WO2023049483A1

WO2023049483A1 - System and method for simulating a conference event in a virtual convention center environment

Info

Publication number: WO2023049483A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/044809
Authority: WO
Inventors: Avery M. Jackson, Iii
Original assignee: Jackson Avery M Iii
Priority date: 2021-09-27
Filing date: 2022-09-27
Publication date: 2023-03-30

Abstract

A simulated conference event taking place in a virtual convention center environment is provided. The simulation includes, for example, simulating the conference event in the virtual convention center environment, creating room application instances corresponding to the conference event, identifying content corresponding to the conference event, and associating the content with one or more of the room application instances. The simulation also includes displaying visual representations of facilities of the convention center environment. The visual representations include at least a first room application instance and at least a subset of the associated content. The visual representations also include one or more access points for entering additional room application instances.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING A CONFERENCE EVENT IN A VIRTUAL CONVENTION CENTER ENVIRONMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to and any benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/248,613, filed September 27, 2021, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The inventive concepts relate generally to simulation platforms, and more particularly to, systems and methods for simulating a conference or similar event in a virtual convention center environment for participants over a computer network.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A conference is a gathering of individuals who meet at an arranged place (e.g., a physical convention center location) and time in order to discuss or engage in some common interest. Conferences are traditionally based upon industry, profession, and fandom. Conferences may be planned and/or coordinated by professional planners, a conference's hosting company, or other planning specialists. Most cities include a convention center dedicated to hosting such events. A large number of individuals and companies traditionally attend these conferences, although in view of certain global disruptions, such large gatherings may be discouraged, frowned upon, and in some instances, illegal.

[0004] It is therefore appreciated that, in view of the above, there is an unmet need for a virtual conference platform that simulates a physical convention center environment, and that provides conference hosts and vendors an opportunity to interact with event participants (e.g., attendees) without worrying about logistical or regulatory concerns like capacity restrictions, weather, parking, hotels, etc. The virtual conference platform allows conference hosts and vendors to interact with attendees and to deliver up-to-date content in real-time and/or at the attendees’ pace.

SUMMARY

[0005] The general inventive concepts contemplate systems and methods for creating a virtual environment that simulates a physical environment (e.g., a convention center) and that displays objects and images that simulate or otherwise represent real -world conference events and/or tasks for participants of the conference events to complete and/or interact. By way of example to illustrate various aspects of the general inventive concepts, several exemplary embodiments of systems and methods are disclosed herein.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, a system for simulating a conference event in a virtual convention center environment includes a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, and a plurality of instructions stored on the memory. The plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, causes the system to perform operations for simulating the conference event in the virtual convention center environment. To simulate the conference event, the system creates a plurality of room application instances that correspond to the conference event. The system also identifies content corresponding to the conference event, and associates the content with one or more of the plurality of room application instances. The system further displays visual representations of the convention center environment. The visual representations include, for example, a first room application instance. The first room application instance includes at least a subset of the associated content and access points for entering one or more additional room application instances.

[0007] In any of the exemplary embodiments described herein (i.e., in any embodiment), the system identifies registration information for a participant of the conference event, and grants the participant access to one or more of the room application instances with associated content based on the registration information. In any embodiment, the visual representations displayed to the participant are based on access rights of the participant.

[0008] In any of the exemplary embodiments described herein, and responsive to the participant selecting at least a subset of the content or one of the access points, the system provides materials and information to the participant within the simulated conference event based on the selected subset of content, or in some embodiments, redirects the participant to a second room application instance. Each room application instances includes at least one of: an access point to additional room application instances, a chat module, a multimedia module, a posterboard module, a handbag, and signage or logos corresponding to event sponsors or vendors.

[0009] In any of the exemplary embodiments described herein, at least one of the room application instances is a lounge room application instance. The system may provide and/or display a concierge menu (e.g., in the lounge room application instance). The concierge menu includes one or more options for a participant to choose from for browsing, searching, or bookmarking an event.

[0010] In any of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the system includes a timer. The timer is configured to record participant time spent in a room application instance. For example, in an embodiment where at least one of the room application instances is a continuing education room application instance (e.g., for providing continuing education to the participants), the time spent by the participant in the continuing education room application instance is recorded by the timer. If the participant leaves the continuing education room application instance, the timer is stopped, and the time spent in the room instance is recorded. The timer is also configured to start when the participant returns to the continuing education room application instance. It should be appreciated that the timer may begin recording the participant time from the point where the participant exited the continuing education application room instance. It should also be appreciated that the timer may restart when the participant enters the continuing education application room instance and only if the programming continues. That is, if the program has ended and the participant enters the room, the timer will not record the time the participant spends in the room after the program has ended. Instead, in some embodiments, the time spent up until the program concluded may be recorded and reported (e.g., via the virtual conference platform) as continuing education information to a continuing education authority or servicer. In some embodiments, the timer begins once the continuing education room application instance is loaded.

[0011] In any embodiment, the system provides and display a conference handbag that includes conference event information. The conference handbag may have one or more selectable tabs. One or more of the selectable tabs may correspond to a participant profile, a conference event agenda, and/or a frequently asked questions (FAQ).

