REF21 - Virtual Event User Guide
Virtual Event User Guide | Canadian Real Estate Forums
Virtual Event User Guide
Canadian Real Estate Forums
Getting Started
Logging In And Setting Up Your Profile
To help you navigate the virtual platform and get the most out of your time at the virtual Conference, we have created a simple how-to guide. This guide will explain how to get started and set up your profile, all of the items on the menu bar within the platform, and frequently asked questions, so you can easily access all of the great features available to you.
How To Join The Event
Our Virtual Platform will be open one week prior to the event. You will receive your login instructions from the email address: events@informacanada.com
We recommend you add to your 'safe senders' list the following two email addresses for the duration of the event to ensure you receive all of your email communications from the virtual event, including login information and updates:
events@informacanada.com
informa@microspec.com
For information on how to add email addresses to your safe senders list in Microsoft Outlook, click here. For all other email platforms, search for your 'email provider name’ along with ‘safe sender list’ in your chosen search engine.
The virtual event is accessible on smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. Please make sure that you join the event from a supported browser:
- Chrome 14 and later
- Safari 5.1 and later
- Firefox 6 and later
- Edge 40 and later
Do not use Internet Explorer as your browser as it is not supported by our platform.
If you experience any issues, try clearing your cache or opening a new 'incognito' window.
How To Log In
- If you have not logged in before, you will be asked to Create a Password to do so and join the Forum. Watch instructional video.
- If you enter your Email Address and receive a Welcome Back message that prompts you to enter your Password, that means you have an existing EventMobi account. Watch instructional video.
- If you don't remember your Password, there is a Forgot Password button on the screen that you can use to reset your Password. Watch instructional video.
- If you do not receive an email to reset your password and are on a VPN it could be that your organization has caught it in a firewall. Please log off the VPN and use direct internet only.
Once you have logged in, you will be taken to the event homepage and you can navigate your way around the event using the navigation bar on the left hand-side.
Navigate to the 'Virtual Platform Explained' page in the 'Contents' menu above to learn more about how to navigate the platform and get the most out of the virtual event.
Update Your Profile
To update your profile, click on the person icon at the top right hand side of the screen. A new column will appear - click ‘Edit Profile’.
You can:
- Add a profile image
- Update your job title or company name
- Add a headline or professional profile
- Add links to a website and social networks
Select Your Preferences
To select your preferences, click on the person icon. A new column will appear - click ‘Preferences’. From here you can:
- Enable Messaging & Meetings
- Enable Emails
- Enable Push Notifications
- Sort participants by first or last name
Please note all the settings are turned on by default. To turn off any setting, click the toggle button. Settings are turned on when the toggle button is on the right and turned off when the toggle button is on the left.
View Your Notifications
At the top centre of your screen you will see ‘Event Feed’ with an arrow pointing down. An orange circle will appear next to Event Feed when you have new notifications. This will keep you up to date with event announcements, meeting requests and messages.
Virtual Platform Explained
The Navigation Bar And Features: Get The Most Out Of Your Virtual Experience
Once logged in to the virtual event platform, you will see the navigation menu on the left hand side of the screen. This section explains the different tabs within the navigation bar from top to bottom.
Search Bar
Type the first or last name of an attendee or speaker to find them.
Live – Happening Now
Click on "Live – Happening Now" during the event to watch the sessions on the main stage, plenary and concurrent sessions or for information on what is taking place at the time. Please note this section is only accessible during the event days.
Networking Zoom Lounge
Click on Networking Zoom Lounge during the event to access the Zoom Lounge and engage with guest speakers and attendees. Refer to the program for the Lounge schedule. Please note this section is only accessible during the event days. Note: there is limited capacity in the Zoom Lounge and access is on first come basis.
Program
Click on Program to explore the event agenda. Sort by day or click ‘View All’ to see the two-day program.
To add a session to your schedule, click ‘Add to Your Schedule’ under the session you want to add. After the event, view all of the presentations you missed here; all content will be made available following the live event. The on-demand content is available for a two week period for non REF Club members and for the remainder of the year for REF Club members.
Network With Attendees
This is where you can find a list of all the attendees to the event, listed by alphabetical order.
To search by first or last name, enter the name in the Search bar at the top of the page. To send a private message or request a meeting, click on the attendee’s profile and click ‘Send a Message’ or ‘Schedule a Meeting’.
Speakers & Biographies
All the Speakers at the event are listed here by alphabetical order. By clicking on a Speaker’s name, you will be able to read their bio, see the session they are participating in and send a message or request a meeting. You can also add speaker's sessions to your schedule in the Speaker Bio Section.
Connect With Sponsors
Visit the ‘Sponsors’ hub to gather valuable information from leading product and service providers. To search for a sponsor, type the company name in the search bar at the top of the page. A list of Company Representatives is also available on the sponsor page. Schedule meetings or send private messages to find out more about how their products and services can support you and your team.
Social Media Feed
A collection of all the Twitter and Instagram posts with the event’s hashtag.
Engage-To-Win
Complete the challenges, boost your score and your chance to win one of the prizes, including a complimentary registration to next year's event.
My Schedule
View a list of the sessions you have added to your schedule. The list can be sorted per day or the full two-day event.
My Briefcase
One place to keep track of your documents, messages and notes. You can download any documents and notes that you add to your Briefcase throughout the event and connect with event attendees through the Messages section.
Help Desk
Access our How To, FAQs and other important information about the event. If you have questions about the virtual event, the Program and upcoming Forums and Conferences, you can contact the person listed on the Help Desk for assistance.
