2021 Updates

• March Roundup: All-new Company Pages
• April Roundup: Multiple improvements
• June Roundup: Security Upgrades
• August Roundup: Multiple improvements
• August Roundup: Integration upgrade & emojis
• September Roundup: Multiple Improvements
• October Roundup: Multiple Improvements
• November Roundup: Multiple Improvements

March Roundup: All-new Company Pages

All-new Company Pages released on April 1st  (No joke!)

Click here to go to training guide

Over the last few weeks you may have been contacted by your Account Manager or Dedicated Support Specialists about an exciting change to how Company pages look on the CrowdComms platform.

From April 1st the layout of all company pages will change from a single column layout to a 2 column, full width experience with branding opportunities for each individual company at the top of the page. Extra functionality has been added to allow for a more flexible approach to layout without CSS customisation. 

Here's a quick run-down of what to expect: 

Over the last few weeks you may have been contacted by your Account Manager or Dedicated Support Specialists about an exciting change to how Company pages look on the CrowdComms platform.

From April 1st the layout of all company pages will change from a single column layout to a 2 column, full width experience with branding opportunities for each individual company at the top of the page. Extra functionality has been added to allow for a more flexible approach to layout without CSS customisation. 

Here's a quick run-down of what to expect: 

At the top of each page will be a customisable area allowing companies to upload a logo, banner image and a secondary image for exhibition booth stands.  These image fields can be found at the top of each company page on the Dashboard. 

For events that already have information uploaded into the Dashboard before 1st April: the graphics, content, representatives and documents will automatically adopt the new layout. The background strip will take on the default app colour and while the Booth image remains empty nothing will display in the top right corner. Essentially, no existing pages should require a lot of extra work to make them look 'finished', but we would advise checking each page and enhancing the look and feel where you can.

We recommend that the booth image slot is reserved for a transparent PNG mock-up of the event stand. If a stand has been designed by a specialist design agency, they should be able to provide a suitable render of the design without a solid background to sit perfectly in this space. Alternatively, the CrowdComms design team have several booth templates that we can apply branding to, for those companies interested in this layout. Again, please talk to your account manager or simply get in touch with one of our friendly team to discuss the options. 

For companies who have a jpeg image of their stand on location at an event, we would recommend using the banner strip to house this image instead of using a rectangular image in the top right-hand corner on top of the background. 

We now have a 'Main Representative' Field in the Dashboard. This allows you to specify which of your reps will field the main chat questions on behalf of your company page. 

All other representatives will go into the sidebar of the page and have chat and video calling so delegates can still contact them directly. 

Videos and photos embedded in description section of the Dashboard will display at the same width as the main column. This will be true of all description sections throughout the platform, not just on Company pages. 

A downloadable guide to the asset dimensions you will need can be found here. 

April Roundup: Multiple improvements

April saw another great month for the CrowdComms team and we're excited to continue adding new features to help you run engaging and inclusive events.

As well as maintaining the enormous amounts of functionality the platform contains, from today, we're proud to announce our new Single Sign-on feature; A first step on the roadmap to a new account management area; A new section for embedding content in your agenda sessions and a long-overdue lick of paint for the Dashboard! 

Let's get into a little more detail...

Single Sign-On

Click here to go to training guide

This is a biggie. A really exciting feature that means your attendees will now be able to sign in to events in a much more flexible way. 

Instead of having to register and create an account using the CrowdComms system you will be able to offer alternative ways to login.  With sign-on, users only have to enter one set of credentials to access event  apps via desktops, smartphones and tablets. This greatly increases productivity while keeping data secure. You choose your provider, add the authentication information into the CrowdComms Dashboard and we'll do the rest! You can even customise the text alongside it and add any logo you'd like to support it. 

if you're the independent-type, we've created a short video to explain how to implement it here, or if you'd like help or training on how to set it up, just talk to your account manager or get in touch and we'll take you through it.  

