faq

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.      What is a virtual conference?

A virtual conference is hosted entirely over the Internet. This virtual conference will include pre-recorded and live presentations in the form of webinars. Attendees participate through a Conference Platform designed specifically for the virtual conference. The Platform is where you will watch conference presentations and participate with questions and comments in real-time. Attendees will be able to access various sessions, expand their professional skills, and increase their knowledgebase – all from the comfort of their own homes whenever they want. Think of it as attending a standard webinar but with the ability to engage with anyone else that is attending a conference either physically or online. We are bringing two worlds together for a shared unique experience!

2.      Who should attend?

The conference is open to a wide range of participants that include researchers, clinicians, public health administrators, laboratory professionals, academics and students, government officials, and more.

3.      What are the technical requirements needed to participate?

To participate, all you need is an internet connection, and a viewing device, such as a laptop, desktop computer, tablet, smartphone, or smart television. For the best viewing experience, we recommend that you join the conference using a supported internet browser, which includes Chrome, Firefox, Google, and Safari.
 

4.       Can I visit the conference without paying?

Unfortunately, no. We have to use the same registration system as always, and that list will be given to the platform administrators. Only those who are paid registrants will have password-protected access to the platform. You may NOT visit the exhibit hall, upload a video, view videos, upload or view posters, or anything else within the virtual platform without a registration log-in.

5.      Can I share my virtual conference login information with other members of my team?

For every paid registration to attend virtually, only one device (computer, laptop, tablet, phone) will be allowed to enter the virtual conference. The Continuing Education Units/Credits earned, the questions asked, and the polling conducted within that single login session are all tied to the account of the individual that purchased the virtual event.

 
6.       Can I access and view recordings of any sessions from the conference?

In one word, YES! Similar to if you were attending the conference on-site, you will be given the opportunity to select which sessions you’d like to attend virtually. It is up to you to decide which sessions interest you in a given time block and to attend those sessions as desired. You may attend as many or as few sessions as you want. All live conference sessions will be recorded and will be available for viewing 24 hours after the session ends. The Conference site will remain open and available following the conference dates, so you can view all Virtual Conference sessions at your convenience and continue networking with your peers, partners, and exhibitors.

7.         If I want to watch a live session, can I go back later and view one of them?

All conference sessions will be recorded and will be available for viewing 24 hours after the session end. You can view all Virtual Conference sessions at your convenience.

8.         Am I going to have to watch sessions at 03:00 (in the morning) my time?

No! The conference will be asynchronous, as we have members/attendees all across the country and there is no time zone that accommodates everyone for a live session. The platform will be open 24 hours a day from Monday, September 14 - Thursday, September 24 and you can log in, view content, and make comments at any time during that time. You can access at any time during that week, no matter what time zone you are in.

 

According to the Professional Convention Manager Association (PCMA)…the premier authority on virtual meetings, have recommended virtual conferences be held in the time zone where the organization is headquartered.

9.      Are you thinking of organizing a group viewing party? 

Joining the virtual conference is more fun with friends…consider bringing your colleagues together to view the conference in one place. Here are some tips for organizing a viewing party:

• Make sure everyone in the group is registered before the conference.

• Look for a meeting place that can accommodate the group while observing social distancing guidelines.

 10.     What professional credit is available for the Annual Virtual Conference?  

Continuing Education Units/Credits will be offered. Specific amounts will be provided closer to the date of the conference.

11.     How will I be able to connect with other virtual attendees?

The conference platform will be available for you to interact with other attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors via various features – 1:1 or Group Chat features, discussion boards, and more! 

 

12.     Will I be able to ask the speakers questions?
Yes, there will be a Q&A feature that will allow you to send questions to a moderator as well you will be able to communicate with the speaker directly after their session presentation on the conference platform via the attendee chat.

 

13.     What about poster sessions?

Poster sessions will also be delivered in a virtual format. In addition to viewing the posters, attendees will have the opportunity to chat first-hand with the authors through the attendee chat.

 14.     Will there be an exhibit hall?
Yes! The exhibit hall is actually an impressive and interactive function of the platform we are using! Exhibitors in the virtual hall will provide a robust experience for attendees. You’ll be able to view videos and documents at their virtual booths. You can visit each booth, ask questions using the chat feature, and have 1:1 or group meetings using the platform.