[0012] In any embodiment, the system performs a data mining operations to develop in-depth participant information based upon at least one of preliminary information provided during registration, personal information available from other sources, and historical data including participant visitation activity.

[0013] In any embodiment, the system may generate and display a sub-screen for showing an outline corresponding to the room application instance being visited by a participant. The sub-screen may include one or more links to previously recorded information corresponding to the room application instance being visited.

[0014] In any embodiment, displayed information in the virtual conference event may be updated via the system revising the displayed information from at least one other computer or mobile device. [0015] Numerous aspects of the general inventive concepts will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The general inventive concepts as well as embodiments and advantages thereof are described below in greater detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings in which:

[0017] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an access level process flow diagram deployed in a virtual conference event environment, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0018] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram for an embodiment of a registration landing page or room application instance deployed in a virtual conference event environment, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0019] Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram for an embodiment of a lobby room application instance deployed in a virtual conference event environment, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0020] Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram for an embodiment of an exhibit hall room application instance deployed in a virtual conference event environment, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0021] Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram for an embodiment of a lounge room application instance deployed in a virtual conference event environment, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0022] Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary process flow diagram for an embodiment of a speaker hall room application instance deployed in a virtual conference event environment, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein; [0023] Fig. 7 is an embodiment of registration landing page or first room application instance of a virtual conference event;

[0024] Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a lobby room application instance of a virtual conference event in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0025] Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of an exhibition hall room application instance of a virtual conference event with access to additional room application instances, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0026] Fig. 10 shows content available in an exhibit hall room application instance of the virtual conference event of Fig. 9;

[0027] Fig. 11 shows content available in an exhibit hall room application instance of the virtual conference event of Fig. 9 including real-time chat functionality;

[0028] Fig. 12 shows content available in an exhibit hall room application instance of the virtual conference event of Fig. 9 with participant or third-party external links;

[0029] Fig. 13 shows content available in an exhibit hall room application instance of the virtual conference event of Fig. 9 with multiple vendors;

[0030] Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a lounge room application instance of a virtual conference event with a concierge feature, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0031] Fig. 15 shows an embodiment of a speaker hall (auditorium) room application instance of a virtual conference event with content and access to additional room application instances, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0032] Fig. 16 shows content (e.g., multimedia content) available in a room application instance accessed via the speaker hall room application instance of the virtual conference event, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein; [0033] Fig. 17 shows content (e.g., posterboard content) available in a room application instance accessed via the speaker hall room application instance of the virtual conference event, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0034] Fig. 18 shows content (including chat functionality) available in a room application instance accessed via the speaker hall room application instance of the virtual conference event, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0035] Fig. 19 shows content (e.g., content library) available in a room application instance accessed via the speaker hall room application instance of the virtual conference event, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0036] Fig. 20 shows content accessible via a handbag feature of the virtual conference event, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein;

[0037] Fig. 21 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary virtual conference platform, in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein; and

[0038] Fig. 22 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method for simulating a conference event in a virtual convention center environment via one or more communications networks (e.g., the internet), in accordance with the general inventive concepts provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The general inventive concepts will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of the various aspects and implementations of the disclosure. This should not be taken to limit the general inventive concepts to the specific aspects or implementations, which are being provided for explanation and understanding only. [0040] In order to describe the subject matter of the claims clearly and concisely, the following definitions are intended to provide guidance as to the meanings of specific terms used herein. As used herein:

[0041] “Attendees” includes individuals who actually attend the online conference event, whether registered or not. To ensure each Attendee is appropriately authorized to access certain rooms instances and/or content, verification and authorization procedures may be provided whenever and wherever necessary.

[0042] “Conference Event” is a single or multi-day event that covers a group of sessions and speakers on a similar topic. The simulated event could be a conference, seminar, trade show, or any other topic-focused event.

[0043] “Exhibitors” are the sponsors and/or vendors of virtual booths.

[0044] “Participants” include, but are not limited to, exhibitors (e.g., vendors or sponsors of a conference event) and attendees.

[0045] “Room Application Instance” is a realization of an object (e.g., a room or other type of convention center facility) in a simulated environment (e.g., the virtual convention center environment). In some embodiments, each room application instance may include access points to one or more additional room application instances. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the access points may direct a participant to a previously visited room application instance. Each room application instance may also include, for example, conference event and/or participant information provide using one or more virtual posterboards. The virtual poster boards may include, for example, contact information, signage, logos, etc., one or more of which may correspond to the conference event and/or the type of session being held in the room application instance. In some embodiments, the posterboards may correspond to one or more other room application instances (e.g., a promotional flyer for another event and/or another session occurring in another room application instances). In some embodiments, a room application instance may include break-out rooms where multiple attendees can go to chat.

[0046] “Session” is a single or group of speakers that may occur on a single day during a video conferencing meeting in a room application instance (e.g., a speaker hall room application instance). Multiple sessions may exist for each virtual conference event. A session may be uniquely identified by the information provided during the conference event setup. This information may include, for example, a session name, description of the session, a date and time for the session, a duration for the session, a room application instance ID or name of the room application instance where the session may be held virtually, and/or a conference ID.

