Chat is one of the key interaction tools during any online and hybrid event. It enables participants to talk, ask questions, and network. From this article, you will learn how to fully use and manage the chat features in Gridaly.
From this article you will learn:
What types of chats are available on the Gridaly platform?
How to enable and configure the main public chat for the entire event?
How to manage access to chats, including 1-on-1 conversations, for specific participant roles?
How chats work and what they are used for in the Sessions module and at exhibitor booths?
What moderation tools are available for the organizer?
How participants can initiate private conversations with each other?
Types of chats on the platform
The Gridaly platform offers several types of chats that allow for flexible communication depending on the needs of your event:
Main event chat – this is a public channel available to all participants. An ideal place for general conversations, announcements, and networking.
Chats in Sessions – each Session, meaning a virtual stage or streaming room, can have its own dedicated chat. It allows interaction with the audience and asking questions directly in the place where the presentation takes place.
Chats at exhibitor booths – each exhibitor can have their own chat at their virtual booth, which facilitates direct contact with visitors.
Private 1-on-1 conversations – participants can initiate private conversations that are not visible to others.
Configuring the main event chat
The main, public chat is enabled by default for every event. However, you can manage its settings.
Go to the admin panel and edit your event.
In the top navigation menu, select the Communication tab.
Find the Chat section.
In this place you can:
Enable or disable the main chat using the toggle.
Change its name – by default, it is "Chat", but you can enter your own, e.g., "Lounge Discussions".
Enable chat moderation – more on that in the moderation section.
Managing chat access
You can precisely control which groups of participants can have private 1-on-1 conversations. This is managed through role permissions.
In the admin panel, go to Participants → Roles.
Select the role you want to edit (e.g., "Participant", "Speaker").
Scroll the form to the Networking section.
Here you will find the option:
Can chat: This permission controls the ability to initiate private 1-on-1 text conversations. It is enabled by default. If you want to block this possibility for a given group, set the toggle to "No".
💡 Tip: For a 1-on-1 conversation to be possible, both parties (both the initiator and the recipient) must belong to roles that have the "Can chat" option enabled.
IMPORTANT – disabling 1:1 chats for a role will also remove access to the general chat.
Access to public chats (main, in sessions, at booths) is by default granted to every active participant and currently cannot be restricted for specific roles. Disabling 1:1 chat will remove access to the event chat.
Chats in Sessions and at exhibitor booths
You can decide whether the chat should be active for individual Sessions or for exhibitor booths. You will find this option directly in the settings of each Session and each booth. This provides the opportunity to create thematic discussion channels, e.g., for asking speakers questions.
💡 Tip: Disable chat for Sessions that do not assume interaction (e.g., play a recording), and enable it during live streams to allow for Q&A.
Moderation tools for the organizer
As an organizer, you have full control over discussions. A moderator is any person who has the Organizer role in the team, as well as an Exhibitor in the chat of their own booth.
Available moderation tools:
Enabling moderation: In the main chat settings (Communication tab), you can enable the Chat Moderation option. When it is active, no message from a participant will appear publicly until it is approved by a moderator in a special panel.
Deleting messages: A moderator can delete any message from the chat at any time.
Highlighting messages: Important messages or questions can be highlighted to make them more visible to everyone.
Pinning messages: Any message in the chat can be pinned so that it is always visible at the top of the chat window. This is a great way to post important announcements.
Private conversations between participants
Participants can have private text conversations as long as their roles have the "Can chat" permission enabled. To start such a conversation, simply:
Go to the Participants tab in the event menu.
Find the person you want to talk to in the list.
Click the chat icon next to their name.
The conversation will appear in the message panel of the given participant and will be visible only to them and their conversation partner. The organizer does not have access to the content of private conversations.
FAQ
Can I disable the ability to have private conversations for all participants?
Can I disable the ability to have private conversations for all participants?
Yes, simply disable the "Can chat" permission in the Networking section for all participant roles.
Can I see who deleted a message from the chat?
Can I see who deleted a message from the chat?
No, the system does not log moderation history in a way that's visible to the organizer.
Can I block a specific user in the chat?
Can I block a specific user in the chat?
A direct user blocking function in the chat is not available. In the case of a problematic participant, you can revoke their "active" status, which will block access to many platform features, including the chat.