Virtual Event Starter Kit

The Virtual Events Starter Kit, utilized for Next.js Conf 2020 with nearly 40,000 live attendees, offers a robust framework for hosting virtual events. This template is designed to cater to a wide array of event types, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for both organizers and attendees.

Key Features:

• Multiple Stages: Support for numerous stages, each capable of hosting multiple sessions.
• Flexible Stage Configuration: Stages can be set up as embedded YouTube streams or as live interactive experiences using 100ms.
• Sponsor Expo: Features virtual booths for sponsors, enhancing visibility and interaction.
• Career Fair: A dedicated space for networking and job opportunity exploration.
• Ticket Registration: Integrated ticket registration and generation system for attendee management.
• Speaker Pages: Dedicated pages for speaker bios and information, enhancing speaker visibility.
• Event Schedule: A comprehensive schedule to keep attendees informed about session timings and details.

Built Upon Three Core Principles:

• Delegation: Leverages third-party solutions for specific conference elements, ensuring reliability and quality.
• Flexibility: Provides an open-source codebase that can be customized to suit specific event requirements.
• Risk Reduction: Utilizes Incremental Static Generation for a dynamic yet stable site, minimizing downtime risks.

Technical Foundation:

• Framework: Developed using Next.js, incorporating CSS Modules and TypeScript for a robust and scalable application structure.
• CMS Options: Supports multiple CMS platforms for content management flexibility.
• Video Solutions: Integrates pre-recorded content via YouTube and live interactive video through 100ms.
• Deployment: Optimized for deployment on Vercel, ensuring high availability and performance.
• Authentication: Utilizes GitHub OAuth for secure user authentication.
• Database: Compatible with various database solutions to fit different backend requirements.

What’s New?

The latest update introduces enhanced support for truly LIVE events, enabling real-time interaction between speakers and viewers. This addition opens up new possibilities for live webinars, community calls, hackathons, panel discussions, and multi-stage conferences.

Deployment and Local Setup:

The template is designed for easy cloning and deployment on Vercel, with integrated support for 100ms and DatoCMS. For local development, environment variables are pre-configured for a smooth setup process.

Customization and CMS Integration:

The template’s live video component and CMS integration are highly customizable. Whether using DatoCMS or exploring other supported CMS platforms like Agility, Contentful, Prismic, Sanity, or Storyblok, the template ensures a seamless integration experience.

Authentication and Database:

To unlock full functionality, including personalized ticket generation and user data management, setting up GitHub OAuth and selecting a suitable database solution is recommended.

This Virtual Events Starter Kit stands as a comprehensive solution for hosting dynamic and interactive online events, providing a solid foundation for organizers to build upon and customize according to their unique event requirements.