[0047] “Speakers” are individuals and/or a panel of people that will discuss a topic and/or interact with attendees in a session. Speakers may be identified by the information they provide during registration and/or conference event setup. This information may include, for example, the speaker’s name, a photo of the speaker, and/or a description of the topic to be discussed or that speaker’s opinion on said topic. The information may also include a session ID where the speaker will be speaking, which may be used for linking a speaker to a specific room application instance.

[0048] “Sponsors” are individuals, companies, or other entities that sponsor a virtual conference event. A list of sponsors aggregates sponsor information, which may include, for example, the sponsor’s name (company name or individual name), a description of the sponsor, contact information (e.g., company website, email, phone number, etc.), and/or a sponsor or meeting ID. In some embodiments, the meeting ID may be used to identify a break-out session associated with a particular sponsor, as applicable. [0049] “Meeting Config” is a list of meeting types (e.g., audio and/or video conference meeting types) for the virtual conference event. The types of meetings may also include webinars and/or breakout sessions (e.g., a vendor session, lounge session, etc.). Meeting Config may include a meeting name, meeting ID and info (e.g., the video conferencing meeting ID), a date and time for the meeting, and a duration.

[0050] “Virtual Conference Platform” is the computer-implemented platform for facilitating parti cipant-to-parti cipant and vendor/sponsor-to-attendee interactions over one or more networks.

[0051 ] At a high-level, the present application relates to simulating a conference event virtually using a virtual conference platform accessible via a communications network, such as the internet or an intranet. The virtual conference event is hosted in a virtual convention center environment. The virtual convention center environment is created by an administrator (admin) of the virtual conference platform or an event host. The virtual convention center environment includes a plurality of room application instances that provide a simulated space for participants (e.g., registered participants or registrants) of the virtual conference event to interact with one another and attend various sessions.

[0052] It should be appreciated that, as shown in Figs. 1-6, the virtual conference platform may incorporate optional functional features, including, but not limited to, concierge features, video conferencing features, continuing education features, and virtual conference event booths, halls, or rooms to facilitate the conference event agenda.

[0053] In some embodiments, to create simulated single or multi-day events (e.g., a convention) within the virtual conference platform (system) that includes a group of sessions, speakers, and/or vendors, the admin may enter event specific data (e.g., conference data), for the virtual conference, via a dashboard of the virtual conference platform. In some embodiments, the dashboard may be provided at the admin system, and may include one or more fields (input objects) for entering the conference data, and for linking or otherwise associating any conference content (e.g., information provided by one or more participants (e.g., sponsors, vendors, etc.)) to a corresponding room application instance.

[0054] It should be appreciated that the conference data may be acquired from one or more sources, including the event host or other participants of the conference event (e.g., sponsors, vendors, etc.).

[0055] In some embodiments, the virtual conference platform may be configured to request (or acquire) conference data directly from the data source (e.g., the participant or participant systems). It should be appreciated that the conference data may be used in a search by participants (e.g., attendees, vendors, etc.) for identifying the specific virtual conference event.

[0056] In some embodiments, the conference data may include the convention name, description, start and end date (and times, as applicable), and a cost to attend. The conference data may also include the type of facilities to create in the virtual convention center environment. For example, in some embodiments, the conference data may identify the number of spaces (e.g., room application instances) to create in the virtual convention center environment. In some embodiments, if the conference event is offered as an on-demand event, a duration for keeping the conference event available may also be provided. In some embodiments, event hosts may specify the type of virtual convention center facilities they wish to make available to participants attending the conference event when providing the event information.

[0057] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in Fig. 7, at least one space may be a virtual registration and/or information booth for pre-registered participants. The virtual registration may also be provided for participants that need to register for the conference event, or in some embodiments, as the landing page after the participant completes registration and payment of any conference event fees. The conference event fees may include any fees that may be collected for the conference event, including, for example, registration fees paid to attend the conference event. The conference event fees may also include rental fees for any media that will be played during the conference event (e.g., informational and/or marketing videos). In some embodiments, the rental fees may also include fees for any virtual booths and/or electronic posters or other signage that will be displayed at the conference event. The conference event fees may be processed via the virtual conference platform (e.g., via an internal or external payment gate, and without the participant having to be redirected to the external payment gate).

[0058] It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, participants may purchase products or services via the virtual conference platform. In this embodiment, the virtual conference platform may be configured to receive payments from buyer participants for products and/or services (e.g., via the payment gate), and to pay each seller for the products and/or services sold via the virtual conference platform. Payouts to a seller may be made directly from the received payments in or near real-time. Additionally, or alternatively, payouts may be made at any time during the conference event, or in some embodiments, once the conference event has concluded.

[0059] In some embodiments, the virtual conference platform may be monetizing to generate revenue from various income streams, including, for example, pay per click revenue that may be generated when a participant selects advertisements and/or other marketing links (e.g., affiliate marketing, email marketing, etc.) displayed during the conference event.

[0060] With continued reference to the figures, in some embodiments, the registration page may be the first page where the participant (e.g., the attendee) interacts within the virtual conference platform. The registration page may also be provided for the attendee to receive conference event information or other related information.

