Virtual Access Details

The hybrid conference will be held on November 17-19, 2023. It will begin at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Friday, November 17 and ends at 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Sunday, November 19. The conference schedule can be found here.

You will be able to navigate the conference using the Whova virtual conference platform, particularly the Agenda feature. Clicking into each individual agenda item will give you access to the session details (e.g. session description, speaker information, room location), any available handout materials, and the link to access the Zoom stream (and later the recording).

On November 15, a direct invitation to join the conference will be sent by Whova to the e-mail address we have on file for your registration. You will not be able to access the event before that e-mail is sent.

Using the same e-mail you used to register for the conference and at which you receive the invitation, you will create an account with Whova and have access to this event. You will only be able to access the conference using this e-mail address and log-in. For attendees in Boston, this is how you will view the schedule, plan your days, and otherwise navigate the event onsite. There will be no hard copy programs provided. For our virtual attendees, this is how you will plan your agenda and access the live streaming conference sessions from your laptop or computer.

It's recommended that you also download the free Whova mobile app to access more networking features and receive text reminders and announcements during the conference. **The app is particularly recommended for those attending live in Boston. Virtual attendees should primarily use the web platform.**

For additional information on accessing both the web and app platforms, and tips on how to use Whova to plan your schedule, utilize social networking, and more, please see the Whova Attendee User Guide HERE.

Presentations will be using Zoom. If you are not a current user of Zoom, or you will be using a different computer to participate, you may want to first perform a test (https://zoom.us/test) to be sure you have Zoom access.

The Whova event platform works best using Chrome or Firefox browers. Safari is typically the least stable for the most up-to-date content.

For the best audio and video experience, the most important thing is a strong internet connection. WiFi or a direct ethernet cable connection will both work as long as you have a strong signal. You can test your internet speed here (http://www.speedtest.net).

The recommended internet speed is at least:

Download speed 2-10 mbps
Upload speed 3-5 mbps

Check the security settings on your computer to make sure Whova and Zoom are allowed to access your camera and microphone. You can also contact Whova support at [email protected].

Both. Most of the keynotes and concurrent sessions will be live and some will feature interactive breakout sessions. All conference sessions will be recorded and the recordings will be available for 45-days after the conference for on-demand viewing in Whova. Recordings will be posted within 72 hours of their live airing.

Whova is our conference "home base" and allows you to access sessions, any shared handouts or documents, and networking features all in one place. Zoom is our streaming platform and is required to see and hear the live sessions. The Zoom meeting links are integrated within each session listing in the agenda on Whova. When you click on the link, it will launch Zoom in a new window or tab. When the session is over, exit the Zoom tab and go back to the open Whova event tab.

No, you do not need to be on camera but you are welcome to leave your camera on when able. All sessions are presented in meeting format so you can choose whether or not to have your camera on. Please note that certain concurrent sessions will take advantage of the breakout rooms and these sessions are intended to be interactive. Our request is that everyone turn on their cameras and participate in the breakout room to re-create the "in-person" experience and make the sessions as engaging as possible. Please keep your mic on mute when the speaker is presenting unless you are asking a question or participating in a discussion.

The pre-conference workshops will run on Friday, November 17. These workshops are separate from the general conference, requiring a separate registration fee. There workshops are offered live in Boston only and will have no virtual component and are not recorded.