Dashboard Password Management

Hopefully you're getting to grips with our new security features on the Dashboard (Multi-factor authentication, password expiry et al). With this in mind, we've taken our first steps towards a new Account Management section for all users of the CrowdComms Dashboard. 

There will be more to come over the next few months, but as a start, you'll now have a profile section in the top right of the screen you'll be able to use to change your password and log out. 

You'll obviously need your existing password to choose a new one, but it's a simple process and means as you approach the 30 day password expiry you'll be able to change to a new one before having to use the reset link at login. 

Livestream Viewers

In order to get an accurate figure of your Livestream total views, and who's currently watching we've improved the livestream viewers count. In order to pull the most up-to-date figures you'll need to hit the refresh button when you want latest data. 

We've also moved it to a more convenient position in the top right hand corner of each of the session pages of the Dashboard. 

The new 'Embed' tab

In the coming months you'll start to see a few new media types you can embed into your agenda sessions. So, in order to future-proof this section we've removed the buttons to add a livestream from the top right hand corner of session pages and replaced them with an 'Embed' tab. 

Embedding a Livestream now a slightly simpler process. Rather than going through a series of pop-up windows to select what you need, you'll now be able to choose existing Livestreams from a drop down list or create a new stream using the plus button. Once selected, just click the link icon and save the page to embed your stream.

Please note: There is an update coming to this functionality based on our usability tests, so expect this view to be tweaked slightly in the near future.  

A 'lick of paint'

Not technically a 'feature' but we feel it's worth mentioning in this month's roundup is the colours. We've replaced the Blue and Pink with our Brand colours of Teal and Purple. It's been on our to-do list for a while and it's nice to give the Dashboard a little facelift. We think it feels like a nice transition and while we can't promise it'll make you more productive, it does feel a bit more like home. 

More to come on this front in the future. 

 

June Roundup: Security Upgrades

Two-factor Authentication. Extra security for your event

Click here to go to training guide

To keep your event as secure as possible we've now added the option of 2-factor authentication to your event apps. This is a great way to make sure user accounts cannot be compromised and gives you peace of mind that everything within the app is a safe as it could be. 

Wondering what 2-factor authentication actually is? here's a definition: 
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) works by adding an additional layer of security to your online accounts. It requires an additional login credential – beyond just the username and password – to gain account access, and getting that second credential requires access to something that belongs to you.

We've got a few different options that you can use on your events so here's a breakdown: 

In the settings section of the Dashboard, within security you'll see a new section titled Multi-Factor Authentication. 

From here you'll have 4 options 

Continue without 2-Factor Authentication

One of your options will be to continue without 2-Factor Authentication enabled on your event. This is the least secure setting so won't be the default but we recognise that sometimes you won't want to interrupt the log in flow with an extra step. 

Password Only

All events will obviously keep the username and password login steps.

'Optional 2FA' will mean that your event will ask your attendees to login into with their username and Password as usual, however, all users of the event app will be given the option to use 2-factor Authentication if they would like to.  This can be dismissed in a couple of different ways. 'Ask me later' will allow users to continue to the app and ask them again next time they log in.

Clicking 'Don't ask me again' means that user will not see the prompt on this browser again unless they clear their storage.

Email Verification

The 'Email Verification' option enforces a second factor on login for all app users. As a minimum, everyone logging in will need to retrieve a six digit code from their registered email address. This is a great way to ensure your event is secure without the need for a second device to be present. 

This setting is a great compromise between security and UX as it's solid way to protect your account but has a little less friction than having to use a second device. 

As with the 'Optional 2FA' setting, users can choose to set up a second device if they wish to. By clikcing on 'Set up a Device' they will be able to scan a QR code or enter a pin into their third party authenticator app and log in with the peace of mind that their account is as secure as it possibly could be. 

Authenticator App

Full, belt and braces 2-Factor Authentication will require all users to connect a second device to their account. It's a simple process which involves installing an authenticator app to their device and either scanning the QR code on screen or inputting the 16 digit code (sometimes referred to as a key).