Additionally, or alternatively, the registration page may also include features that allow the attendee to, for example, interface with a registration help desk, or use a chat feature for communicating with the event host and/or virtual conference event administrator. In some embodiments, a video (pre-recorded or live) may be provided to welcome the attendees to the virtual conference event and/or the virtual conference platform, as well as provide any introductory comments or information.

[0061] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in Fig. 8, at least one space may be a virtual lobby. The virtual lobby may be provided as an entry point to the virtual conference event (i.e., the room application instance where attendees will enter the virtual conference event).

[0062] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in Figs. 9-13, the space may include one or more virtual exhibit halls. The virtual exhibit hall may be the room application instance where attendees visit other conference event participants (e.g., sponsors, vendors, etc.).

[0063] In some embodiments, sponsor signage and/or other sponsor information (e.g., a list of sponsor business cards, logos, etc.) may appear in the virtual exhibit hall (e.g., as a virtual sponsor booth and/or an electronic poster). The virtual exhibit hall may also include links to speak to one or more sponsor, for example, via a concierge service provide by the virtual conference platform.

[0064] In some embodiments, the virtual sponsor both and/or electronic poster may be displayed as an icon. Upon selecting or otherwise interfacing with the icon, sponsor and/or event information may be displayed to a participant. In some embodiments, interfacing with the icon may result in a link (or similar indicia) associated with one or more application room instances and/or external websites may be displayed. In some embodiments, selecting the link to an external website may result in the participant exiting the virtual conference platform (temporarily or permanently), and/or may result in a timer, which records participant activity during the virtual conference event, being paused until the participant returns to the conference event. Additionally, or alternatively, selecting the link to the external website may result in the virtual conference platform loading the external website within the virtual conference platform (e.g., via a built-in web-browser). It should be appreciated that loading the external website via the built-in web-browser allows the participant to remain in the secure and safe browsing environment of the virtual conference platform, which may be created and maintained by one or more of the virtual conference platform’s security and privacy protocols (e.g., antivirus and/or antimalware protocols).

[0065] In some embodiments, selecting one or more of the icons may lead to a virtual teleconference with one or more individual (e.g., other participants).

[0066] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in Fig. 14, at least one space may be a virtual lounge. The virtual lounge may be the room application instance where attendees can socialize (e.g., via chat or video conference) or use the concierge services (e.g., as shown in Fig. 14) offered by the virtual conference platform. In some embodiments, to facilitate participant interaction and socializing, the chat features and functions may be integrated in the virtual conference platform such that one or more of the room application instances include chat features. It should be appreciated that the visual integration of the chat features and functionalities provide participants with a chat experience that mimics being in the same room.

[0067] In some embodiments, the virtual lounge may also include one or more private rooms for each meeting that may be setup as a lounge meeting room. [0068] In some embodiments, and upon loading of the lounge room application instance, the virtual concierge may be configured to welcome the attendee and to provide promotional messages or other information. In some embodiments, the concierge feature may include general program information about the conference event and/or other participants.

[0069] In some embodiments, the concierge can assist participants by seating participants at a virtual table for social interaction in the virtual lounge. The concierge can also facilitate encounters between vendor/ sponsor participants and attendees at virtual booths (e.g., in the exhibit hall room application instance). Additionally, or alternatively, the concierge can answer participant questions (in real-time) and provide participants with directions. It should be appreciated that the concierge may be accessible to attendees via the virtual lounge or other room application instance within the virtual conference platform (e.g., at a lobby information desk).

[0070] Additionally, or alternatively, the virtual concierge may be used to assist an attendee with identifying special interests, assist the attendee with accessing room application instances (e.g., via additional registration instructions) that may not be accessible prior to visiting the concierge, assist the attendee with finding specific information, locations, or areas of interest within the virtual conference event, to provide the attendee with historical information, and to provide information on what’s new at the conference event since the attendee's last visit. In some embodiments, the attendee can select the concierge option (menu) to browse, search, or bookmark an event (including any breakout sessions), or to ask for a recommendation, or to view previously visited conference events or room application instances. In some embodiments, the concierge feature may be configured to collect data and track attendee activity within the lounge room application instance and/or any other facility within the virtual convention center environment. It should be appreciated that, as the attendee navigates through the virtual conference event, the attendee’s activity may be captured.

[0071] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in Figs. 15-20, the space may include one or more virtual meeting halls (also referred to as speaker halls). The virtual speaker halls is the room application instance that leads attendees to one or more virtual auditoriums (i.e., room application instances of the virtual speaker hall) where attendees can enter for specific meeting configs.

[0072] The speaker hall room application instance may be designed to include, but is not limited to, speaker presentations. These presentations may be prepared in advance and provided via the virtual conference platform, or in some embodiments, live streamed (e.g., using a video conferencing software, which is integrated into the virtual conference platform) at the speaker location. In some embodiments, the presentations may be structured to allow the speakers to interact in real-time with attendees.

[0073] In any of the exemplary embodiments described herein, a virtual library (e.g., a virtual video library) may be included in one or more of the room application instances based on the conference event setup. Fig. 19, for example, shows a virtual recording library provided in and/or accessible via the virtual speaker hall room application instance. As shown in Fig. 19, a banner may be displayed to each participant for providing access to the virtual library. It should be appreciated that the virtual library may include live and/or previously recorded sessions.

