The new website…Behold!
After countless hours of coding, testing, scripting and editing, I proudly present the new Connect Work Chicago website. With scant sleep accrued in the past 2 days, the synapses in my brain are firing like a damp spark plug.However, I wanted to unveil the site with a little context, so I hope this is all makes sense.
Notwithstanding a few tweaks that need to be taken care of, the site is looking and functioning even better than our Out of Work Chicago website; in my humble opinion. While the aesthetic is decidedly clean and minimal, there is significant horsepower under the hood. Harnessing what is generally considered Web 2.0 technology this site plays nice with social media and utilizes much JavaScript for an enhanced user experience.
The centerpiece of the site is sure to be the video slider located at the top of the homepage. Each panel houses embedded video that we will be updating frequently. Also very cool is the fact that this platform straddles the behavior, look and feel of both a blog AND conventional website. You will notice that the pages are full width while the blog area is compartmentalized; featuring a side bar.
With the feedback tab on the left edge (of the screen), users can post ideas, praise and problem. Further users can view the feedback and other submissions in a very user-friendly online community area. The ‘Share This’ link at every page & post allows for quick and easy sharing across popular social media outlets including Facebook and Twitter.
Some of the coolest functionality, however, lies within our event registration process. Once registrants have completed the registration process, an email confirmation is deployed to them with a link to print their own personalized name badge. This not only expedites event intake flow at the event, but allows for more personal information such as industry and organization to be communicated. (At the time of this writing this has not yet been implemented, but should be within the next 2 days.)
I really like to keep on top of emerging trends and technology, so expect this website to evolve with some really neat stuff moving forward. If you have any feedback for me about the site, please submit it through the ‘Feedback’ tab located on the right. I am suspicious of some nasty bugs festering about the site and would greatly appreciate the heads up.
Note: A special shout out to Amy Zabroga and Tony Boylan for their help in pulling content and copy together…you guys rock!
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Wow!!! congratualations…Patrick, Erik & Amy – HOW COOL – I “want in” – I’ll check out details…actually helped another friend (Linda K. knows her)
“launch” a new exercise class at Indigo Studio…JJ (owner)if Indigo Exercise Studio (Yoga, Ballet, Booty) – recognized me…I didn’t know how I/we knew each other…then she yelled “Oh! You were singing at Out of Work Chicago Christmas Party” – SEE? – even for just a minute of “face/voice” time….I was noticed.
Hope all is great – sign me up
Liz Wiener
Patrick – the site looks great! So proud of you! You are truly amazing!!! Now go get some sleep!
Hey Patrick, love the look of the new website. Great job. Hope 2010 is the bust out year for Connect Work Chicago!