FAQs
GCMS VIRTUAL PLATFORM NOW OPEN! LOGIN HERE.
General
Q. What is NCMA doing to ensure a comfortable and safe event environment?
We are working extremely hard to create a comfortable and sanitary environment for all in-person attendees. Working closely with the Omni Shoreham Hotel and their Omni Safe & Clean policy, we will be implementing health requirements for attendees, speakers, and staff, redesigning space to facilitate proper social distancing, providing hand sanitizer stations, providing clean and sanitized meal service, and increasing cleansing and disinfection frequency.
Your well-being is NCMA’s #1 priority. Here’s what we’re doing to protect you:
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR Test. NCMA is requiring all in-person participants, including speakers, sponsors and exhibitors, and staff to take a health screening test and submit proof of vaccination status or negative PCR test results taken within 3 days of arrival at GCMS (for those granted an exception) on December 2 or December 1 if you are arriving for pre-conference events.
Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the event.
Stay 6' apart when in lines.
Social Distanced Seating. Current distancing guidelines will be followed for the set in each session room and in all open spaces. There will be seating based on comfort level in all large general session and breakout rooms on a first come, first serve basis.
Red Zone – 6'row/6’aisle - Strict social distancing
Yellow Zone – 3' row/6’aisle - Comfortable with an elbow bump
Green Zone - 3’ row/3’aisle - Comfortable around others, handshakes
Please select a red, yellow or green sticker for your badge at registration to indicate your comfort level.
Mask Policy: As of November 22, 2021, Washington, DC, has lifted the mask mandate for indoor gatherings. Masks will be optional for fully vaccinated participants. Participants who are not fully vaccinated will need to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from others and wear a mask, except when presenting or actively eating or drinking. If you need a mask, you may pick one up at registration. All participants will need to follow local guidelines and while traveling to include ground transportation, airports, and transportation.
Visit our Health and Safety page for more information on how we will keep you safe.
Q. I plan to attend GCMS in-person. How do I complete the health screening and verify my proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative PCR Test?
- Look out for an email from NCMA Meetings by November 29, if you are registered for GCMS, on the steps needed to take to attest your status or test results two weeks prior to GCMS through a HIPAA compliant third-party platform, CrowdPass.
- Take your PCR test within 3 days of arrival at GCMS on December 2 or December 1 if you are arriving for pre-conference events and submit your results, or
- Submit proof of your COVID-19 vaccination status.
- Complete your health screening.
- When you arrive, you must stop at the Health Screening Station before going to badge pick up. You must show their green checkmark from your CrowdPass check in before picking up their badge.
You may access the verification link here if you are already registered for GCMS.
We understand circumstances change and will switch your registration to virtual and refund you the difference between in-person and virtual registration with written notice at least 24 hours prior to December 2, 2021.
Q. How many Continuing Professional Education (CPE) or Continuous Learning Point (CLP) credits will I receive from this event?
If you are participating in the 2021 Experience, you have the opportunity to receive up to 29.7 CPE/CLP credits through live and replays of GCMS sessions, virtually or in person.
If you are participating in the 2025 Experience, you can earn up to 37.8 CPE/CLP credits through live and replays of GCMS sessions.
Please note that individuals may receive more credits depending on what they register for, e.g., the National Education Seminar. In order to receive the full credit amounts listed, you will have to watch replays of sessions you did not attend during the event. Recordings will be available in the Virtual Platform 24 hours after their scheduled time.
You will need to be present in a session for at least 45 minutes to receive credit for attending.
Q. What happens if I cannot attend in person or get sick prior to GCMS?
We understand that circumstances change and will switch your registration to virtual and will refund you the difference between the in-person and virtual registration with written notice at least 24 hours prior to December 2, 2021.
Q. Are sessions recorded?
Yes! All regular general sessions and most breakout sessions will be available for replay. Special sessions such as Exchanges and in-person only breakout sessions will not be recorded. Session replays will be available 72 hours after the session in the GCMS Virtual Platform. Go to the Auditorium and select a session to view the recording. The platform will remain accessible until January 3, 2022.
Q. Can I download slides?
Yes! Speaker presentations can be accessed in the virtual platform and mobile app under each session description at the bottom under Handouts.
Q. How long will I have access to the virtual platform?
Both virtual and in-person registrants will have access to the virtual platform, including session replays to earn additional credits for 30 days after the event ends on December 3, 2021. The platform will remain accessible until January 3, 2022.
Q. Can I earn credit for watching session replays?
Yes! You will receive education credit for watching session replays as you would for live sessions. Your certificate of completion will automatically update your cumulative credit total after you finish watching a session replay.
Q. How will I receive my certificate of completion?
Virtual Attendee: Your participation will be recorded automatically when you enter sessions and you will earn credit for that session once it ends. To access your certificate of completion, go to the Attendee Lounge within the Virtual Platform and click on the Certificate menu option. You can also access it in the Attendee Service Center. You will receive one overall certificate of completion for this event with a cumulative credit total. Your credits will be transferred to your NCMA account after the virtual platform closes on January 3, 2022.