[0074] In some embodiments, one or more of the live sessions (e.g., a speaker’s lecture) may be recorded in or near real-time to the virtual library and made accessible to the participant if a malfunction occurs during the live event/lecture. If a malfunction does occur (e.g., a malfunction of a speaker’s audio/video platform (such as Zoom®)), in some embodiments, the system may be configured to instruct participants to go to the virtual library to access any recorded materials. Additionally, or alternatively, during the live conference event, the system may redirect participants at the live conference to the virtual library for participants to enjoy any prerecorded presentations while the virtual conference event is restored to the live session following the malfunction.

[0075] It should be appreciated that the virtual library may store (or otherwise provide access to) the video recordings of one or more video presentations for a predetermined time period (e.g., 30 days after the conference ends). In some embodiments, the time period for accessing materials in the virtual library may be set by the participant requesting access, and based on an access fee. It should further be appreciated that participants desiring to access this content will be able to do so by logging into the virtual conference platform (e.g., using their login credentials).

[0076] In some embodiments, for individuals who do not attend the conference but would still like to purchase the enduring materials (i.e., the prerecorded and/or live meeting records of a specific conference), the system may be configured to provide access to the conference materials for a predetermined period of time after the conference event has concluded (e.g., 20 days after the conference ends). In some embodiments, the individual purchasing the enduring materials may be assessed an access fee, which may be processed via the virtual conference platform payment gate.

[0077] In some embodiments, each session of the virtual conference event may be assigned a room application instance, and the session may occur in that room for that day or some other predetermined period of time. As it relates to the session and its speakers, in some embodiments, the virtual conference platform may be configured to restrict or otherwise limit participant access or permission during a session such that no speakers listed in a session can overlap speaking times. In some embodiments, alternate sessions can be running with unique schedules that overlap the schedules of other sessions. [0078] Because everything is simulated using the virtual conference platform, multiple virtual conference events could be running in parallel.

[0079] With reference now to Fig. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a virtual conference event access level process flow diagram deployed in a virtual convention center environment is provided.

[0080] Individuals and/or businesses attending the virtual conference event can pre-register for the event, such as by visiting a website for the virtual conference event (e.g., www.MGLE-conference-event.com).

[0081] In some embodiments, participants, registering via the website may be directed to a registration landing page (e.g., as shown in Fig. 7), or in some embodiments, a registration room application instance, where the participant may create a user login and/or provide personal or busines information to register for the event. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, individuals and/or companies may register at the simulated conference event. In this embodiments, the party looking to register may access the registration booth and sign up for the conference event.

[0082] In some embodiments, where the participant is an attendee, the attendee registration information may include, the attendee’s name, a photo of the attendee or select avatar, and/or conference ID for identifying the event for which the attendee is registering. Where the participant is a vendor and/or sponsor, vendor and/or sponsor information may be provided, and may include a conference ID for identifying the event for which the vendor and/or sponsor will be participating in.

[0083] In some embodiments, upon identifying the virtual conference event based on the registration information, the virtual conference platform may realize one or more room application instances for including at the virtual conference event. Additionally, or alternatively, the virtual conference platform may associate event and/or participant specific content with the one or more realized room application instance based on the conference event and/or participant registration information.

[0084] Once the registration process has been completed, the virtual conference platform may redirect the participant to the lobby room application instance. In some embodiments, the lobby room application instance includes (displays to the participant) content related to the conference attended by the participant (e.g., sponsor or vendor content). Additionally, or alternatively, the lobby room may include (display) one or more access points to additional room application instance. The participant may select an access point to enter a room application instance. It should be appreciated that the virtual conference platform may display only those room application instances accessible to the participant, or in some embodiments, the virtual conference platform may display the room application instances setup for the specific conference event.

[0085] Upon selecting the access point to enter the room application instance, the virtual conference platform may be configured to display content specific to the room application instance and/or content authorized for the participant. The displayed content may include, for example, media (live and/or pre-recorded), signage (e.g., virtual posterboards), and/or event/participant logos.

[0086] With reference now to Fig. 2, an exemplary process flow diagram for an embodiment of registration landing page or registration room application instance deployed in a virtual conference event environment is provided.

[0087] In some embodiment, during the registration process, the virtual conference platform may identify the room application instances to establish for a specific participant based on the participant’s registration information. Upon identifying the room application instance(s), the virtual conference platform may associate content with the identified room application instance. The content may include media, posterboards, and/or other features that may be useful to attendees of the virtual conference event (e.g., a handbag feature). In some embodiments, for example, as show in Fig. 20, the handbag may function as a virtual bucket for containing conference event related materials for attendee participants to access within the virtual conference platform. Additionally, or alternatively, the handbag feature may include information corresponding to a participant’s profile, the conference event agenda (e.g., for that specific attendee), and/or an FAQ option. In some embodiments, to access the information within the handbag, the attendee need only click the handbag icon displayed within the virtual conference platform.

