Certain has two website templates that build an event site from Excel content files: the Power Template and the older PRO Template, also called the Advanced Template. This FAQ covers the questions we hear most about both.

About the two templates

What's the difference between the Power Template and the PRO Template?

The Power Template is Certain's current template. The PRO Template (Advanced Template) is the older version that some events still use. Both read their content from Excel files uploaded to the event's display fields, but they are separate templates and work differently behind the scenes.

How do I know which one my event uses?

Go to Plan > Event Setup > Content Display > Display Fields and look at which fields have a file uploaded. You may see fields for both templates, so the uploaded file is what tells you.

• PRO (Advanced) Template: the file is in Content File, the field with the Advanced Template Sample Content File link. About Content and Style Options say "This display field is used for the Pro/Advanced Template only."
  
• Power Template Option 1: the files are in Branding Content File xlsx and Event Content File xlsx.
• Power Template Option 2: there's a separate file for each section, such as Banner File xlsx, Agenda Content File xlsx, Speaker Content File xlsx and Sponsors Content File xlsx.

If you're still not sure, contact Certain Support.

Where do I change the About section and section styles on the PRO (Advanced) Template?

On the same Display Fields page. Type the About section text in About Content. Use Style Options to pick a look for buttons, the agenda, speakers and sponsors (for example Agenda-Style-2 or Speaker-Style-2). Then preview the site.

Can I use a PRO Template content file in a Power Template event, or the other way around?

No. The files use some of the same tab names, but the columns don't line up. Always start from the file that's already uploaded to your event, or from the sample file for that template.

Can I switch from the PRO Template to the Power Template?

It isn't a setting you can switch. Because the content files don't line up, the site content has to be set up again in the Power Template files. Contact your Certain CSM to plan it.

Updating content

How do I update the content file?

Download the current file, edit it, and upload it back to the same field.

1. Go to Plan > Event Setup > Content Display > Display Fields. See Power Template - Creating & Navigating the Power Template
2. Download the current content file by clicking its Uploaded File link, so you start from what's live. Don't click the X in front of it: that link deletes the uploaded file. If you're starting fresh, each Power Template field also has sample files for Option 1 and Option 2.
3. Edit the rows you need. Keep the column headers and tab names as they are.
4. For images, upload them under Plan > Display > Assets, right-click the image, choose Copy File Path, and paste it in the Image Path column. See Power Template - How to use the Excel File Sections
5. Upload the file back to the same display field and preview the site.

I see "Please provide excel content file." What does that mean?

The site can't find a content file. Check that the file is uploaded in the right display field for this event. If you copied the event, check that the file came across.

The banner didn't change. Why?

Your event may use a single banner image display field instead of the content file's banner section. Upload the new banner in whichever one your site uses. For sizes, see What size should my banner and images be?

Sections not showing

A section isn't showing on my site. What should I check?

Work through these in order:

• Menu settings. In Select Navbar Menu Items, make sure the section (such as Speakers or Sponsors) is selected. Unselecting an item removes both its menu link and its section from the site.
• Content. A section with an empty tab won't show.
• The field you used. Use the main field for a section, such as Sponsors. The "Additional" fields only add a second block after the main one has content.
• The tab layout. In the Agenda tab, each new day needs a blank row above it.

If your site was customized and the section still doesn't show, contact your Certain CSM.

Changes beyond the content file

Can I move sections, change the layout or add my own code?

Not through the content file. Layout changes, new sections and custom code are custom work done by Certain Professional Services. The same goes for fixing or changing features that Professional Services built for you. Contact your Certain CSM to scope it.

Next step: Check which template your event uses, then download the current file before you edit it.