November Product Updates: Convert Abstract into Sessions, Upgrade Downgrade Package, AI Chatbot & More

As we are almost at the end of the year and events and you are planning exciting events in the new year, we bring you another round of updates to make your next year’s events amazing. This month, we’re introducing result-driven product updates including converting abstracts into sessions for efficient event scheduling, upgrading or downgrading registration packages to give attendees more flexibility and offer what they need, an upgraded AI chatbot to provide instant, accurate answers to attendee queries, and much more.

Let’s dive into the details!

Chat Updates

At events, secure communication is one of the crucial aspects. Your audience wants to connect with others at the event without worrying about data breaches and foul language usage.

Introducing a content masking filter, media tab, chat queue personalization, and ad-hoc calls to make connectivity and communication better and more secure at your event.

Chat platform updates

Here’s a breakdown of all these updates:

Filter Sensitive Information in Chats

Now you can filter sensitive information from the chats with our new content masking feature. Simply block information like social security numbers, health card numbers, and other information if shared in the chats. You can also restrict accounts and texts where you see inappropriate language being used in the chat space. 

Here are the key benefits of the filter:

  • Ensures the chat environment remains respectful and professional, aligning with the event’s tone and purpose.
  • Makes all participants feel safe and welcomed by preventing offensive language and behavior.
  • Reduces the need for constant manual monitoring, allowing you to focus on higher-value tasks.

There are two ways to block or restrict the messages

  • Direct Message Prevention: The feature automatically blocks users from sending messages that contain sensitive information.
  • Default Library Filtering: By enabling the default library, inappropriate words listed within it are automatically restricted.

Instantly Add Live Users to Group Calls

Now, you can invite users who are currently live on the platform to join a group call. Bring everyone together instantly and enhance collaboration or discussions with just a few clicks.

Find All Important Attachments in the Media Tab

Now you don’t have to scroll through the bottom of your chat to find any file. The media tab provides an organized hub for all files, images, and links shared in a specific chat. You can see everything neatly stored in a profile for quick and easy access.

Personalized Chat Queue Control for Better Conversations

Exhibitors now have the flexibility to set user limits for efficient conversation management, customize chat durations and extension times, and create custom automated messages for their audience. This will save time for everyone involved in the conversation and make the audience feel valued by the dedicated time slot.

AI-Powered Chatbot: Instant Answers for Attendees

Attendees often get frustrated searching for schedules, booth locations, or speaker details during events. That’s where our AI-powered chatbot steps in! It instantly answers attendees’ questions about schedules, booths, speakers, etc. The chatbot syncs with your event data or uploaded files to provide accurate, personalized, and real-time responses. This means less waiting and more engagement, making the event experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

Here’s how the feature works: 

  • Navigate to the Event Assistant under the Mobile App module on the backend of the event.
  • Add your questions with specific keywords and provide corresponding answers.
  • The chatbot will use this information to respond to attendees’ questions.
  • Alternatively, bulk import questions using a CSV file for added convenience.

AI chatbot

Offer Personalized Registration Option With Upgrade/Downgrade Packages

Oftentimes, attendees register for an event and realize halfway through that their package doesn’t give them access to everything they need. Or worse, they paid for features they didn’t use. To save them from frustration and wasted money, you can add more value to your event with flexible registration options designed to suit an audience of any kind. 

With the Upgrade/Downgrade Package, attendees have the freedom to personalize their access and explore more of what the event has to offer. This feature allows users to adjust their participation based on their preferences.

Here’s what you can do with the Upgrade/Downgrade Package:

  • Upgrade & Downgrade – Attendees can modify their package freely by upgrading to access additional event features or downgrading if fewer options are needed.
  • Upgrade-Only Option – They can expand their experience by upgrading to specialized modules or additional features. For instance, in a health-related event, they can get access to specific departments or premium content.
  • Add-Ons – They can stick to their existing package while unlocking extra features or modules as needed. Perfect for attendees who want more without altering their core registration.

