Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VEXPO

1) Who is eligible to use vExpo?

vExpo is a platform developed by the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) to support virtual events hosted by, or in collaboration with, the School. It is not available for use by other departments to host their events.

2) What is the history behind vExpo?

vExpo was launched in response to the shift to virtual events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Debuting in June 2020, it has since evolved, continuously integrating modern technologies for new immersive features.

3) Is vExpo accessible?

We ensure that vExpo remains accessible to all users while developing immersive features. The platform includes built-in features to facilitate navigation for users in alternative formats. Besides the 3D desktop immersive experience, vExpo content can be navigated via:

Accessible/Menu navigation: Users can access vExpo content using the menu list at the top of the window. This accessible menu list becomes the default display when a user's window is less than 1200 pixels wide or when accessing from a mobile device.
Tabbed navigation: Users can navigate between vExpo content using the tab key on a computer keyboard instead of a mouse.
Screen reader navigation: Users can navigate between vExpo content using a computer keyboard and voice interaction to hear the displayed text.

4) What devices can access vExpo?

For the best viewing experience, we recommend accessing vExpo from a computer (desktop or laptop) using an up-to-date browser. However, vExpo can also be accessed on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.

5) What type of browser is required to access vExpo?

We highly recommend using a modern and up-to-date web browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If you use a mobile device, an unsupported web browser, or if your desktop window size is smaller than 1200 pixels, you will be redirected to the mobile/accessible version of vExpo.

6) Is there a way to make vExpo load faster?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can slow down internet connections due to a variety of factors (e.g., encryption, distance to VPN servers, server load). Users can optimize their experience by disconnecting from the VPN for better connection speed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM EVENT HOSTS AND KIOSK OWNERS

1) What is the timeline to plan and host a vExpo?

The timeline for planning an event depends on factors such as the scale of the event (e.g., content, audience size, duration) and the number of virtual kiosks to be created and updated. To ensure seamless execution and stakeholder engagement, we recommend starting preparations at least 8 weeks in advance.

2) Is there a maximum number of kiosks an event host can use for a vExpo?

While there is no maximum number of kiosks, to maintain optimal attendee engagement, it's recommended to limit kiosks to under 15, ensuring they are relevant to the event's theme or purpose.

3) Where can an event host find a catalog of existing kiosks?

All vExpo kiosks, along with owner details and contact information, are listed in the Kiosk Catalog. If an event host would like to feature a kiosk at their event, they should contact the kiosk owner at least a month in advance to confirm their agreement to include their kiosk in your event, and allow time for any necessary updates, if required.

4) How do event hosts or kiosk owners create the images and panels featured in vExpo?

For events led by the CSPS, event hosts collaborate with the School’s Communications and Multimedia Team to create their image designs. The planning phase for designing these images should start six weeks ahead of the event, as the Communications and Multimedia Team typically require four weeks for image production and approvals.

For CSPS partnership events led by other departments, or for kiosk owners, image specifications and guidance materials are available to support the creation of your designs. Although you can develop the required images using these guides and tutorials, we recommend seeking support and approvals from your department’s communications or multimedia team.

Common applications for image creation include Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, Canva, and PowerPoint.

5) What are the required kiosk and lobby image dimensions?

Lobby:
- Main event Banner: 3120px x 1760px
  - Join button for main event banner: 332px x 1220px
- Vertical Banners: 888px x 2040px
- Information Banner: 1920px x 320px
Kiosk:
- Panels: 2000px x 3000px
- Title panel: 1800px x 540px

All banners/panels must be saved in .png (all in lowercase).

6) Where should event hosts or kiosk owners host their content for it to be accessed from the links in vExpo?

Content should be hosted in public, easily accessible locations without network or password requirements. If you need a location to host newly created content, we suggest GCwiki for its user-friendliness and flexibility in content management. Platforms like GCconnex, GCexchange, GCcollab, and GCpedia may be suitable for hosting content for an event internal to GC. Posting content from Canada.ca may also be an option, but requires third-party coordination to host new content.

Event hosts and kiosk owners are responsible for hosting and managing the content and third-party tools accessible through the vExpo platform, ensuring they meet the requirements under the Official Languages Act, Copyright Act and the Standard on Web Accessibility.

For further information, please refer to the vExpo content requirements.

7) Do vExpo events or kiosks have data and/or user analytics?

Following the event, event hosts and kiosk owners can receive a summary of metrics for the event and kiosks, including page views, lobby clicks, and kiosk clicks.

About vExpo/FAQ's

Contents