Summary

Overview

Conference Expo Portal v2.0 represents a significant upgrade to Nimlok's existing exhibition management platform. The current system's rigid package configuration has limited the Conference Expo team's ability to quickly set up and modify event packages, while also restricting organisers' ability to customise their exhibition offerings. This new version aims to transform the platform into a highly configurable, flexible system that enables the Conference Expo team to efficiently create tailored experiences for organisers, while making it easier for sponsors to manage their exhibition presence.

Current Situation

The existing Conference Expo Portal, developed in 2017, has successfully served conference organisers managing events with 5-75 exhibiting sponsors. While the platform has proven its value over the past eight years, it has established itself as a valuable tool for:

Streamlining stand configuration processes
Managing artwork approvals
Processing payments
Integrating with Nimlok's broader ecosystem

However, the platform's current limitations have become increasingly apparent to users:

Rigid package configuration requiring significant effort to work around, limiting the Conference Expo team's ability to efficiently set up and modify event packages
Complex process for creating new stand options and upgrades, making it difficult for the team to respond to organisers' specific requirements
Limited flexibility in customising the sponsor experience, restricting organisers' ability to differentiate their events
Cumbersome artwork submission and approval workflow, creating friction for sponsors
Difficult to adapt to different event requirements, forcing the Conference Expo team to work within rigid constraints
Technology stack and architecture from 2017, limiting the ability to implement modern features and integrations

Key Objectives

The v2.0 upgrade focuses on three primary objectives:

Enhanced User Experience
- Modern, intuitive interface
- Improved mobile responsiveness
- More flexible workflows
- Flexible package configuration for the Conference Expo team
- Simplified upgrade selection process for sponsors
- Intuitive artwork submission and feedback system
Operational Improvements
- Reduced manual intervention
- Improved automation
- Enhanced reporting capabilities
- Better error handling and recovery
- Rapid package creation and modification for the Conference Expo team
- Automated artwork requirement generation
- Simpler artwork and proof approval workflows
Future-Proofing
- Scalable infrastructure
- Modular design
- Enhanced API capabilities
- Improved security
- Flexible package management system
- Configurable approval workflows
- Extensible upgrade options

Expected Outcomes

The new portal will deliver significant benefits to all stakeholders:

For Conference Expo Team

Reduced administrative overhead
Improved package management
Enhanced reporting and analytics
Better communication tools
Ability to quickly create and modify stand packages
Flexible configuration of upgrade options
Customisable approval workflows
Automated artwork requirement generation

For Organisers

Simplified event setup process
More customisation options for their events
Better visibility of sponsor activities
Enhanced communication tools
Clear upgrade options and pricing for their sponsors
Automated artwork requirement generation
Real-time feedback on submissions

For Nimlok

Increased operational efficiency
Reduced support overhead
Enhanced data insights
Improved system maintainability
Faster package creation and modification
Reduced development effort for new features
Better scalability for different stand options
Improved customer satisfaction through flexibility

For Kick Digital (Developer)

Ability to support Nimlok more effectively
Use of modern, up-to-date tools and frameworks
Faster and more reliable development cycles
Easier system maintenance and extensibility
Improved automated testing and code quality
Reduced technical debt and legacy constraints
Enhanced ability to deliver new features rapidly

Investment Summary

The project represents a strategic investment in Nimlok's digital infrastructure, with benefits including:

Increased customer satisfaction through improved flexibility
Reduced operational costs through automation
Enhanced competitive advantage through rapid customisation
Improved scalability for future growth
Reduced development effort for new features
Faster time-to-market for new stand options

Detailed cost breakdowns and resource requirements are provided in the Project Planning section.

Timeline

The project will be executed in three distinct technical phases:

Phase 1: Backend and API Development
- Core architecture implementation
- Database design and migration
- API development
- Business logic implementation
- Package management system
- Approval workflow engine
- Integration with Nimlok's artwork platform
- Initial testing and validation
Phase 2: Frontend Development
- Nuxt project setup and configuration
- API client development
- TypeScript type definitions
- Application layout and design
- Core feature development, e.g:
  - User management
  - Stand configuration
  - Artwork review and approval process
- Dashboard and reporting functionality
- Testing and refinement
Phase 3: Launch
- System integration testing
- Performance optimisation
- Security auditing
- User acceptance testing
- Documentation
- Training materials
- Production deployment
- Customer onboarding

Detailed timelines and milestones are provided in the Project Planning section.

Next Steps

Client review and approval of specification
Finalisation of project scope and priorities
Resource allocation and team formation
Development kickoff

For detailed information about any aspect of this specification, please refer to the relevant sections in this document.