Upgrade registration packages

Abstract Management Updates

Managing abstract submissions, reviewing them without any hurdles, and converting them into sessions, all with a structured process gives you an extra edge over the other event organizers who are stuck in the middle of the process while fixing tiny details and keeping track of all submissions. 

We have brought some amazing updates in abstract management to get your work done in minutes. Here’s what you will have for your future events: 

Convert Abstract Submissions into Sessions

The Abstract Migration Flow is a simple and easy-to-use structured process that turns accepted abstracts into fully organized sessions. With tools for filtering, field mapping, time setup, and speaker role assignment, you can manage everything in a single workflow.

Here are the steps for converting abstracts into sessions:

  1. Confirm Selection: Review and confirm the submissions you want to convert.
  2. Field Mapping: Map abstract form fields to session details and upload handouts if needed.
  3. Optional Time Setup: Add specific time slots or durations for scheduling.
  4. Speaker Roles: Assign and customize speaker roles with simple toggles.
  5. Review & Finalize: Confirm all details to complete the migration process.
  6. Session Listing: View and manage newly created sessions, including speaker roles.

Abstract management sessions

Custom Limits for Authors and Submissions in Abstract Management

Managing submission and author overload is now easier with the new Abstract Submission Limit feature. Event organizers can set specific limits for different abstract types including Poster, Podium, or All-Type categories. 

The Abstract Management module now offers powerful new tools to help event organizers manage both submission volumes and author limits. These limits are customized for different abstract types, such as “All,” “Poster,” and “Podium,” organizers can ensure and maintain a balanced flow of submissions, authors, and co-authors.

Here’s how to set author and submission limits by abstract type:

  • Navigate to the Abstract Management module and open General Settings.
  • Toggle on the following options:
    • Limit Number of Co-Authors: Define maximum author and co-author limits for each abstract type.
    • Abstract Submission Limit: Set specific submission limits for different types.
  • Set caps for both authors and submissions for:
    • Type All
    • Type Poster
    • Type Podium
  • If a submission exceeds either the author or submission limit, a pop-up will notify users, ensuring adherence to the rules.

Session Updates

Seamless Semi-Live Sessions Without Distractions

The semi-live session experience is now more streamlined and aligned with its purpose. Users will no longer see play, pause, rewind, or forward controls. Instead, participants can focus on the content without distractions, with only the full-screen option available for better viewing.

The removal of these controls prevents any unintended interruptions or content manipulation to maintain the flow and timing intended by the event organizers. This update not only preserves the semi-live concept but also delivers a more professional and immersive experience for attendees.

Manage Session Locations with Enhanced CRUD Features

Managing session locations has never been easier with the new Location CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) functionality. This feature allows admins to add, view, modify, and delete location data associated with different sessions, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. It simplifies the management of venue details, ultimately improving the overall session planning experience for event organizers.

  • Go to the Sessions module and select the Session Location tab.
  • Click the Add Location button at the top right corner to add a new location.
  • When creating a new session, you’ll see a Location Name field with a dropdown of all added locations.

E-commerce Updates

Add Currency Field in Settings Tab for Global Application

At tradeshows, where your audience is international, inconsistent pricing formats can create confusion for buyers and inefficiencies for sellers. The new currency selection and display feature lets you set a default currency across your platform. This ensures consistency and clarity in your product listings. 

Make Funding Type Global in Allowance Negotiation

When funding types are event-specific, setting them up repeatedly for each event can lead to inconsistencies. To solve this, the Allowance Negotiation Module now features a global Funding Type configuration. This update allows you to define funding types once and apply them across all events for a consistent and efficient negotiation process.

 

These features are here to help you plan events that are engaging, well-organized, and seamlessly efficient. Ready to see them in action? Book a demo now and discover how our platform simplifies event planning.

 

November Product Updates: Convert Abstract into Sessions, Upgrade Downgrade Package, AI Chatbot & More

Afrah Saleem

Afrah Saleem is a Product Marketer at vFairs and has been creating content for over 9 years in multiple niches. vFairs excites her as she loves working with her first SaaS Product that makes her feel more connected to the world. When she’s not writing, she tries new recipes, makes DIY products, spends time with books, and nature, or volunteers in tech communities.

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