The authenticator app will respond to our code with its own 6 digit code, which users will input into the site before being allowed into the event app. Once you've connected a device you'll be asked if you would like to remember the code for 30 days. This option will reduce the login time whilst keeping the high level of security in place.  

We support all standard authenticator app but here's a few of the most common ones: 

• Authy
• Microsoft Authenticator
• Google Authenticator
• LastPass
• OTP

August Roundup: Multiple improvements

Your bumper-pack roundup of all the new features being released this August 

We've got so much tell you about this month that we'll keep the intro short so we can try and keep this email down to a reasonable length! 

All these features will be in our upcoming release on August 5th 2021. If you have any questions or would like a demo before that, please get in touch and we'll be happy to train or support you in using new functionality for your upcoming events. 

Here's what on its way...

Mobile & Tablet 'Tab Bar' Menus & New Navigation options

A new feature we're really excited to launch is our Tab Bar navigation. This will allow you to choose a device optimised experience for both mobile web, tablet and native apps. 

With this new option, you'll be able to select up to 4 of the most important items to display along the bottom of the screen when viewing on any device smaller than a tablet in portrait mode (less than 768 pixels for those who care!). All other menu items will automatically be added to an 'overflow' menu represented by three dots, which users can tap to bring up all the other menu items. 

Regardless of this new setting, the desktop experience will always retain the left-hand menu. You can still choose to keep this style of navigation for mobile and tablet visitors if you prefer that experience. You may already know that this already collapses down to a 'hamburger' icon on smaller screens so whichever option you choose, there is no compromise on experience. 

As with everything we build at CrowdComms, flexibility is at its core. You can choose whether to display labels or not, reorder the menu by dragging and dropping, quickly change the menu around, display certain menu items to specific audiences and much more. 

This is a really great way to give a truly native experience and will really make your event stand out. 

Menu open or closed by default

This is a little one, but something we get asked for a lot. In our new Menus & Navigation setting we've added a toggle so you can choose whether you'd prefer the left hand menu to be collapsed [icons only and tools tips on hover] or open [icons and labels] when a user first opens the page. In both scenarios the user has the option to open or close the menu themselves, but this is a nice way for you to control that first impression when they open your event app. 

Activity Feed Videos

Click here to go to training guide

We're please to announce that we can now support video uploads into our activity feed posts.  It's the same great experience as posting an image or text so you'll be able to watch, comment and like videos on the feed just as you can in your main social platforms. 

As with all other content, videos can be reported by viewers if they feel the content is inappropriate, or you can choose to moderate each post in the Dashboard before they become live. 

This is a premium feature, so you'll need to talk to your account manager if you'd like attendees to be able to upload videos. It's a simple thing to add on to your event, so we can have you up and running instantly. Just get in touch and we'll be happy to help. 

Agenda Calendar View

Click here to go to training guide

Another feature that we know you've been waiting for is the flexibility to display your complicated agendas in a calendar format. Sessions that start at the same time but are in different locations, as well as sessions that fall under different filters tags can now be displayed along side each other so attendees can clearly plan their day.  

Turning this feature on will enable list and calendar tabs on the agenda screen for users to toggle between the two views. Sessions can be added to personal schedules from either view, and you have the choice in the dashboard which you would rather have as the default for users as they land on the agenda. 

Of course, this feature works on any screen size and is another option that can be added in seconds. If you'd like to see how this could benefit your event, as always we're just a phone call away. 

Site-wide Message Banners

Click here to go to training guide

You all know that flexibility is a core principal here at CrowdComms, but some event types can have specific and occasionally unique requirements. At pharmaceutical events for example, when you mention a drug you must also present prescribing information which cannot be scrolled past or removed. With this in mind, we've built a new persistent banner tool to fulfil that requirement.

Now we're not the sort of place that simply stops once an itch has been scratched. We also built this feature so you can toggle on and off a 'dismiss' button, and you're able to add formatting and media to your message through the rich text editor we've implemented.

Essentially, we've tried to make it fit the need of one industry and also flexible enough that all you creative people might be able to come up alternative, clever ways to use it. 

