Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a virtual conference?
A virtual conference is hosted entirely over the Internet. This virtual conference will include all live presentations. 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 knowledge base – all from the comfort of their own homes whenever they want. Think of it as attending a standard video webinar or Zoom meeting but with the ability to engage with anyone else that is attending the conference online.
2. 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, Internet Explorer, Google, and Safari. Having Zoom on your computer can help as well.
3. What happens once I register?
When a virtual attendee registration is complete (paid for) you will receive an email confirming your payment. We will send you login information prior to the summit itself.
Note - those who do not register will NOT be cleared to use the virtual platform (we cross-check registrations with our list). If you don’t register, you cannot access the platform. Make sure that the email address associated with your registration is accurate and up to date so that there is no delay in receiving our communications or logging into the virtual platform.
4. Can I visit the conference without paying?
Unfortunately, no. We have to use the same registration system as always. Only those who are paid registrants will have password-protected access to the platform. You may NOT visit the exhibit hall, view videos, 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 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. Videos of the sessions will be made available after the conference.
7. If I want to watch 2 sessions that are streaming simultaneously, can I go back later and view one of them?
All conference sessions will be recorded. Attendees will have access to the videos for a limited time.
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 the morning the summit begins.
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. What time does the conference start?
8:00 AM (Pacific Time - PT). Convert to your local time here.
10. 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.
Post a photo to your favorite Social Media platform of your group using the hashtag #PH-MJSUMMIT2020 - we will post your photos on the Virtual Platform and on our social media.
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 – Main Event Feed for posting updates, 1:1 or Group Chat features, during topic focus breakout sessions, and more!
12. Will I be able to ask the speakers questions?
Yes, there will be a chat 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.
13. Will there be an exhibit hall for Sponsors?
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.