[Due for payment 2025-07-14] [SIDE PANE] Implement content to side pane in product - Distance Expenses, #announce room, Tasks #64248

# Distance Expense

Easily track mileage costs using Expensify’s built-in map feature. Create and submit distance-based expenses right from the web, desktop, or mobile app.

- **Create distance expenses:** Click the green + button and choose Create expense, then select Distance. Enter your starting point and destination. You can also add stops if needed.

- **Submit for approval:** Choose your workspace and confirm the distance, amount, and date. Add optional notes or categories, then click Create expense to submit the mileage expense for approval.

- **Log a round-trip:** To log a round-trip, use the same location for both start and finish, and include any stops along the way.

# Announce Room (#announce) 

The #announce room is a chat space available to all workspace members. It's perfect for sharing company-wide updates, policy changes, or event reminders. The #announce room is accessible from your **Inbox** in the left-hand menu. 

- **Post company-wide announcements:** All members can post in #announce by default, making it easy to communicate across the workspace.

- **Restrict posting to admins:** Workspace admins can limit posting to admins only. Open the #announce room, click the room header, select Settings, and change Who can post to Admins only.

- **Everyone can read messages:** Even if posting is limited to admins, all workspace members can still view messages in the #announce room.

# Tasks

Keep conversations organized by letting you create actionable to-dos directly within a chat. You can assign them to yourself or others in both 1:1 and group chats.

- **Create a task:** In any chat, click the + button next to the message field and select Assign a task. Add a title (required) and an optional description, and choose an assignee from chat participants. You can also leave it unassigned to track it yourself.

- **Use tasks to stay on top of action items:** Tasks are great for follow-ups like “Submit expense report,” “Share slide deck,” or “Update mileage rate.” They're perfect for 1:1 check-ins, project updates, or organizing next steps after a team discussion.

- **Edit and manage tasks:** Task creators and assignees can comment, edit the title or description, reassign the task, or mark it as complete. Just click the task to update any details.

- **Tasks stay visible:** Each task is shared in the chat where it's created. When completed, it will be clearly marked in the chat and can be reopened if needed.