Get in touch to try it out. 

August Roundup: Integration upgrade & emojis

Mid-August additions to the CrowdComms Platform

It might well be holiday season, but while the product team take turns sunning themselves on the English riviera or climbing Welsh mountains, those who remain continue development at pace. 

With that in mind, on Thursday 19th August we'll be releasing a few extra summer features into the platform. 

Here's what to expect...

Eventsforce Integration improvements

Click here to go to training guide

You may already be aware that we've had an integration with Eventsforce for quite some time. We know it's a registration platform that's widely used, and because of that, we wanted to give it the attention it deserved. As with most leading registration platforms you can do a lot with it. Capturing specific requirements from your delegates at the beginning of the journey can be a lot easier than asking for it once they arrive on site.   

So, from this coming Thursday you'll be able to map your custom fields from one platform to another. Keeping the two experiences in parallel while you concentrate on delivering a great event. 

We've got our experts on hand to guide you through it if you need some help setting it up. 

Session Chat

Click here to go to training guide

Another small request that gets asked for a lot is session chat emoji reactions. Well, we were in the process of updating the styles of our session chat, and decided to add 6 of our most requested icons in a 'quick pick' menu. We think you'll give it a thumbs up, maybe even some applause? 

There's further user experience enhancements to the live stream template coming next month, so let us know if you'd like an early peak at what we've got planned. 

September Roundup: Multiple Improvements

Hybrid customer experiences and usability improvements

We're excited to see in-person events starting to return, and as the country started to open up a few months ago we started work on enhancing the platform for upcoming hybrid events. 

This week marks the beginning of a series of hybrid functionality releases that gives continuity to remote and in-person audiences, while also taking into account the subtle differences between the two requirements. 

This release is being planned for Friday 10th September. So please get in touch with your account manager if you have any questions. 

Livestream toggle

Click here to go to training guide

It's clear to all event professionals that remote and in-person audiences need a similarly immersive experience but not necessarily an identical one. The subtle differences in user requirements mean that sometimes your event app needs to be flexible enough to cater for several different scenarios. 

From here on, it's quite likely that you'll be presenting to a live audience whilst simultaneously live streaming to your remote delegates - but asking both of those viewers to interact in a similar way, on the same page. We need to take care not to impact either audience. 

With this in mind we've added to our Livestream page to allow each audience to hide or show the livestream video. We wanted the control to be in the users hands as, even while attending a live event, We can't be sure that the viewer won't need the livestream video feed, even if we're sure they're attending in-person. Popping out of a session to take an important message, Meeting a colleague, or having to leave early unexpectedly. There are many scenarios in which in-person attending will need the live stream feed. 

To stop audio interference with the session we’re auto-muted on mobile so in-person audiences can enjoy the same experience without the embarrassment of having the audio surprise them. Finally any choice you make will be remembered, so if you hide the livestream while you're watching a stream, your subsequent sessions streams will be hidden by default. 

Profile Pop-up

Another feature that we do get asked for a lot is the ability to quickly see the details of other attendees without having to visit their profile page. Whether your attendees are viewing the live stream or interacting with other audiences on Activity Feed if they want to see the profile of the other audience, they can simply click or tap on the name, and the person’s name, company, and job title will appear.  We've also included a quick link icon to the delegate profile, in case you do want to find out more about that person. 

Idloom Integration

Click here to go to training guide

Another month, another integration and this month we bring you our integration with idloom.

Starting next week, you’ll be able to map your custom fields from one platform to another. Keeping the two experiences in parallel while you concentrate on delivering a great event.
 
We've got our experts on hand to guide you through it if you need some help setting it up. 

Dashboard usability and styling updates

Finally is some work that forms part of our drive for better usability on the Dashboard. We’ve updated the form styling to improve the experience of the more complex form pages and reduce cognitive load when looking for items on the page and reduce error frequency.
 