[0088] With reference now to Fig. 3, an exemplary process flow diagram for an embodiment of a lobby room application instance deployed in a virtual conference event environment is provided. Similar to the process flow diagram of Fig. 2, the virtual conference platform may establish one or more room application instances in the lobby room application instance based on the conference data. Access points may be displayed to the attendee for entering each room application instance. The virtual conference platform may also associate content, for example, posterboards, media, etc., with each room application instance. Upon completion of the registration process, the attendee may be directed to the lobby room application instance for entering the virtual conference event. The lobby room application instance may include chat features, which may be integrated into the lobby room application instance (or the virtual conference platform).

[0089] In any of the exemplary embodiments described herein, as shown in Fig. 8, the lobby room application instance may include access points for an attendee (or another participant) to enter the virtual exhibit hall, lounge, and/or speaker hall. Additionally, the lobby room application instance may include an access point to return to a prior room application instance (e.g., the registration room application instance or registration page). It should be appreciated that navigating between room application instances is complete within the virtual conference platform.

[0090] With reference now to Fig. 4, an exemplary process flow diagram for an embodiment of an exhibit hall room application instance deployed in a virtual conference event environment is provided. Similar to the process flow diagrams of Figs. 2-3, the virtual conference platform may establish one or more room application instances in the exhibit hall room application instance based on the conference data. Access points may be displayed to the attendee for entering each room application instance. The virtual conference platform may also associate content, for example, posterboards, media, etc., with each room application instance. In any of the exemplary embodiments described herein, as shown in Fig. 9, the exhibit hall room application instance may include access points for an attendee (or another participant) to enter the sponsor/vendor specific exhibits for viewing sponsor/vendor information.

[0091] With reference now to Fig. 5, a process flow diagram for an embodiment of a lounge room application instance deployed in a virtual conference event is provided. Similar to the process flow diagrams of Figs. 2-4, the virtual conference platform may establish one or more room application instances in the lounge room application instance based on the conference data (e.g., a virtual private lounge meeting room). Access points may be displayed to the attendee for entering each room application instance. The virtual conference platform may also associate content, for example, posterboards, media, etc., with each room application instance. In any of the exemplary embodiments described herein, as shown in Fig. 14, the lounge room application instance may include the concierge services. Additionally, or alternatively, the lounge room application instance may include access points for attendees to enter a private meeting room (e.g., with a specific sponsor) and/or to return to a prior room application instance (e.g., the lobby room application instance).

[0092] With reference now to Fig. 6, an exemplary process flow diagram for an embodiment of a speaker hall room application instance deployed in a virtual conference event environment is provided. Similar to the process flow diagrams of Figs. 2-5, the virtual conference platform may establish one or more room application instances in the speaker hall room application instance based on the conference data, and to hold one or more sessions and/or meeting configs. Access points may be displayed to the attendee for entering each room application instance. The virtual conference platform may also associate content, for example, posterboards, media, etc., with each room application instance.

[0093] In any of the exemplary embodiments described herein, as shown in Fig. 15, the speaker hall room application instance may include at least three access points for attendees to choose from. The speaker hall room application instance may also include posterboards with session specific information to inform attendees about the session hosted in a specific room application instances (i.e., a virtual auditorium) prior to the attendee selecting the access point and entering the virtual auditorium and session.

[0094] In some embodiments, one or more of the speaker hall room application instances (or virtual auditoriums) may be a continuing education room application instance, which may provide each attendee with an opportunity to attend special programming and/or activities for continuing education credits. In some embodiments, continuation education room may include pre-recorded and/or live continuing education programs. Additionally, or alternatively, the continuing education room application instance may include one or more links to newsletters, books, audiotapes, videotapes, and supplements corresponding to the continuing education subject. [0095] With reference now to Fig. 21, a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the virtual conference platform is provided. It should be appreciated that the virtual conference platform may be included in software and/or hardware, and may be accessed remotely by admins and/or any of the participants via one or more communications networks (e.g., the internet). In an exemplary embodiment where the virtual conference platform includes hardware, the virtual conference platform may include at least a processing circuit (also referred to herein as processor) in signal communication with a memory, a network interface device, and a storage component/device.

[0096] In some embodiments, the virtual conference platform may include admin controls to allow the virtual conference platform admin to enter conference event specific information. The admin controls may include logic for generating an admin user interface for entering conference data. The admin controls may also include logic for generating a simulated version of the conference event in the virtual convention center environment. Additionally, or alternatively, the admin controls may include the logic for generating or establishing the room application instances. In some embodiment, an event content manager may be provided via the admin controls for associating event content with the established room application instances.

[0097] The virtual conference platform may also include participant logic for participant interaction within the virtual conference platform. In some embodiments, the participant module may include logic for generating and displaying a participant user interface. In some embodiments, the user interface for a vendor and/or sponsor may differ from the user interface for an attendee participant.

[0098] In some embodiments, the virtual conference platform may offer participant vendors and/or sponsors an opportunity to update content available to the attendees in or near real-time via the participant system (e.g., a vendor device). In this embodiments, a participant specific dashboard (interface) may be generated by the virtual conference platform and displayed to the participant to allow updates to the participant content. In some embodiments, the content of these updates may be screened by the virtual conference platform admin and/or a module of the virtual conference platform configured to screen for impermissible content. If any impermissible content is identified, a notification message may be provided to the participant, in or near realtime, and may inform the participant about the rejected content, and may provide participant with an opportunity to update its content once more. It should be appreciated that this real-time automated check may continue until the content is approved for polishing to attendees via the virtual conference platform.

