Enhancing the 2024 Vision into the Future Conference with a Next-Level Digital Experience

The “2024 Vision into the Future Conference” at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus was a landmark event for nearly 800 high school students from Brantford and the County of Brant. This STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics)-focused event, immersed students in a dynamic learning environment, featuring workshops and seminars on cutting-edge topics like climate change, artificial intelligence, and the science of addiction.

Designing a Seamless Digital Experience

To ensure a smooth and engaging experience for both attendees and organizers, we developed a comprehensive website tailored specifically for the conference. The primary goal was to create a digital gateway that would provide detailed information about the event, including 30 workshops, 15 seminars, and profiles of all speakers. The website also needed to include essential features such as a campus map and a dynamic registration system.

Leveraging WordPress for Optimal Performance

Our development team, consisting of the Synergo WordPress Team and two product owners, chose WordPress as the platform for creating this vital digital experience. The Eventiva theme was customized to fit the conference’s unique needs, providing a user-friendly interface that facilitated easy access to information and streamlined navigation. Hosted on WPEngine, the site benefited from a reliable and high-performance hosting environment, crucial for handling high traffic and ensuring a smooth user experience.

Dynamic Registration for a Flawless Experience

One of the core challenges was to build a registration system that could dynamically manage session capacities. Each workshop and seminar had a different capacity limit, so it was essential to prevent overbooking and ensure that all students had an opportunity to participate. We addressed this by developing a custom registration form that updated in real-time. Once a session reached its capacity, it was automatically locked, providing a seamless and frustration-free experience for students.

Preventing Duplicate Entries

To further enhance the digital experience, we implemented a system to prevent duplicate registrations. Using unique identifiers such as student names and email addresses, the system could identify and remove any duplicate entries. This feature not only maintained data accuracy but also ensured a fair registration process for all participants.

Cost-Effective Development with Community Support

The development of the conference website was executed pro bono, with the school only covering hosting and domain registration costs. This approach allowed us to deliver a high-quality digital experience while fostering community support and collaboration.

Reflections on the 2024 Vision into the Future Conference

The conference successfully engaged students with sessions on computer coding, robotics, and advances in surgical techniques. Seminars covered AI, biodiversity, and addiction neuroscience, providing valuable learning experiences. Bruce McKay, Dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, highlighted the conference’s positive impact on students and the keynote speaker at the Vision into the Future Conference is Sam Demma, a best-selling author and popular public speaker in the education sector had this to say:

“Laurier’s Brantford campus is home to exceptional undergraduate programs across a wide range of disciplines,” said Beth Gurney, interim senior executive officer at Laurier’s Brantford campus. “We look forward to seeing future Golden Hawks discover the purple and gold passion and make a connection with Laurier.”

For further information about the conference, you can check out the following press coverage:

• Local School Boards to Host ‘Vision of the Future 2024’ Conference
• Hundreds of Local Students Get Vision into the Future at STEAM Conference
• Laurier’s Brantford Campus to Host STEAM-Focused High School Students at 2024 Vision into the Future Conference

We can’t wait to see how the future Golden Hawks who attended “2024 Vision into the Future Conference,” will explore the exciting realms of STEAM and connect with the vibrant Laurier community through an exceptional digital experience in the future.

Interested in exploring more community-driven projects or how we can enhance your next event with a seamless digital experience? Check out our other projects and schedule a consultation call to see how we can help bring your vision to life.