We want to make sure you have the best experience possible in the virtual environment. Technology isn’t perfect, so here are some tech tips:

Before the event, select your device and prepare your technology.

• For the best experience at the event, we recommend joining from a computer or laptop and using the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge to ensure you have full functionality.
• If you plan to participate from a mobile device or tablet, download the Hopin app. Accessibility features are not available via the app.

Before the event, perform the following system checks.

1. Test your browser, internet connection, and make sure your video and microphone work.
2. Additional information on browser compatibility.

Accessibility Features 

Closed captions are available in all video sessions. If you would like the option of live captions during the event, click on the Closed Captioning tab on the right-hand side of your screen. Depending on the session, you will have the option to choose “English” or “Spanish” closed captions.  

Spanish audio interpretation may be available for some sessions. Look for the "Spanish interpretation" tab on the right-hand side of your screen to change the session audio.

Closed captions and Spanish audio are only available when using a Desktop or Laptop computer. 

Most keynotes and panel discussions can be found in the event Stages area. Keynotes and panels feature speakers presenting to the audience. Participant cameras and microphones will be off. However, participants are able to chat with other attendees and submit questions to the speaker or panelists in the Stage chat and Q&A buttons. All keynotes and panel discussions will be recorded.

If a keynote or panel discussion is in the Sessions area, participant's cameras and microphones will be off until the interactive Q&A begins. At this time, participants will have the option of sharing their audio and video to ask speakers their questions live. In this case, the presentation portion will be recorded but the interactive Q&A will not.  

Small-group discussions can be found in the event Sessions area. Small-group discussions are where participants interact in small-groups through video (camera and microphone can be turned on) and are led by a trained facilitator through a topic-based conversation. Small-group discussions are NOT recorded. 

Whether you're watching a keynote or panel, or participating in a small-group discussion, please consider the following tips, which will make the virtual experience awesome for you:

• Join at least 5 minutes prior to your session’s start time to give yourself time to ensure all your tech works.
• For small-group discussions, make sure your location is quiet and has good lighting. Video group members should be able to see your face (don’t put the light behind you!).
• Ensure you don’t have updates running on your machine.
• Too many users on your internet watching video or gaming (i.e. Netflix, Hulu, Xbox, PS etc.) can affect the quality of your video and audio.

Privacy Settings can be adjusted when you are in the virtual environment. You can learn how to adjust your privacy settings here, as well as how to mute or block private messages here.  

Technology support will be available during all community conferences.

• If you encounter issues during the event, visit the IT Help Desk. 
• Sometimes the easiest solution is to leave the event and log back in.
• If you have problems logging into the event, email us at communityconferences@cff.org