#1: I think you're right, it is a type of video conference. I did a quick search for "boxed conferences" and right away found two different companies that offer, as far as I can gather, a service that involves sending boxes of conference-related items to conference participants as a way of adding a physical element to an otherwise purely "video" experience. Everyone having the same stuff in their hands is apparently supposed to contribute to a feeling of connection with other conference participants.

Hope this helps, anyway.

https://conferenceboxes.com/services/

https://conferenceinabox.tv/