Appearance-wise, we’re making it look better than the old style of whitespaces in between. Better visual boundaries where you can see the shape of the full form input and better hover & focus styles where focus colour goes around the edge

October Roundup: Multiple Improvements

The ultimate roundup on the October release

We're super excited to be announcing this month's release so we'll keep the intro brief so we can try and keep this email down to a reasonable length! 

All these features will be in our latest release on October 14th. If you have any questions or would like a demo before that, please get in touch and we'll be happy to train or support you in using new functionality for your upcoming events. 

Here's what's on its way...

Badge & Passes

Click here to go to training guide

A new feature we're excited to launch is the badge and pass in conjunction with the delegate QR code. This will allow you to use a digital version of your badge or print out attendee badges with the QR code to then be used at your event.

With this new feature, you are not only able to print out the attendees' badges, but you can also design your own badge from within our dashboard. If you already have an existing registration platform that supplies the QR code, you can simply import it into our dashboard. Alternatively you can export the QR codes CrowdComms generates for each delegate to use in your registration platform. 

At the event, your attendees can access their badges on their profile page of the event app or you are able to add quick-access links from the main menu directly to the badge itself. As the organiser you'll be able to scan these codes using your registration app to validate your attendee's registration, check them into sessions or capture their information for lead generation.

As a bonus, we've built in a scanner into each attendees app and an area for them to store badges that they've scanned themselves. A great way to encourage engagement and repeat use for delegates who want to network during the event and keep everything in one place. 

Eventboost Integration

Click here to go to training guide

You may already be aware that Eventboost has been our partner for quite some time and in this coming release we bring you the integration between our platforms and Dashboard front-end plugin to enable you to set it up yourself.

So, from October, you’ll be able to map your custom fields from one platform to another. Keeping the two experiences in parallel while you concentrate on delivering a great event.
 
We've got our experts on hand to guide you through it if you need some help setting it up. 

Email notification prior to app deletion

As it stands once your event app has finished, we store your information for 6 months for you to refer back to if you need it. Once that 6 months expires our systems automatically delete your app. Previously contacting you about this has been a manual process but we know this is not ideal, so we've automated some warnings so nothing gets removed without you knowing. 

We will be sending you the first notification via email 30 days prior and a reminder 14 days prior to deleting your app. 

If you're happy with it, you don't need to do anything, but if you want to extend the lifespan of your app, you can get in touch with your Account Manager to extend its duration.

The notifications will be sent to your dashboard admins, so ensure you update the admin details regularly.

Cookie Consent Restyling

Click here to go to training guide

Finally, we have also updated our cookie consent banner and the cookie policy to keep our platform users informed about our cookie policy and be able to customise their cookie preference.

November Roundup: Multiple Improvements

Quick roundup on the November release

We're approaching a busy season in the events world, so the Product team is upping the gear in developing exciting features for you to deliver great events using our platform.

All these features will be in our latest release on Thursday, 11th November. If you have any questions or would like a demo before that, please get in touch and we'll be happy to train or support you in using new functionality for your upcoming events. 

Here's what's on the way...

Tag Manager

Click here to go to training guide

We are excited to be releasing the Tag Manager feature. This great new addition will enable you to add and update your own tags on our platform for conversion tracking, site analytics, and more. There are nearly endless ways to track activity across our platform, and this intuitive feature lets you change tags whenever you want.

To do this, it is as simple as adding your Google Analytics into your event app on our platform and you'll get all the analytics about your event sent directly to your GA account.

Cvent Integration

Click here to go to training guide

More integration and this month we bring you our integration with Cvent.

In November, you’ll be able to map your custom fields from one platform to another. Keeping the two experiences in parallel while you concentrate on delivering a great event.
 
We've got our experts on hand to guide you through it if you need some help setting it up. 

Activity Feed Restyling

Finally, we're pleased to inform you that we’ve updated the Activity Feed styling to improve the look and feel of this feature.
 
Appearance-wise, we’re making it look better than the old style of whitespaces in between feed comments. Better visual boundaries where you can see the shape of the comment input and better hover & focus styles where focus colour goes around the edge.