You can now embed an AI chatbot or live chat tool directly in your Exhibitor Portal. Once enabled, a chat widget appears in the bottom-right corner of your exhibitors' portal, giving them instant access to support without needing to contact you directly.
This feature replaces the previous standalone Messaging Board setting. You can still use the Messaging Board, but it is now configured in the same place.
⚠ The Messaging Board will be discontinued from 1 October 2026. We recommend transitioning to an AI Agent or Live Chat tool before this date.
What you can set up
You can configure one of the following communication tools for each show:
- None: No tool enabled (default)
- Messaging Board: The existing FFAIR Messaging Board — available until 1 October 2026
- AI Agent & Live Chat: Any third-party AI chatbot or live chat tool that provides an embed script
ⓘ Only one tool can be active per show at any time. Enabling a new tool will automatically disable the previous one.
Compatible tools
Any third-party provider that gives you a JavaScript embed script will work. Providers we have tested include:
- HubSpot
- Zoho Desk (SalesIQ)
- LiveChat
- Freshdesk
- LiveAgent
- Intercom
- Salesforce
- Pipedrive
ⓘ Most providers offer a free trial. You will need to set up your chatbot or live chat in the provider's platform first and obtain an embed script before configuring it in FFAIR.
How to set it up
Step 1 — Go to Show Settings
From your show dashboard, navigate to Show Settings. Find the AI Agent, Live Chat & Messaging Board section. Your current active tool (if any) is displayed here with an Edit button.
Step 2 — Open the configuration modal
Click Edit to open the configuration modal. Select your preferred tool using the radio buttons:
- None
- Messaging Board
- AI Agent & Live Chat
Step 3 — Paste your embed code (AI Agent & Live Chat only)
If you selected AI Agent & Live Chat, paste your embed script into the input field. Then click Verify to check the script is valid and safe.
ⓘ The Verify step uses automated security checks to ensure the script does not contain potentially harmful code. You cannot save an unverified script.
Step 4 — Test the widget (optional but recommended)
After a successful verification, click Start Test View to preview how the widget will appear to exhibitors. You can expand and collapse the widget to check it displays correctly before saving.
Step 5 — Save your configuration
Click Submit to save. If you are updating an existing configuration, you will be asked to confirm the change. Once saved, the widget becomes live in the Exhibitor Portal immediately.
What exhibitors see
Once enabled, exhibitors will see a floating chat widget in the bottom-right corner of their portal. The widget appears in a minimised state by default. Clicking it expands the chat interface.
ⓘ The widget's visual design, size, and branding are fully controlled by your third-party provider — FFAIR does not customise these. Any Branding or View Settings you have configured in FFAIR do not apply to the chat widget.
What FFAIR does not manage
Once the widget is live, the following are fully controlled by your third-party provider and are outside FFAIR's control:
- Chatbot conversation content, responses, and AI behaviour
- Session handling and chat history
- Widget styling, colours, and branding
- Provider-side outages or degraded performance
- Email notifications from chatbot interactions
For any issues with the chatbot's content or behaviour, please contact your provider directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the same embed script across multiple shows?
Yes. You can paste the same embed code into multiple show configurations. Each show manages its own setting independently.
What happens to my Messaging Board when I enable an AI Agent?
Enabling an AI Agent automatically disables the Messaging Board for that show. Exhibitors will no longer see the Messaging Board — they will see the chat widget instead.
Why is my script failing verification?
Verification checks that the script is not empty and does not contain potentially harmful code. If your script fails, check that you have copied it correctly from your provider. If the issue persists, contact FFAIR support.
The Messaging Board is being discontinued — what should I do?
We recommend setting up an AI Agent or Live Chat tool before 1 October 2026. If you do not configure an alternative tool before this date, exhibitors will no longer have access to a messaging feature in their portal.