In-Person Attendee: Scan the QR code on your badge as you enter the session room. Your participation will be recorded, and you will earn credit for that session once it ends. To access your certificate of completion, log into the Attendee Service Center and click on the Certificate menu option. You will receive one overall certificate of completion for this event with a cumulative credit total. Your credits will be transferred to your NCMA account after the virtual platform closes on January 3, 2022.
Q. I have a disability and need special accommodations. How can I ensure accessibility?
Please indicate your need for special accommodations when registering for GCMS and NCMA will contact you to ensure your reasonable requests are met. Every effort will be made to accommodate advance requests; day-of requests might be delayed.
Q. Is membership included in my registration?
Individual and group nonmember registrations include a one-year membership to NCMA. Your membership term will run from January 2022–December 2022. Memberships will be activated after GCMS in January 2022.
Q. Who can I contact about questions regarding my NCMA membership?
Please contact Memberservices@ncmahq.org or call 800.344.8096 and choose option 1 to speak to a Member Advocate.
Q. How do I become a volunteer at GCMS?
The volunteer application period is now closed for GCMS.
Technology
Q. What are the technology requirements to attend this event?
To prepare for GCMS 2021, make sure your technology is compatible with eShow virtual event platform. You are responsible for testing the equipment you will be using during the event in the location you plan to participate. Meet with your organization's IT department at least 24 hours prior to the event to ensure you can participate.
In order to make sure you receive your confirmation e-mail and other important event updates, please add mail2.netronixcorp.com to the SPF record in the sending domain DNS.
· Browser: For the best experience, use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Safair and Edge are also supported. Internet Explore is not compatible with the eShow system.
· WiFi/Internet: You will need a high-speed, Internet-connected device. At least 20Mbps download speed is recommended for the best experience.
· Security Restrictions: Check with your company’s IT department to ensure you don’t have any pop-up blockers or spyware installed that would limit your access to the event.
· Webcam and Mic: If you would like to participate in 1:1 appointments and networking with other attendees, speakers, or exhibitors, you will need to have a working webcam and mic.
System Requirements Check and Troubleshooting Tips:
- Please ensure you review the System Requirements Checklist prior to the event to ensure you can successfully participate online.
- Review Firewall/Proxy Troubleshooting Guide if you are having issues with the platform.
- Complete BigMarker System Check.
- If after turning off your VPN you are still having trouble accessing the platform, please restart your computer.
Other requirements to keep in mind:
- The event platform is compatible with laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
- You cannot use a VPN.
- Clear your cookies/cache.
- Check your Internet speed.
- Close any other applications on your computer if you experience difficulties during the event.
Q. Do I need to install or download anything to attend the event?
Download the NCMA mobile app to get access to the event right in the palm of your hand! Search for "NCMA Meetings" in the App Store or Google Play.
There is no need to download anything to access the eShow virtual platform. The event will automatically open in a web browser. If windows do not open automatically, be sure to double-check that pop-ups are allowed in your browser.
Exhibit Hall
Q. How do I access the Exhibitor Showcase?
The Exhibitor Showcase will be located throughout the hallways of the event space. Make an appointment through the mobile app or virtual platform to meet with an exhibitor in person.
Show Hours:
| Thursday, December 2: | Friday, December 3: |
| 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. | 8:00 a.m.–9:15 a.m. |
| 1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | 10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. |
| 2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | 1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. |
| 4:15 p.m.–5:15 p.m. |
How do I access the Virtual Exhibit Hall?
You can access the Virtual Exhibit Hall in the GCMS Virtual Platform. Log in using your registered e-mail and password. If you do not remember it, you can reset it via the “forgot password” function. Click on the Exhibit Hall tab in the top navigation menu. You will be able to visit exhibitors’ virtual booths, add their info to your eBag, and save contact info. You will also be able to make one-on-one appointments with exhibitors.
The Virtual Career Fair is open to the public and connects you with those who are hiring in the contract management field. You will be able to learn more about organizations and view their current job openings. During live Career Fair hours, listed below, you will be able to engage in one-on-one chats with recruiters.
Day-Of Support
Q. Where can I go for one-on-one support?
We are here to help! You have a couple of options:
Virtual Attendees:
- Visit the Help Desk located in the GCMS Virtual Platform for live chat support.
- E-mail us at eventsupport@ncmahq.org.
In-Person Attendees:
Visit us at the Registration desk located in the West Lobby.
Virtual and In-Person Help Desk Hours:
Wednesday, December 1
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET (Virtual preshow support)
Thursday, December 2
7:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m. ET
Friday, December 3
7:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m. ET
Sponsorships
Q. Who do I contact for sponsorship opportunities?
Blake Boynton
Business Development Manager
National Contract Management Association
Office: 800-344-8096
E-mail: Blake.Boynton@ncmahq.org
© 2024