Online or ‘virtual’ conferences make it simple to meet, communicate, learn, and connect when some people are unable to come together physically at an event.

Featuring an online component where the conference content is broadcast allows people to participate from anywhere in the world – in fact, it is likely that you will have the chance to engage with an entirely new global audience of industry colleagues.

Online conferences allow professional development and education to be delivered ‘remotely’, and provide an important opportunity to share and engage with industry colleagues and providers, in a convenient environment.

As an added bonus – there are no travel and accommodation expenses when accessing the conference remotely, meaning the carbon footprint is reduced!

You will be provided with a unique log-in to access presentations and networking online, from the convenience of your office or home.

Online or ‘virtual’ events can feature a range of presentation session formats and networking options. These may include keynote presentations, award presentations, breakout sessions, express oral presentations, and workshops. Typically there will also be LIVE moderated ‘question and answer’ sessions (Q&A).

Some conference sessions will be LIVE and you need to view these presentations at the time they are being broadcast. Other presentations may be pre-recorded for viewing either at the scheduled time or at your leisure over a prescribed period of time. Most conferences will feature a combination of these options.

Time will be allocated for networking online with other delegates and to explore the exhibition and engage directly with industry suppliers.

No, there will be a fee to gain access to and participate in the online conference.

While some costs associated with a physical event are removed when a conference is held online, new costs are incurred for the resources and technology required to produce a streamlined and professional online event.

You will not need to download specific software to participate in the event.

We’ll send you a web-link prior to the commencement of the event which gives you access to our online conference system called OnAIR, which is where you’ll watch and participate in the conference.

OnAIR:

• Works most effectively when using the Google Chrome internet browser.
• Integrates with Zoom which is fully embedded in a personal and secured environment.
• Provides full online support before and during the event for attendees, speakers, session chairs and exhibitors.

It is recommended for optimal use of the platform to access the OnAIR portal on a desktop computer or laptop and in Google Chrome.

Click the below image to install Chrome.

Networking sessions use Twilio. If you are accessing the online portal via a work computer/network, visit https://networktest.twilio.com/ to test if your network allows you to access this program.

You will not need to download specific software to participate in the event. You will be provided with a web-link prior to the commencement of the event to our online conference system called OnAIR.

OnAIR:

• Designed to be accessed using Google Chrome as the internet browser.
• Works most effectively on desktop computer or laptop.
• Provides full online support before and during the event for attendees, speakers, session chairs and exhibitors.

At online or ‘virtual’ exhibitions, delegates can engage one-on-one with exhibitors. Exhibitor information, downloadable brochures, exhibition opening times, and engagement in ‘instant meetings’ with exhibitors are just some of the features available to all delegates via the online platform.

Through the ‘contact exchange’ feature, exhibitors have access to a ‘Lead Generator’ which allows exhibitors to capture specific information from delegates (who have given consent), for follow-up after the event.

The Meeting Hub is a feature of the online system which allows you to engage in real-time discussions with other attendees and exchange contact details.

Users can communicate via direct message, live chat, video call, arrange set meetings, and export the contacts they have gathered, at any point throughout the event.

When using Meeting Hub delegates search for attendees, request meetings, and once accepted, engage in video conversations.

Sponsor and exhibitor representatives are also permitted to access the Meeting Hub.

Open the page inspector in your browser.

This can be done by:

• Right-clicking on the page and selecting inspect
• Pressing F12
• Pressing Ctrl + Shift + I

A window will open in your browser.

Right-click on the refresh button, found to the left of the URL bar, and select Empty Cache and Hard Reload.

Click the below image to enlarge.

To check these settings have been allowed:

• Right-click on the padlock icon in the URL bar.
• Make sure the Microphone and Camera are both set to allow.
• Changing these will block your browser from using these devices.
• Clicking on Site Permissions bring you to the full Site Permissions page for the Chrome browser.

Click the below images to enlarge.

Click on the lock icon in the URL bar and then click cookies.

Then in the blocked section allow cookies relating to the OnAIR portal to allow the session to run.

Click the below images to enlarge.

To check this:

• Right click on the speaker icon (lower right corner).
• Select open volume mixer.

If there is a dropdown arrow on the device option, it means their computer is using multiple audio devices and the sound might be going through a different device.

To disable the other devices right click on the speaker icon again and select open sound settings. In the sound settings select manage sound devices.

Select any device not in use and disable them. Then, close the portal and then re-open it.

Click images to enlarge.

Click images to enlarge.

To check what extensions are currently running in Google Chrome:

• Select the icon in the top right that looks like three vertical dots.
• Select More Tools.
• Select Extensions.

In this window, you can check which apps and extensions are currently running in an attendee’s browser.
Certain apps and extensions can block the OnAIR portal and cause issues with video/audio/connecting to sessions (such as ad blockers, pop up blockers, etc.).
Extensions and apps can be turned off by selecting the blue slider icon in the bottom right corner of each app/extension.

Your level of access to the online conference will be determined by your registration type. Most registrations will include the following:

• Live &/or pre-recorded keynote presentations and concurrent sessions – including live Question & Answer (Q&A) where you can type or ask your questions and have them addressed during the session.
• Access to watch pre-recorded sessions and ePoster presentations, at your leisure for a period of time.
• Participate in live interactive networking functions.
• Visit the virtual exhibition to meet and chat with industry suppliers.
• Pre-arranged meetings with delegates, presenters & exhibitors through the Meeting Hub.
• Access to a suite of features and tools such as: live Q&A, event notes, contact exchange and downloadable content.

No. All payments need to be received to Conference Design before the online portal link will be sent to you. Full payment of your registration fee is due within 14 days of submitting your registration for the event.

Please refer to the key dates on the conference homepage for key milestones and deadlines, or contact us at Conference Design if you have more questions – mail@conferencedesign.com.au

The programme will be posted in NZST, however the committee has considered all Australasian time zones and those of other regions where delegates will be based when creating the programme. To check your timezone please click here.

You will be able to change the timezone in the online conference portal, so that session times reflect your timezone.

There will be a mixture of live and pre-recorded presentations, with the majority of speakers will be joining for a live Q&A session at the end of their presentation.

Please get in touch if you would like to know more about this element of your conference – mail@conferencedesign.com.au

Networking functions will be featured as part of most online programs and these will be conducted in ‘real-time’ for conversation, brainstorming and networking.

If you have submitted an abstract and wish to withdraw your submission, please contact mail@conferencedesign.com.au immediately.