Pre-Conference Instructions
This year’s A Meeting of the Profession: 2021 Multistate NASW Conference will be taking place live virtually on Thursday, October 21, 2021 and Friday, October 22, 2021. Participation on the day of the conference requires TWO STEPS to get you ready:
- Activate your registration by logging into the virtual conferencing platform, and
- Downloading the Zoom program.
You will need to activate your registration before the day of the conference in order for chapter staff to be able to provide assistance with your registration. On the day of the event, staff time will be entirely devoted to facilitating the conference, and any login issues may not be addressed in time to ensure receiving your continuing education hours (CEUs) in full. NOTE: We are not responsible for the reduction/non-issuing of CEUs due to registrant issues the day of the conference.
STEP ONE: Activate Your Registration Now:
- AFTER REGISTERING, you will receive an e-mail with the conference login URL.
- Enter in the e-mail address you used when registering for the conference. Then click the blue “Next–>” button; do not click the blue register button as you have already pre-registered.
- If this is your first time logging in: you will be asked to create an account. Create a password and accept the terms of service to create an account. Then follow the prompts to create a profile. You will be asked to verify your e-mail address—simply check your e-mail address for the verification e-mail, and verify the account. When you next go to the conference login URL, you should be able to log into your new Attendify account.
- If you have previously logged in: you will be asked for your password. If you do not know your password, select “Forgot password?” to reset your password.
- If you get a red “Restricted access. Please contact the organizer,” message: the system cannot match your e-mail address to one on the registration list. Please be sure to double check the spelling of your e-mail address and check your registration receipt for the e-mail under which you registered.
If you are still experiencing login issues, reach out to NASW-IL as soon as possible for assistance.
STEP TWO: Download Zoom Now and Check Your Tech
We strongly recommend signing into the training 15 minutes early on a desktop computer or laptop that is physically hardwired to the internet (not connecting via WiFi if possible); using a tablet or cell phone is discouraged. You may also need to turn off any pop-up blockers on your web browser.
First time using Zoom? Unsure about your audio and video tech? Join a test meeting with Zoom to check your settings.
- Go to http://zoom.us/test to join a Meeting Test.
- When prompted by your browser, click “Open Zoom Meetings.” If you don’t have Zoom installed onto your computer, follow the prompts to download and install Zoom.
- The test meeting will display a pop-up window to test your speakers. Follow steps for testing your tech. For more help, go to the Zoom Meeting Test tutorial: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/115002262083-Joining-a-Test-Meeting
- A prompt to upgrade your Zoom account may appear—disregard this prompt as you will not be kicked out of the training at any time if you have a free Zoom account.
- Need more Zoom assistance? Go to the Zoom “Getting Started” page for further assistance: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/200101697. You can also contact them directly on their webpage to receive further support.
Mac Users: It is highly recommended to download the Zoom software ahead of time (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362233-Where-Do-I-Download-The-Latest-Version-). If you are unable to do so, you will still be able to use your browser to attend the session, but please be patient. You will have to wait a couple of seconds and “X” out the box prompting you to download the software before a blue link appears just below on the browser page to join the meeting from your browser.
Day of Conference Instructions
Prepare Your Work Station
- If possible, have your desktop or laptop computer manually hardwired into the internet to avoid any dips in connectivity speeds during the day. Participation on a tablet or cell phone is strongly discouraged.
- Move to a quiet place, away from distractions, where you will be comfortable and able to focus.
- Turn off any pop-up blockers your browser may have enabled. This may prevent your ability to participate in any polls that take place during the conference.
- Have your computer plugged into an electrical source so you don’t potentially have the conference cut out due to a battery outage. Else, make sure to have a charger and an outlet at an accessible distance.
Conference Check-In
Conference attendees can begin logging into the first morning session beginning at 8:30am. We strongly suggest all attendees logging in at 8:45am to allow time for troubleshooting any issues with sound or video before the conference start time.
Navigating the Conference Main Page (Town Hall)
After logging into the virtual conferencing platform, you will see the conference main page (Town Hall).
–> Speaker and Exhibitor Information
From the Town Hall page, look to the far left and click on “Speakers” or “Exhibitors” to find further information about this year’s Multi-State NASW Conference speakers and exhibitors.
–> Conference Schedule & Workshop Materials
From the Town Hall page, look to the far left and click on “Schedule.” A list of the full day’s schedule can be found here. Additionally, full workshop descriptions, speakers and speaker bios, and workshop Power Point slides and handouts can be found by clicking on a specific workshop. Make sure to scroll down to find all information pertaining to that workshop including complete workshop descriptions, speaker headshots, workshop handouts, and more.
Note: Handouts have been uploaded for a workshop if a presenter has provided them for sharing. Not all workshops will have handouts. Some presenters may provide materials with the chapter after the conference. If this occurs, the materials will be uploaded to that session at a later date.
–> Activity Stream
Connect with other conference attendees on the Activity Stream! Log in now to post about what you’re most excited about for this year’s conference and what you hope to learn. From the Town Hall page, find the Activity Stream in the central column, or look to the far left column and click on “Activity Stream.”
During the Conference
- Questions? There will be moments throughout the speaker’s presentation to pause and take audience questions. Use the chat function or Q/A function located on the bottom toolbar of the Zoom screen to submit your question. Time permitting, we will do our best to address all relevant questions. The presenter will also share their e-mail at the end of the presentation for follow-up questions. Chapter staff will also be answering questions to the best of their knowledge in the chat or Q/A functions.
- Follow all directions given by chapter staff and presenter(s).
- Feel free to take notes.
- Pay attention and participate when prompted through to the end.
- Stay logged into the virtual conferencing platform. If you accidentally exit out, rejoin the conference immediately. Leaving the conference early may result in deducted CEUs.
Workshop Handouts
From the Town Hall page, look to the far left and click on “Schedule.” A list of the full day’s schedule can be found here. Additionally, full workshop descriptions, speakers and speaker bios, and workshop Power Point slides and handouts can be found by clicking on a specific workshop. Make sure to scroll down to find all information pertaining to that workshop including complete workshop descriptions, speaker headshots, workshop handouts, and more.
Note: Handouts have been uploaded for a workshop if a presenter has provided them for sharing. Not all workshops will have handouts. Some presenters may provide materials with the chapter after the conference. If this occurs, the materials will be uploaded to that session at a later date
