Introduction
TEDxLukelyBrook marked a momentous occasion as the first-ever TEDx event on the Isle of Wight, an initiative to bring the globally recognised TED experience to the local community. TEDx events are locally organised gatherings where live TED-like talks and performances are shared with the community, under the common goal of sparking deep discussion and connection. With the clock ticking towards the event date, a dynamic online platform was crucial for promoting the event, highlighting speakers, and providing visitors with information on ticketing and merchandise.
Challenges
The primary challenge was the urgency of the project; the website had to be up and running swiftly, adhering to the stringent guidelines set by the TED organisation. It had to be versatile enough to be regularly updated with fresh content such as news articles, speaker interviews, event updates, and videos. Additionally, the site required e-commerce functionality for the sale of tickets and merchandise. All these features needed to be packaged in a design that was intuitive and mobile-friendly to ensure maximum reach and engagement.
Solution
PC Consultants selected WordPress for its robust content management capabilities and its ability to scale quickly. To meet the e-commerce requirements, WooCommerce was integrated, offering a seamless platform for ticket and merchandise sales. To keep the community engaged and informed, a Mailchimp integration was set up, allowing for efficient email communication and subscriber management.
Understanding the critical importance of mobile accessibility for today’s users, the design and development were focused on creating a seamless experience across all devices, with a particular emphasis on mobile functionality. The design was kept simple yet modern, ensuring that the aesthetics aligned with the innovative spirit of TEDx.
Results
The TEDxLukelyBrook website became the central hub for all event-related activities. Its success was multifaceted: it provided a platform for speaker announcements and interviews, acted as the primary point of sale for tickets and merchandise, and post-event, hosted the talks that were shared with a global audience. The site’s easy-to-use content management system allowed the organizers to keep content fresh and relevant, providing continual engagement with attendees and supporters.
Conclusion
The TEDxLukelyBrook website was a rapid development success, contributing significantly to the event’s impact on the Isle of Wight. Its clean and modern design, coupled with its user-friendly interface, proved to be a hit among the event’s diverse audience. The site not only facilitated the event’s logistical needs but also embodied the innovative spirit of TEDx, allowing for ideas worth spreading to flourish in a new community.
