Platform
It's almost real
The Second Venue virtual events platform starts with a complete three-dimensional model of the event venue. Any aspect of the model can be customized, from simple changes like wall coverings and carpet to totally rearranging the rooms. We can even change the basic look—from modern steel and glass to neo classical marble—from convention center to stick-built barn—depending on the type and theme of the event.
Content management system
The key to the Second Venue virtual event platform is the content management system (CMS). Without the CMS, each component of an event would have to be hand-built by programmers and extensively tested. Even the simplest change would be time consuming. Instead, everything about the event is stored in a high-performance SQL database. Everything from the 3d model components, arrangement of the rooms and location of booths to who staffs a booth and the interests expressed by attendees are stored in the CMS. As an attendee moves through the event, the Adobe Flash programs on the attendee's computer constantly check the CMS for the next element.
Because the CMS has been programmed and pre-tested making changes is quick and essentially foolproof. Moving a booth or changing its color, or completely changing a presentation takes just a few keystrokes and the result is seen by attendees instantly.
Adobe Flash eliminates download
Because the 3D model is so complete, it would require significant time to download, specialized software to interpret and large amounts of processing power to render for display. Instead, Second Venue determines the common paths an attendee will take through the model and pre-renders them in Adobe Flash. Because Flash is already available on 98% of browsers worldwide (99% in the US), no download is required [Source: Millward Brown, December 2009]. And, yes, those paths can be customized to the requirements of an individual event.
There are a few more things happening behind the scenes: different qualities of rendering for lower bandwidth attendees, local caching of frequently used content, and smart acquisition of new cotent in the background.
Everybody has a role
The Second Venue virtual event platform has a highly granular role and permissions capability. This allows you to give control of certain elements directly to your staff or even to presenters and exhibitors. Second Venue administers the overall event, but an exhibitor might be given control over the logo images, links and colors used for their booth. Or a staff member might have direct access to install the banners of a last minute sponsor in the lobby.
