“By far one of the most intriguing event applications built. Intuitive, innovative and easy to use, it takes networking to a new level by enabling the creation of a custom profile and audio/visual greeting. I actually had the opportunity to use it at a live event and it’s a slick piece of interactive which actually gets YOU interactive with other people.”—juror Craig Swann

“Amazing! The relational view is fascinating, it’s easy to navigate and use, and I love the ability to record audio or video with others.”—juror Dan Mavromatis

Overview: Live conference forum provides the opportunity to virtually meet other attendees and communicate interests. This dynamic site uses the chat-room platform as a means to extend the conference community.

• Utilizes XML and SQL data sources
• Flash MX Communication Server for video/audio messaging
• Written in Flash ActionScript with a ColdFusion backend
• 8 weeks, 8 people

Comments by Mark Sylvester:
“There were several challenges to this project including building an application using technology that had never been put together into a single experience before. Also social networking tools had never been applied to a conference setting, so the application had to be both easy to use and time-efficient for use by busy attendees.

“The original project was a showcase for Macromedia—we wanted to highlight their latest research on usability, interaction design and a component architecture that would allow us to innovate rapidly.

“Mixed Grill assembled a team of industry superstars to build the introNetwork. This talented and technically-proficient group was aided by a team that Macromedia assembled internally to help guide the development. We created our own collaboration tools for real-time communication between team members located all over the United States.

“Though the introNetwork was originally designed for use at the TED Conference, Macromedia asked us to build introNetworks for other conferences including their MAX developer’s conference. The original application was built in eight weeks and we created a different version for MAX very quickly, incorporating graphics that created the feeling that the introNetwork was deeply integrated into the conference experience.

“The introNetwork captures individual demographic and psychographic profiles; its ability to visually connect attendees has transformed the conference experience forever. Now introNetworks are used at conferences, associations, communities and in corporations around the world.”