The Vonage Conversation API allows developers to build conversation features that can take place across multiple mediums while maintaining context. This tutorial will explain the basics of how the Conversation API works by building a rudimentary on-page live chat as a use-case example. The chatbox will allow customers to message a support agent in real-time, and the support agent will be able to reply to the customer. The tutorial covers styling and layout aspects, including creating a slide-in chat window and laying out chat messages on either side of the chat interface. It requires a Vonage API account, Node.js, and installation of the beta version of the Vonage CLI. The tutorial also provides guidance on setting up a Node application using Express and Nexmo libraries.