General Questions
What will a virtual Analytics Conference look like?
What are the dates for the virtual conference?
What do I need to attend the virtual conference?
Networking with other people is a big reason I attend. How will you offer this benefit online?
Will Sessions be interactive? Will I be able to ask questions of the authors or speakers?
Will Sessions be synchronous or asynchronous?
Will I still be able to earn PDUs for sessions I attend?
I am unavailable during the scheduled broadcast time. Will I be able to watch the presentations at a later date/time?
Registration
When can I register for the virtual conference and how much will it cost?
Why is the registration rate so high?
What is the cancellation policy for the virtual conference?
Presentations/Speakers
Will the recordings be available after the conference?
Can I present live instead of uploading a recording?
Do I need to register if I am presenting?
Has the presentation submission process changed since the conference is now virtual?
Do I need to register if I am presenting?
What is the submission deadline?
Will I have to present live or submit a prerecorded presentation?
What platform will the sessions be presented on?
Will there be Q&A sessions with speakers?
Will there be a Virtual Poster Session?
Exhibitors/Sponsorship
Will there be an exhibit hall?
How can I become a sponsor the INFORMS Analytics Conference?
General Questions
What will a virtual Analytics Conference look like?
Check out this video for a sneak peek of the conference platform and to get an idea of what the conference will look like.
What are the dates for the virtual conference?
The dates of the meeting are April 12-14. Please be sure to check the Analytics Conference web site for updates.
What do I need to attend the virtual conference?
To attend the virtual conference, you will need a good internet connection, your laptop or computer and a valid registration. You will receive instructions prior to the virtual conference. We do not recommend participating on your cell phone.
Networking with other people is a big reason I attend. How will you offer this benefit online?
We understand the value that attendees get from engaging and interacting with other attendees. We will continue to share details regarding how we plan to build those opportunities into the virtual experience.
Will sessions be interactive? Will I be able to ask questions of the authors or speakers?
It is our intent to provide as interactive a platform as possible. These interactions will only be available for registered attendees of the virtual Analytics Conference. You will be able to ask questions in the chat box and a moderator will verbally ask the questions to the speaker or the speaker may respond in the chat box.
Will sessions be synchronous or asynchronous?
The sessions will be synchronous. At the listed start times the sessions will begin with an introduction, countdown and then the presentation. Immediately following the presentation there will be live Q&A with the speaker. However, if you miss a session during the scheduled time you will be able to go back and view it within 15 minutes of the end time. All content will be available for 30 days after the conference.
Will I still be able to earn PDUs for sessions I attend?
Yes, you can collect PDUs for participation. The fillable PDU form can be found here.
I am unavailable during the scheduled broadcast time. Will I be able to watch the presentations at a later date/time?
Yes, there will be on-demand access to presentations. They will be available to view within 15 minutes of the scheduled end time and will available for 30 days post conference.
Registration
When can I register for the virtual meeting and how much will it cost?
Registration is now open. Information including updated pricing is on the Registration page.
What factors are used to determine the registration rate?
While it may appear that a virtual meeting should cost less than an in-person one, costs are significantly higher than you would expect due to the virtual meeting platform and production prices. Additionally, we have increased expenses such as data storage costs for after the meeting (on demand content). Unlike our 2020 Virtual Business Analytics Conference, this year we are featuring ALL of the tracks and other content that you would have access to on-site, without the extra costs contributed from having to travel.
What is the cancellation policy for the virtual conference?
No refunds will be issued for the virtual conference.
Presentations/Speakers
Will the recordings be available after the conference?
Yes. For one month after the conference ends.
Can I present live instead of uploading a recording?
INFORMS is asking people to pre-record. INFORMS cannot ensure quality for live presentations and with a meeting of this size, we are not suggesting it. The live Q&A will not be recorded and it will not be a part of the on-demand content after the conference dates.
Do I need to register if I am presenting?
Yes. All participants, including presenters, must be registered to have access to the platform.
Who manages the video in the virtual platform?
MeetingPlay. This is the same platform that you used to upload your presentation if you are a speaker.
Will there be Q&A sessions with speakers?
Yes, each session will have a live Q&A. Participants will enter their questions in the chat box and a moderator will ask the questions verbally. Speakers may also answer questions in the chat box. We encourage conversations to continue through the Discussion Board or Direct Messaging.
Is INFORMS offering support for presenters who do not have the technical skills to record their own talks, or does that responsibility devolve to the session chairs?
There is a helpful video and important tips listed here on the Speaker Tips page. If you still have questions regarding the technical aspects of recording your talk, please contact Cassie McKay
Can I still edit my title, authors, and summary text?
The editing deadline is March 11. After this date no changes can be made because the content will be submitted for production.
If I can’t upload my talk by the deadline (e.g., my company/agency requires internal review and approval of all conference presentations), will I still be allowed to present and can I request an extension?
Yes. Please contact Cassie McKay at INFORMS.
Where can I upload my recording?
Speakers should upload their presentations by March 15 to this Dropbox.
Will there be a Virtual Poster Session?
Yes. There will be a Virtual Poster Session that is taking place on Monday, April 12 from 11am-12noon Eastern. If you miss the live poster session, they will be available on demand.
Exhibitors/Sponsorship
Will there be an exhibit hall?
How can I become a sponsor the INFORMS Analytics Conference?
Please visit the Sponsorship page for details on packages and benefits.