[0099] In some embodiments, for example, at a conclusion of a speaker presentation, the virtual conference platform may include logic that causes the virtual conference platform to switch from the speaker presentation to a live question and answer session. In some embodiments, chat features may be provided via the virtual conference platform to allow each attendee with an opportunity to meet and interact with participant vendors, sponsors, and/or speakers. The chat features may include, for example, instant messaging, e-mail, and/or real time audio or video presentations. The subject matter of a chat session may be based, for example, on topics related to the conference event, room application instances, or other participant information (e.g., vendor products and services offered). In some embodiments, the attendee-speaker interaction may occur in the room application instance where the speaker provides his/her presentation (e.g., an auditorium accessible via the speaker hall room application instance).

[00100] In some embodiments, e.g., when a continuing education room application instance is accessible to an attendee, the virtual conference platform may include a timer or timer logic for monitoring and/or recording continuing education attendance. In some embodiments, when an attendee participates in a continuing education session, the timer records the time the attendee spends in the continuing education session. It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, when a user exits the continuing education session, the timer may pause until that attendee returns to the continuing education session. It some embodiments, any audio and/or video being provide at the session may be stopped and started based on the activity of the timer (e.g., stop and starting of the timer) and/or based on the attendee activity (e.g., exiting and entering the room application instance hosting the session). In some embodiments, the audio and/or video may be configured to start at a point of the video where the attendee last exited the room instead of starting at the beginning of such activity.

[00101] In some embodiments, and upon completion of continuing education programming, one or more post attendance features may be loaded and displayed for attendee information and/or input. Examples of such post attendance features may include satisfaction surveys, request for suggestions and/or improvements, information on future continuing education programs, information on other continuing education programs that may be of interest to the Attendee and available within the virtual conference event, and tracking information associated with any continuing education credits.

[00102] In some embodiments, the virtual conference platform may include event content logic. The event content logic may he provided for updating the event content and/or for disseminating information throughout the conference event.

[00103] For disseminating information, the event content logic may include instructions for notifying participants about information related to the conference (or any other information that a participant may find useful. In some embodiments, the virtual conference platform may assign each message with unique designations and/or features for alerting the participant and based on the nature of the message. For example, the message may be a time-sensitive message or a private message. In some embodiments, the message may be an interactive message requiring the attendee to acknowledge the message and/or perform another action. It should be appreciated that messages may be customized in accordance a participant’s preferences (e.g., branded with a vendor and/or sponsor logo). Messages may also be classified and/or color coded depending on the type of message. In some embodiments, and depending on the type of message, a timer with a predetermined time period may be initiated with each displayed message, with the message closing upon expiry of a predetermined time period.

[00104] In some embodiments, the virtual conference platform may include logic for developing informatics from participant personal information and visitation history by gathering, manipulating, storing, retrieving and classifying recorded information. To develop the informatics, the virtual conference platform may apply data mining algorithms, for example, to customize programs or services. Using data mining algorithms, the virtual conference platform develops in-depth information based upon information provided by a participant during registration, additional personal information available from other sources, and historical information, including an attendee's activities while navigating the conference platform. Data mining (i.e., knowledge discovery) may provide insight into relationships and patterns among data. Meaningful information or attributes, such as participant profiles, habits, and preferences may be extracted from databases (internal and external) through statistical analysis and modeling techniques. Data collected by the virtual conference platform may be assembled, stored, correlated and/or otherwise processed for providing participants with useful information following the event, and which may correspond to the most recent event attended by the participant and/or future events. In some embodiments, the data mining may be made available to exhibitors, continuation education providers, etc. that want to improve the quality of their programming and services by exploiting the data available via the virtual conference platform.

[00105] With continued reference to the figures, and now with reference to Fig. 22, an exemplary embodiment of a computer-implemented method 10 for simulating a conference event in a virtual convention center environment. It should be appreciated that the method 10 may be performed in a different order, with illustrated steps omitted, with additional steps added, or with a combination of reordered, combined, omitted, or additional steps.

[00106] In step 12, the method 10 includes simulating a conference event hosted in a virtual convention center environment over the internet or intranet. A virtual conference platform (virtual conference platform) may be used for creating the virtual convention center environment and simulating the conference event. In some embodiments, upon determining what facilities to include for the conference event, in step 14, the method 10 includes creating a plurality of room application instances corresponding to the conference event. In step 16, the method 10 includes identifying content corresponding to the conference event and associating the content with one or more of the room application instances. In step 18, the method 10 includes identifying registration information of a participant. It should be appreciated that the registration information may be used to determine the participant’s access permissions within the virtual conference platform. In step 20, the participant is granted access to one or more of the room application instances with associated content based on the registration information. [00107] In step 22, the method 10 includes displaying a first room application instance, wherein, based on the participants access rights, the first room application instance includes at least a subset of the associated content and one or more icons or links for accessing one or more additional room application instances. In step 24, and responsive to a selection by the participant of the icon or link, the method 10 includes providing materials and information to the participant within the simulated conference event if the selected icon or link corresponds to event content, or redirecting the participant to a second room application instance if the selected icon or link corresponds to additional room application instances.

