What is an Online Conference?
Online conferences are conducted entirely over the Internet. Presenters and attendees participate directly from their computers through a secure website that includes a variety of collaboration, communication and learning tools. Like traditional face-to-face events, online conferences provide access to presentations by leading experts, networking opportunities, and a variety of resources including white papers, articles, tools and templates, reference lists and other information. The entire event is accessible using a standard web browser and attendees can login and participate at any time that fits their schedule, day or night.
Who should attend this conference?
If you are involved in any of the following areas, whether in a corporation, educational institution, or association, this event is for you:
- E-Learning
- Training
- Distance Education
- Online Communities
- Human Resources
- Knowledge Management
How does an Online Conference work?
This online conference is like a traditional conference but attendees don't need to travel, incur travel expenses, or spend time going to and from the event – the entire conference is held online over a specific period of time. Accessible through a password protected website, the conference includes all of the tools and technology necessary to deliver content-rich presentations, provide useful resources, and foster a true "learning community."
Through real-time and asynchronous (occurring over time) interactions, attendees participate in introductions, presentations, Q&A sessions, informal networking and even facilitated "breakout groups." Most of the presentations are delivered in the form of narrated PowerPoint slideshows that can be accessed and viewed at any time during the conference. Attendees may then post questions and interact with the presenter and each other inside the presenter's virtual conference room.
A "Collaboration Café" provides a forum for structured networking and breakout group collaborations on attendee-defined topics. A directory of participant profiles, instant messaging and virtual meeting rooms encourage additional networking and knowledge sharing. In addition, a variety of resources including speakers' presentations, white papers, articles, and website links are available to all participants through a searchable knowledgebase.
How much does it cost?
Register on or before June 14, 2005, and receive the early-bird registration rate of US $149. After June 14, the registration fee is US $199.
Once the conference is over, will I have access
to the archives?
Yes. The conference site will remain open and accessible for 60 days following the end of the event.
Are there special group rates or group activities
available?
Yes. If you have a group of four or more people, click the multiple registration
link on the Registration form and we will provide you with a group discount. In
addition, we will create a private collaboration space alongside the other conference
activities so your group can discuss implications and ideas pertinent to your
organization.
Do firewalls pose any problems for participation?
Our online conference platform can be accessed through any firewall because it is html-based, doesn't require any proprietary downloads and only uses standard port 80. All presentations are delivered using Macromedia's Flash technology, which is also accessible through firewalls. If you're still concerned about firewall access, click here to perform a test. If you can view and hear the presentation, you'll be able to access the conference just fine. If you experience problems, contact us and we'll be glad to help you.
What are the technical requirements to participate?
To participate, all you need is an Internet connection (at least 56K recommended), web browser, and Macromedia's free Flash plug-in. If you're using Windows you'll need either Internet Explorer version 5 or later. Netscape Navigator version 6.2 or later, or Mozilla Firefox. If you're using a Mac, you'll need Safari, Netscape Navigator 6.2 or later, or Mozilla Firefox.
