2009 Questions and Answers About the MSATA Virtual Conference
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Q: Will video of the speaker and PowerPoint presentations be available?
Q: What if I am a presenter and do not have access to a webcam?
Q: Will we be able to use the same presentations as would have been in the face-to-face conference?
Q: Will we hear the same general session speakers as were planned originally?
Q: Will we have the ability to ask questions of the speakers?
Q: Will we be able to participate in the conference from an auditorium or large conference room?
Q: Will the breakout sessions be going on simultaneously or will they take place over several days?
Q: Will the vendors be able to participate in the conference?
Q: Will we be able to ask questions of the vendors?
Q: What if I want to communicate with another attendee from another state during the breaks?
Q: What about the golf outing?
Q: Will video of the speaker and PowerPoint presentations be available?
A: Yes, with an online virtual conference the software we will use will display video of the presenter and the PowerPoint presentation on the screen at the same time.
Q: What if I am a presenter and do not have access to a webcam?
A: No problem. You can give your presentation with just audio. We recommend that you check with your IT department to see if there is a webcam available.
Q: Will we be able to use the same presentations as would have been in the face-to-face conference?
A: Yes. Any PowerPoint presentation will work with this software. We will provide detailed instructions to all presenters when the time comes.
Q: Will we hear the same general session speakers as were planned originally?
A: We are working with our speakers so they can do their presentations from their home base.
Q: Will we have the ability to ask questions of the speakers?
A: Yes. You will be able to hear the speakers and be able to interact with them. The on-line format offers a couple options for you to use to ask questions or have discussions, in real time, while viewing and listening to presentations, using either audio format, or by text chat.
Q: Will we be able to participate in the conference from an auditorium or large conference room?
A: Yes. For the general session there will be only one presentation going on at once. You will need to work with your IT staff to project the sound from the PC connected to the general session into the auditorium or large conference room.
Q: Will the breakout sessions be going on simultaneously or will they take place over several days?
A: There will be four breakout sessions going on simultaneously, just like during our traditional face-to-face conference.
Q: Will the vendors be able to participate in the conference?
A: Yes. The on-line conference provides for a virtual exhibit hall with booths from many of the same vendors that would typically have been at the face-to-face conference. And, each vendor will have an opportunity to have a two minute video presentation available.
Q: Will we be able to ask questions of the vendors?
A: Absolutely. The virtual exhibit hall provides an opportunity for more uninterrupted one-on-one face time than the traditional in-person conference. You will be able to talk to the vendors one-on-one using video/audio chat or through text chat.
Q: What if I want to communicate with another attendee from another state during the breaks?
A: No problem. We know that networking with colleagues is very important. You will be able to share experiences, resources, and ideas with friends, colleagues, and peers, in real time. We will offer a virtual lounge where conversations can go on either in public chats or private chats using text or video/audio between two individuals.
Q: What about the golf outing?
A: Stay tuned! We are even exploring a solution for a virtual MSATA golf outing so check back for details.