[00108] It is to be understood that the detailed description is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting to the embodiments described. Other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Therefore, the methods and systems described herein are not limited to the specific details, the representative embodiments, or the illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general aspects of the present disclosure.

[00109] Additionally, the components and materials described hereinafter as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. It should be appreciated that many suitable components and materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00110] Various networks may be implemented in accordance with the embodiments described herein, including a wired or wireless local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN), wireless personal area network (PAN) and other types of communications, cellular, and/or satellite networks. When used in a LAN networking environment, computers may be connected to the LAN through a network interface or adapter. When used in a WAN networking environment, computers typically include a modem or other communication mechanism. Modems may be internal or external, and may be connected to the system bus via the user-input interface, or other appropriate mechanism. Computers and/or mobile devices may be connected over the Internet, an Intranet, Extranet, Ethernet, or any other system that provides communications. Furthermore, components of the system may communicate through a combination of wired or wireless paths.

[00111] Although many other internal components of computers and/or mobile devices are not shown, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such components and the interconnections are well known. Accordingly, additional details concerning the internal construction of computers or mobile devices need not be disclosed in connection with the present invention.

[00112] Furthermore, the term “module” used herein will be appreciated as comprising various configurations of computer hardware and/or software implemented to perform operations. In some embodiments, logics or modules as described may be represented as instructions operable to be executed by a processor and a memory. In other embodiments, logics or modules as described may be represented as instructions read or executed from a computer readable media. A logic or module may be generated according to application specific parameters and/or user settings. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that such configurations of hardware and software may vary, but remain operable in substantially similar ways.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A system, comprising: a processor; a memory in communication with the processor and including a plurality of instructions stored thereon, wherein the plurality of instructions, when executed by the processor, causes the system to perform operations including: simulating a conference event, wherein the simulated conference event is hosted in a virtual convention center environment; creating a plurality of room application instances corresponding to the conference event; identifying content corresponding to the conference event and associating the content with one or more of the plurality of room application instances; and displaying visual representations of the convention center environment, wherein the visual representations include a first room application instance, wherein the first room application instance includes at least a subset of the associated content and access points for entering one or more additional room application instances.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further include: identifying conference event information prior to simulating the conference event, wherein simulating the conference event is based on the identified conference event information.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further include: identifying registration information for the participant; and granting the participant access to one or more of the plurality of room application instances with associated content based on the registration information. The system of claim 3, wherein the visual representations displayed to the participant are based on access rights of the participant. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further include: responsive to the participant selecting at least a subset of the content or one of the access points, providing materials and information to the participant within the simulated conference event based on the selected subset of content or redirecting the participant to a second room application instance based on the selected access point. The system of claim 1, wherein the content includes multimedia. The system of claim 6, wherein the multimedia is selected from images, audio, and video. The system of claim 7, wherein the video is prerecorded or live streamed. The system of claim 6, wherein the multimedia is embedded into one or more of the room application instances. The system of claim 9, wherein the multimedia corresponds to the room application instance where it is associated. The system of claim 6, wherein the multimedia is initialized upon loading the room application instance. The system of claim 1, wherein each room application instances includes at least one of: an access point to additional room application instances, a chat module, a multimedia module, a posterboard module, a handbag, and signage or logos corresponding to participant vendors or event sponsors. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the room application instances is a registration room application instance. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the room application instances is a lobby room application instance. The system of claim 14, wherein the lobby room application instance includes an access point to at least one of an exhibition hall room application instance, a lounge room application instance, a speaker hall room application instance, and a previously visited room application instance. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the room application instances is an exhibition hall room application instance. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the room application instances is a speaker hall room application instance. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the room application instances is a lounge room application instance. The system of claim 18, wherein the operations further include: providing and displaying a concierge menu, wherein the concierge menu includes one or more selectable options for browsing, searching, or bookmarking an event; requesting a recommendation; and viewing previously visited conference events or room application instances. The system of claim 19, wherein the lounge room application instance includes the concierge menu. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a timer configured to record participant time spent in a room application instance. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the room application instances is a continuing education room application instance for providing continuing education to the participants. The system of claim 22, wherein time spent in the continuing education room application instance is reported as continuing education information. The system of claim 22, wherein the timer begins once the continuing education room application instance is loaded. The system of claim 24, wherein the timer for a participant stops upon the participant exiting the continuing education room application instance. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further include: providing and displaying a conference handbag including conference event information. The system of claim 26, wherein one or more tabs of the conference handbag corresponds to a participant profile, a conference event agenda, and a frequently asked questions (FAQ). The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further include: collecting and displaying exhibitor information and materials in one or more of the room application instances. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further include: data mining to develop in-depth participant information based upon at least one of preliminary information provided during registration, personal information available from other sources, and historical data including participant visitation activity. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further include: generating and displaying a sub-screen for showing an outline corresponding to the room application instance being visited. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further include: generating and displaying a sub-screen including one or more links to previously recorded information corresponding to the room application instance being visited. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further include: updating displayed information in the virtual conference event by revising the displayed information from at least one other computer or mobile device.