update(cx, |directory, cx| {
+            directory.track([public_key], cx);
+        });
+
         Self {
             public_key,
             is_current_user,
+            directory,
             editing: false,
             name_input,
             avatar_input,
@@ -90,8 +98,7 @@ impl ProfileDialog {
     }
 
     fn profile(&self, cx: &App) -> Person {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-        persons.read(cx).get(&self.public_key, cx)
+        self.directory.read(cx).person(&self.public_key, cx)
     }
 
     fn set_profile(&mut self, window: &mut Window, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
@@ -238,9 +245,8 @@ impl ProfileDialog {
     }
 
     fn save(&mut self, window: &mut Window, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
         let public_key = self.public_key;
-        let old_metadata = persons.read(cx).get(&public_key, cx).metadata();
+        let old_metadata = self.directory.read(cx).person(&public_key, cx).metadata();
 
         // Extract all new metadata fields
         let avatar = self.avatar_input.read(cx).value();
@@ -274,9 +280,9 @@ impl ProfileDialog {
             match task.await {
                 Ok(_) => {
                     this.update_in(cx, |this, window, cx| {
-                        // Update the registry
-                        persons.update(cx, |this, cx| {
-                            this.insert(Person::new(public_key, new_metadata), cx);
+                        // Publish the new metadata to every directory
+                        PersonRegistry::global(cx).update(cx, |registry, cx| {
+                            registry.insert(Person::new(public_key, new_metadata), cx);
                         });
 
                         this.set_updating(false, cx);
diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/screening.rs b/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/screening.rs
index 18320bae..52b84221 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/screening.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/dialogs/screening.rs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ use gpui::{
 };
 use instant::Duration;
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::{Person, PersonRegistry, shorten_pubkey};
+use person::{Directory, Person, shorten_pubkey};
 use smallvec::{SmallVec, smallvec};
 use state::{BOOTSTRAP_RELAYS, NostrAddress, NostrRegistry, TIMEOUT};
 use theme::{ActiveTheme, TextStyle, Typeset as _, button_radius};
@@ -33,6 +33,8 @@ pub struct Screening {
     last_active: Option<Timestamp>,
     /// All mutual contacts of the person being screened.
     mutual_contacts: Vec<PublicKey>,
+    /// Person directory for the person and their mutual contacts
+    directory: Entity<Directory>,
     tasks: SmallVec<[Task<()>; 3]>,
     _subscriptions: SmallVec<[Subscription; 1]>,
 }
@@ -53,12 +55,16 @@ impl Screening {
             this.verify_identifier(cx);
         });
 
+        let directory = Directory::new(cx);
+        directory.update(cx, |directory, cx| directory.track([public_key], cx));
+
         Self {
             public_key,
             verified: false,
             followed: false,
             last_active: None,
             mutual_contacts: vec![],
+            directory,
             tasks: smallvec![],
             _subscriptions: subscriptions,
         }
@@ -208,8 +214,7 @@ impl Screening {
     }
 
     fn profile(&self, cx: &Context<Self>) -> Person {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-        persons.read(cx).get(&self.public_key, cx)
+        self.directory.read(cx).person(&self.public_key, cx)
     }
 
     fn address(&self, cx: &Context<Self>) -> Option<Nip05Address> {
@@ -260,22 +265,23 @@ impl Screening {
 
     fn mutual_contacts(&mut self, window: &mut Window, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
         let contacts = self.mutual_contacts.clone();
+        let directory = self.directory.clone();
 
         window.open_dialog(cx, move |this, _window, _cx| {
             let contacts = contacts.clone();
+            let directory = directory.clone();
             let total = contacts.len();
 
             this.title("Mutual contacts").child(
                 v_flex().gap_1().pb_2().child(
                     uniform_list("contacts", total, move |range, _window, cx| {
-                        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
                         let mut items = Vec::with_capacity(total);
 
                         for ix in range {
                             let Some(contact) = contacts.get(ix) else {
                                 continue;
                             };
-                            let profile = persons.read(cx).get(contact, cx);
+                            let profile = directory.read(cx).person(contact, cx);
 
                             items.push(
                                 h_flex()
diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/panels/contact_list.rs b/crates/workspace/src/panels/contact_list.rs
index bf6633e0..085572eb 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/panels/contact_list.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/panels/contact_list.rs
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ use gpui::{
 };
 use instant::Duration;
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::PersonRegistry;
+use person::Directory;
 use smallvec::{SmallVec, smallvec};
 use state::NostrRegistry;
 use theme::{ActiveTheme, TextStyle, Typeset as _, button_radius, panel_radius};
@@ -41,6 +41,9 @@ pub struct ContactListPanel {
     /// All contacts
     contacts: HashSet<PublicKey>,
 
