A few things to keep in mind as you’re in the virtual environment…

High Level & Contact Information 

• We have a Code of Conduct that will be strictly enforced. Read it before participating.
• We’ll be in the “Help Desk” area of the virtual environment and available to help you in case of a question. You can also contact the ATO team via direct email at [email protected]. 
• The virtual environment will “open” on Sunday, October 17 at 4:00 pm EDT to allow for those registered to peruse and familiarize themselves with the platform. If you have questions, we’ll be in the Help Desk area. 
• Live programming begins at 8:45 am EDT on Monday morning, October 18 with keynote talks. The “keynote” area will be clearly marked.  
• Live programming begins at 9:45 am ET on Tuesday morning, October 19 with keynote talks. The “keynote” area will be clearly marked.
• Forty-five (45) and ninety (90) minute breakout sessions will follow keynote talks each day.
• Live programming is scheduled to wrap up at approximately 4:45 pm ET on Monday (Oct 18)  and 4:45 pm ET on Tuesday (Oct 19). A quick wrap-up session will take place both days from 4:45 – 5:00 pm EDT in the “keynote” area/stage.

Personal

• You can turn on the “Do Not Disturb” setting on your profile if you do not wish to be contacted by other attendees. This is not required of course, but it is an option.

Technology

• For the best viewing experience we recommend a desktop or tablet (portrait) view. Content can be viewed on a mobile device, but it is not optimal.  
• We are using the 6Connect virtual platform, which you are on now. Everything but the talks themselves will take place in the 6Connex/All Things Open environment. Talk links will be embedded in the 6Connex environment, then will link out to a separate tab/window. Once attendees view a talk(s), they will return to the 6Connex/ATO environment. 

Here are some additional technical suggestions from 6Connex:

• Disconnect from a VPN (if possible) / Close any unnecessary applications. 
• Laptop, computer (Mac or PC) or tablets (Android or IOS) are supported. 
• This is a virtual, browser-based experience. We find that Chrome or Firefox are the most stable and consistent browser options for accessing the virtual environment.

We are using Zoom as the 3rd party video platform for ATO 2020.

• We chose Zoom based on community feedback and the fact most are familiar with the platform’s interface, processes and features.
• When you click on a talk, you can either view the talk/Zoom in the browser or in a separate window. If in a separate window, you will need to download Zoom.
• For the best experience possible we recommend downloading the Zoom client prior to the event beginning.
• Minimum Zoom requirements can be found here on the Zoom website. 

Gamification & Points

You might notice that as you navigate around the virtual environment you will accrue points based on the actions you take, which will be displayed on the Leaderboard (you’ll see a small “Leaderboard” icon). If interested, please follow along and be active while on the site (the more active you are, the more points you score). However, most will not “play” the game and will instead simply enjoy the virtual experience and consume the content they are interested in. If this describes you, please disregard the Leaderboard. “Playing” is not required in any way. Most important is that you enjoy the speakers and content featured.

If you are interested in the “game” and accruing points, the rules / parameters can be found here.