Access REF Club
Access the Real Estate Forums Club through just one click with this convenient link.
Please note access to the Club is for Members only.
Join REF Club
For information on how to become a member.
Refresh App
Click the ‘Refresh App’ button frequently to make sure you are always seeing the latest content and are accessing the most updated version of the platform.
Live Support
Click on the ? icon at the top right of your screen to connect with one of our Support Team Members, who will be able to help resolve any technical issues with the platform. Please note that this is accessible only during the event.
FAQ's
•How does Networking work
•How to watch sessions
•What to do if something's not working
•And more answers to your questions
'How To' questions answered to help you make the most of your time in the virtual event.
What will I see when I enter the virtual event?
When you arrive, you will be in the home page. From here, you can pop into the Networking Zoom Lounge. At the top of the page click on Continue The Conversation and our concierge will welcome you to participate in what is often lively discussion and debate about element of the CRE industry. Once the program starts for the day you can visit Live – Happening Now to participate in the live stream of the program, explore and watch the individual sessions under View The Agenda, view the expert speaker roster under Speakers, see who’s attending the event under Network With Attendees, check out and network in the Networking Zoom Lounge, visit the Help Desk for information on how best to navigate the event and much more!
How do I watch the sessions?
Access educational market intelligence through virtual panels, expert interviews and keynote discussions during and after the event. At the scheduled event time, you can click on Live – Happening Now to automatically watch the live stream of the program. You can also access the live video stream by clicking on individual sessions under Program.
If you join late, no worries—you will join the sessions already in progress and the full event will be offered on-demand once it’s over.
Will sessions be available to watch after the event?
Yes! For the first time, watch sessions at your convenience, post event. You no longer need to select only one concurrent session. See them all On Demand later. REF Members have until the end of the year to view the sessions while conference attendees have two full weeks!
Can I ask questions and post comments during a session?
To save time, we solicited questions for the speakers prior to the event going live. We do have a number of speakers present in the Lounge following their presentations to do just that.
You can also connect with other attendees throughout the session by using the Chat featured on the right-hand side of the screen. You can leave a comment, ask a general question of the attendees, post an emoji, or respond directly to another attendee.
Where Can I find session resources and take notes?
Session resources will be listed under the session details. You can save resources to Document > My Briefcase to access later.
For those of you who would like to follow along and take any notes during the presentations, you can do so by clicking on the Add Your Notes button located at the bottom of the video window. Notes will be stored in Notes > My Briefcase.
Remember to download everything that you want to keep before the two weeks post event access cut off as these will not be available to you after that. REF Club Members have access until end 2021.
How does Networking work?
Spontaneously connect with your peers, look-up a contact, see who’s online, start a chat, launch a video call, book meetings and more. See who’s attending the event under Network With Attendees as well as by popping into the Lounge.
When in the Network space, find someone you’d like to meet, send them a message and/or request a meeting. It’s that simple! You can also join the conversation in the Lounge by posting your questions and comments to the chat forum as well as joining the open Zoom Lounge accessed via the Networking Zoom Lounge.
Why should I complete my profile?
Personalize your profile like you would LinkedIn and join chat forums, 1:1 meetings, and group conversations. The more information you have, the more relevant connections you will make.
Click My Profile in the menu or from the event lobby and enter your Name, Job Title, Company, Bio*, Website* and Social Media accounts plus upload a photo.
How do I access saved sessions and meeting requests?
Keep track of all your important Sessions and Meetings in one easy to manage place. Using the menu, go to Program and select Sessions to add to My Schedule. Meetings booked will automatically populate in My Schedule. Sessions and Meetings will appear in their upcoming order in My Schedule from the menu.
What's happening in the Zoom Lounge?
Join the Zoom Lounge for peer-to-peer networking, relaxed conversations, idea sharing and market insights. We will have several discussions and polls going on in the Zoom Lounge and selected speakers will be available to answer your questions. Visit the Zoom Lounge to check out the full schedule.
What should I do if I don't want to be contacted by other attendees during the event?
Update your Preferences to enable/disable messaging and meetings and set your email and push notifications. Under My Profile, Click Preferences - second option in the right panel. Change your settings by clicking the toggle button on the right.
How can I learn more about business opportunities?
Connect virtually to your business partners, potential investors or learn about investment, development, leasing and financing opportunities.
You can connect with sponsors by accessing them by clicking on Connect With Sponsors on the navigation menu to the left of your screen. Their staff will be listed. Simply click on the person with whom you wish to connect - it’s that easy.
How do I participate in Live Polling?
Live polls are included throughout the conference to engage our virtual audience. To respond to a live poll, click on the “Polls” section located on the right-hand side of the screen of a Program session page, select your answer and then click submit to share your response.
How do you use your Briefcase?
Fill your virtual Briefcase with Documents from the day’s program, take Notes during your session and see your Messages. All of this information will be stored in one place for you to access at any point, during and after the conference. Your Briefcase will be available to access for up to two weeks after the event concludes.
Remember to download everything that you want to keep before the two weeks post event access cut off as these will not be available to you after that. REF Club Members have access until end 2021.
What if something's not working?
Visit the Help Desk located in the menu on the left side. Here you can access our How To, FAQs and other important information. Alternatively, if at any time you need technical assistance during the virtual event, please click on the Live Support button located on the top right side menu. A chat box will open and you will be connected to EventMobi technical support for immediate assistance.
