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Explore the Cvent Attendee Hub/App

This year, URMIA is using the Cvent conference platform to help you connect with other conference attendees, get the latest schedule, and rate the sessions following each presentation.

Attending Virtually? Familiarize Yourself with the URMIA’s Conference Website

Attendees will get a fuller conference experience if they log into the conference using a desktop, laptop, or tablet. The mobile app offers limited functionality. We encourage you to get your device set up and ready to go long before the first session you want to attend. Technology seems to fail most when we are in a hurry.😉

Here’s how to get started:

1. Go to URMIA’s annual conference login page on the Cvent platform on the latest version of Firefox, Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.
2. Log in using the name and email address that you used to register for the conference and click the “next” button.
3. A verification code will be emailed to your email address. Enter it in the next screen and click “Log in.”

Once logged in, you can:

• Create your personal schedule by clicking on Schedule at the top and clicking on the “Add” button next to any session you plan to attend or that looks interesting. Use the filters to help find sessions and consider using the “Virtual” tag to get those offered to those attending from afar. Having the sessions already on your schedule gives you easy access when you try to squeeze in one last email reply between sessions.
• View/edit your profile. Click on your photo or the icon in the upper right corner of the menu bar and fill in some additional information to help with networking.
• Connect with other attendees using the Community > Attendees menu items. Maybe it’s someone you already know or connect with someone who asked the same question you had during a session.

When We’re Airing Live from New Orleans

Here’s what to do once the conference/sessions start:

• Make sure you log in early, check your audio and internet connection, put your phone on silent, and grab something to drink.
• Only the presenters will be on camera and mic, not you as an attendee.
• Add a session to your schedule on the app so you can interact with others through the Chat, Polling, and Q&A features. (You will see these when a session goes live.) Don’t be shy! You can:
• Participate in the discussions in the Chat tab. Each session’s hybrid moderator will put directions in the chat tab. There will also be technical support available in the chat. (If a more detailed tech response is needed, support will send a direct message to your profile instead of the session chat.)
• Ask questions in the Q&A tab. Write a question to the presenters (either anonymously or not!) and the hybrid moderator will make sure to ask it in person. Upvote other questions in the Q&A tab that you want asked by clicking the uptick arrow on the individual question.
• Respond to any polling questions asked during the presentation.
• Don’t forget to network during sessions, too. Make a note of people who seem to be asking similar questions that you have and/or those who brought up a topic you want to explore further. Send them a note through the conference app after the session and ask if you can set up a time to dive into the topic a bit further one-on-one.
• Engage in real-time messaging during presentations. Unlike in-person events, private conversations during presentations are acceptable, even expected to some degree! To direct message another attendee simply:
• Find your new connection by clicking on their profile in the Attendee List, adding them as a connection (Person with Plus Sign Icon) and send them a message (Chat bubble Icon).
• Ask new connections what they think of a particular idea when it is presented during the session.
• Review the session through the Survey Tool. Help our speakers and staff improve next year’s virtual conference through your valuable feedback.

Using the Mobile App

If you are attending virtually and need to use the mobile app instead of accessing the conference through a web browser, you will have limited functionality but participation is still possible. Here’s how to get started with the mobile app.

• Download the Cvent App. Download on the Apple Store here and the Google Play Store here. Once you have the app downloaded, search for “URMIA’s 2024 Annual Conference” and click on the arrow to pull it up.
• Get connected. Log in with the first name, last name, and email address you used to register for the conference. A verification code will be sent to your email and will need to be entered to gain access to the event.
• Populate your profile in the conference app. Highlight your unique experiences, interests, and skills. Include your social media accounts to make you easy to find outside of the conference, too.
• Build Your Agenda. Click on the Calendar icon at the bottom of the homepage to view the conference schedule. Then click “Virtual Sessions.” Create your personal schedule by clicking the plus icon on the sessions you’d like to attend.
• Check the attendee list on the app. Click on the People icon at the bottom of the homepage to view attendees. Find people who have similar interests and just reach out and say hi to start the conversation. Have a go-to icebreaker question ready to go before the conference starts – Where are you located now? Are you a mountain or beach person?

Help Is Available Although Limited Once the Conference Begins

If you have any questions or trouble getting access to the conference, contact the URMIA Office and we can help. Keep in mind that the staff is in New Orleans and doesn’t have as many opportunities to help as before the conference starts so make sure the technology is working on your devices as early as possible.

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