VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ORIENTATION, 2021
Welcome! Please take the time to watch the video below, and read the following information and FAQs to help you navigate the conference, and to get the most from the event.
2021 Virtual Summer Conference Orientation
HOW TO WATCH THE CONFERENCE
You will be watching the event live via Zoom Webinar. If you haven’t used Zoom before, you may download Zoom for free before the event and familiarize yourself with any features you may need to use on the day. Please ensure if you already have Zoom, that you are using the latest version and ensure to update this prior to the event.
When attending the virtual event, we suggest you find a quiet space without interruptions or background noise.
The Question & Answer (Q&A) feature on our Zoom webinars allows you to ask questions during the webinar for the panelists, speakers, co-hosts, and hosts. We will have dedicated Q&A sessions throughout the event where The Ehlers-Danlos Society staff will ask the speakers your moderated questions. Some presenters will also be using Mentimeter as they present their session, Mentimeter allows a more interactive experience via live polls, quizzes, word clouds and more. Read more about Mentimeter below.
If you have other commitments that’s ok, you may use the link and password to come and go as you please throughout the event.
EVENT FAQS
What time will I be able to get access to the event?
We will allow registrants to join the virtual zoom meeting 15 minutes before the first session starts.
Do I need to have my video on and will everyone be able to see me?
As this is a Zoom webinar, as opposed to a Zoom meeting, attendees do not need to have their camera on and will not be able to see themselves or the other attendees. You will only be able to see and hear the presenters and their presentations.
How can I ask questions during the event?
You can either post your questions in the Question & Answer (Q&A) box on Zoom or you can post them in our Whova app, preferably in the session section that your question is relevant to. We, unfortunately, cannot respond to raised hands during this event due to the large number of attendees.
Do I need to attend every session?
No, you may use your access link to come and go as you please.
Is this being recorded and if so when can I watch the recordings back?
We are recording all content from this event and will email you a link and password to access these recordings on June 28, 2021.
I am not very tech-savvy. Will there be online help if I run into issues during the event?
Don’t worry if you’re not very tech-savvy. Our staff members will be waiting on the Whova app in the ‘Ask Organizers Anything’ channel, you can direct any questions or technical issues to them at any time. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] for assistance during the event.
How can I chat with fellow attendees during the event?
You can have live online conversations with your fellow attendees on our event app, Whova. If you prefer a public chat that will involve more people in the conversation, go to the “Community Board” by clicking the “Community” tab on the bottom of the screen. Create a new conversation topic, or use existing topics like “Meet-ups.”
If you prefer a private conversation, find an attendee’s profile (click here to see how to find a profile), either “Say Hi” with one click or start a private chat by clicking the “Message” button. You can convert it to a private group chat by inviting more people.
Can I have a copy of the PowerPoint presentations?
We will upload a PDF of the PowerPoint presentations, relevant handouts, links to resources, and related materials on to our website and event app (Whova) after the event.
Can I have the contact details of a presenter/community voice?
Please email [email protected] to make this request, thank you.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL EVENT APP
Please download our free event app, Whova, before the event. Simply visit your app store, search for “Whova” or click here to download the app.
Once you have joined the app, enter the event name, “Virtual Summer Conference 2021”. You have been emailed these details but if you cannot see them or need further help, email [email protected] Through Whova, you can have online conversations with your fellow attendees, pose questions for the panelists, see the event agenda, vote for your favorite entry in our Zebras Got Talent contest and more. For some useful times on navigating Whova, click here.
Whova will be integrated with the Zoom event, allowing you to watch the live event via the Whova app or Zoom as you prefer.
USE MENTIMETER FOR A MORE INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
During this event, some of our presenters will be using Mentimeter to present live. Unlike traditional presentations, Mentimeter gives you, the audience, the chance to interact with the presenter via live polls, quizzes, word clouds, Q&As and more in real-time. All that is needed for you to start using Mentimeter is an internet-connected device. That’s it! No installations, no downloads. Mentimeter is entirely browser-based, meaning that you can use any internet-connected device to interact and vote during the presentations.
The most popular option is to use a smartphone, and here are the general requirements:
- Android: version 4.0 or later
- Windows Phone: version 8.0 or later
- iPhone: iOS 7.0 or later
Please note that cookies need to be enabled on the voting device. This is managed through the browser settings. To start interacting with a presentation, go to www.menti.com and enter the code you will be given at the start of the presentation in the text field (see below).
VOTE FOR ZEBRAS GOT TALENT!
Taking place during our Virtual Summer Conference, Zebras Got Talent is an online exhibition that will showcase the creativity of those in our community, at a time when we are hearing from leading experts present on all types of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders. Entries submitted will be uploaded for conference attendees to view on our event app, Whova. The theme for this exhibition is “Living with EDS or HSD.”
Voting for the competition will last for the duration of the full conference, opening at 8:45 am ET (US and Canada) on June 26, and the winners will be notified during the final presentation at 5:30 pm ET on June 27. We will be awarding prizes to the three entries with the highest votes.