+    /// Person directory for the contacts
+    directory: Entity<Directory>,
+
     /// Event subscriptions
     _subscriptions: SmallVec<[Subscription; 1]>,
 
@@ -73,6 +76,7 @@ impl ContactListPanel {
             input,
             updating: false,
             contacts: HashSet::new(),
+            directory: Directory::new(cx),
             error: None,
             _subscriptions: subscriptions,
             tasks: vec![],
@@ -110,6 +114,9 @@ impl ContactListPanel {
 
             // Update state
             this.update(cx, |this, cx| {
+                this.directory.update(cx, |directory, cx| {
+                    directory.track(public_keys.iter().copied(), cx)
+                });
                 this.contacts.extend(public_keys);
                 cx.notify();
             })?;
@@ -123,6 +130,8 @@ impl ContactListPanel {
 
         if let Ok(public_key) = PublicKey::parse(&value) {
             if self.contacts.insert(public_key) {
+                self.directory
+                    .update(cx, |directory, cx| directory.track([public_key], cx));
                 self.input.update(cx, |this, cx| {
                     this.set_value("", window, cx);
                 });
@@ -218,11 +227,10 @@ impl ContactListPanel {
     }
 
     fn render_list_items(&mut self, cx: &mut Context<Self>) -> Vec<impl IntoElement> {
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
         let mut items = Vec::new();
 
         for (ix, public_key) in self.contacts.iter().enumerate() {
-            let profile = persons.read(cx).get(public_key, cx);
+            let profile = self.directory.read(cx).person(public_key, cx);
 
             items.push(
                 h_flex()
diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/group_view.rs b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/group_view.rs
index 01ae3f2e..687109f1 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/group_view.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/group_view.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ use gpui::{
 };
 use nip29::Group;
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::PersonRegistry;
 use settings::AppSettings;
 use state::NostrRegistry;
 use theme::{ActiveTheme, TextStyle, Typeset as _};
@@ -51,6 +50,19 @@ impl Sidebar {
     pub(super) fn show_group(&mut self, group: &Entity<Group>, cx: &mut Context<Self>) {
         self.group = Some(group.downgrade());
         self.group_open = true;
+
+        let group = group.read(cx);
+        let mut keys: Vec<PublicKey> = group.members().iter().copied().collect();
+        keys.extend(
+            group
+                .admins()
+                .entries()
+                .iter()
+                .map(|(public_key, _)| *public_key),
+        );
+        self.directory
+            .update(cx, |directory, cx| directory.track(keys, cx));
+
         cx.notify();
     }
 
@@ -253,9 +265,8 @@ impl Sidebar {
         cx: &mut Context<Self>,
     ) -> AnyElement {
         let hide_avatar = AppSettings::get_hide_avatar(cx);
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
 
-        let person = persons.read(cx).get(public_key, cx);
+        let person = self.directory.read(cx).person(public_key, cx);
         let group = group.clone();
 
         let public_key = *public_key;
diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/header.rs b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/header.rs
index 35309497..f0e6e469 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/header.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/header.rs
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@ use gpui::{
     Stateful, Styled, div, px,
 };
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::PersonRegistry;
 use theme::TABBAR_HEIGHT;
 use ui::avatar::Avatar;
 use ui::button::{Button, ButtonVariants};
@@ -22,8 +21,7 @@ impl Sidebar {
         cx: &mut Context<Self>,
     ) -> Stateful<Div> {
         let updater = AutoUpdater::try_global(cx);
-        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-        let profile = persons.read(cx).get(current_user, cx);
+        let profile = self.directory.read(cx).person(current_user, cx);
         let avatar = profile.avatar();
         let avatar_seed = profile.avatar_seed();
 
diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/inbox.rs b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/inbox.rs
index 8e0bb126..0013bbdc 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/inbox.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/inbox.rs
@@ -69,6 +69,9 @@ impl Sidebar {
             match task.await {
                 Ok(contacts) => {
                     this.update(cx, |this, cx| {
+                        this.directory.update(cx, |directory, cx| {
+                            directory.track(contacts.iter().copied(), cx)
+                        });
                         this.contacts = Some(contacts);
                         cx.notify();
                     })?;
diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/mod.rs b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/mod.rs
index 45d7d471..3b4e2fa8 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/mod.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/mod.rs
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ use gpui::{
 use instant::Duration;
 use nip29::{Group, GroupKey, GroupsEvent, GroupsRegistry};
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
+use person::Directory;
 use smallvec::{SmallVec, smallvec};
 use state::{FIND_DELAY, NostrRegistry, StateEvent};
 use theme::{ActiveTheme, TABBAR_HEIGHT, TextStyle, Typeset as _};
@@ -61,6 +62,8 @@ pub struct Sidebar {
     contacts_open: bool,
     /// The signed-in user's contacts, loaded when the contact picker opens.
     contacts: Option<Vec<PublicKey>>,
+    /// Person directory for contacts, search hits, and group members
+    directory: Entity<Directory>,
     /// Contacts selected in the contact picker.
     selected_contacts: HashSet<PublicKey>,
     /// Scroll state of the contact picker's list.
@@ -139,15 +142,27 @@ impl Sidebar {
         );
 
         subscriptions.push(
-            cx.subscribe_in(&nostr, window, |this, _, event, window, cx| {
-                if let StateEvent::NoSigner = event {
-                    this.banner = onboarding::pick_banner();
-                    if this.search_open {
-                        this.toggle_search(window, cx);
+            cx.subscribe_in(
+                &nostr,
+                window,
+                |this, state, event, window, cx| match event {
+                    StateEvent::NoSigner => {
+                        this.banner = onboarding::pick_banner();
+                        if this.search_open {
+                            this.toggle_search(window, cx);
+                        }
+                        cx.notify();
                     }
-                    cx.notify();
-                }
-            }),
+                    StateEvent::SignerChanged => {
+                        if let Some(current_user) = state.read(cx).current_user() {
+                            this.directory.update(cx, |directory, cx| {
+                                directory.track([current_user], cx);
+                            });
+                        }
+                    }
+                    _ => {}
+                },
+            ),
         );
 
         subscriptions.push(cx.subscribe_in(
@@ -196,6 +211,7 @@ impl Sidebar {
             chats_open: None,
             contacts_open: false,
             contacts: None,
+            directory: Directory::new(cx),
             selected_contacts: HashSet::new(),
             contacts_scroll: UniformListScrollHandle::new(),
             requests_open: false,
diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/rows.rs b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/rows.rs
index 3c46914b..0ed656a7 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/rows.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/rows.rs
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ use gpui::{
 };
 use nip29::Group;
 use nostr_sdk::prelude::*;
-use person::PersonRegistry;
 use settings::AppSettings;
 use theme::{ActiveTheme, TextStyle, Typeset as _, button_radius};
 use ui::avatar::Avatar;
@@ -196,8 +195,7 @@ impl Sidebar {
                         .into_any_element()
                     }
                     SidebarRow::Contact { public_key } => {
-                        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-                        let person = persons.read(cx).get(public_key, cx);
+                        let person = self.directory.read(cx).person(public_key, cx);
                         let selected = self.selected_contacts.contains(public_key);
                         let sidebar = cx.entity().downgrade();
                         let public_key = public_key.to_owned();
@@ -224,8 +222,7 @@ impl Sidebar {
                             .into_any_element()
                     }
                     SidebarRow::Profile { public_key } => {
-                        let persons = PersonRegistry::global(cx);
-                        let person = persons.read(cx).get(public_key, cx);
+                        let person = self.directory.read(cx).person(public_key, cx);
                         let public_key = public_key.to_owned();
 
                         Nav::new(index)
@@ -330,7 +327,7 @@ impl Sidebar {
                         .into_any_element()
                     }
                     SidebarRow::Message { hit } => {
-                        let person = PersonRegistry::global(cx).read(cx).get(&hit.author, cx);
+                        let person = self.directory.read(cx).person(&hit.author, cx);
                         let name = hit.room.read(cx).display_name(cx);
                         let detail = format!("{} · {}", name, hit.created_at.to_ago());
                         let dock = self.dock.clone();
diff --git a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/search.rs b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/search.rs
index 715487eb..39e9d429 100644
--- a/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/search.rs
+++ b/crates/workspace/src/sidebar/search.rs
@@ -106,6 +106,14 @@ impl Sidebar {
             .chain(groups.into_iter().map(SearchResult::Group))
             .chain(messages.into_iter().map(SearchResult::Message))
             .collect();
+
+        let authors = self.results.iter().filter_map(|result| match result {
+            SearchResult::Message(hit) => Some(hit.author),
+            _ => None,
+        });
+        self.directory
+            .update(cx, |directory, cx| directory.track(authors, cx));
+
         cx.notify();
     }
 
@@ -133,7 +141,7 @@ impl Sidebar {
 
             this.update(cx, |this, cx| {
                 this.global_finding = false;
-                this.global_results = Some(match result {
+                let keys: Vec<PublicKey> = match result {
                     Ok(profiles) => {
                         // Relays may return the same profile more than once
                         let mut seen = HashSet::new();
@@ -146,7 +154,12 @@ impl Sidebar {
                         log::debug!("Global search failed: {error}");
                         Vec::new()
                     }
+                };
+
+                this.directory.update(cx, |directory, cx| {
+                    directory.track(keys.iter().copied(), cx)
                 });
+                this.global_results = Some(keys);
                 cx.notify();
             })
             .ok();