What to expect at the virtual ONPHA Conference
When emergency orders came in to place in March of this year, ONPHA’s Senior Leadership Team had a difficult decision to make: should we continue to plan the Conference in November, hoping that the pandemic would recede and that a large, in-person event would be possible? Faced with the risk of having to cancel the Conference all together, we made the decision to forge ahead with a virtual conference.
The ONPHA team is gearing up to deliver our first-ever virtual Conference on Wednesday, November 4. Most of us have gotten used to doing things virtually throughout the pandemic: virtual meetings, video calls with friends and family, phone or video appointments, etc., but how exactly does a virtual conference work and what is the experience like? Our conference platform emulates the look and feel of an in-person event. Read on to learn more about how the Conference day will unfold.
Getting started
After logging in, you’ll find yourself in the virtual lobby. This will be your home base from where you can access the different parts of the Conference: the Theatre, Networking Lounge, Exhibit Hall, and the ONPHA Centre.
Networking opportunities
Set up your personal profile when you first log in to the Conference and customize it with your profile picture and contact details. Once your profile is set up, you can easily forward your virtual business card to fellow attendees, speakers, and Trade Show exhibitors during the event.
Visit the Networking Lounge between sessions to chat with your peers. Once you enter the lounge, you can participate in a public group chat or send a private message to anyone you’d like to meet with one-on-one.
Programming
Keeping the unique challenges that this year has brought at the top of our minds, we have been working with local, national, and international experts to deliver engaging and timely keynote addresses and to discuss the biggest issues facing the community housing sector. Click here to check out our Conference sessions. Panel discussions will be available to all Conference attendees for on demand viewing following the Conference. Keynote addresses are available live on November 4 only, so don’t miss out.
Enter the virtual Theatre to see the day’s sessions. Click play on the session you want to attend as it’s in progress. The interactive Q&A chat box allows you to ask questions and respond to polls during the session so that you can engage with the speakers and the subject matter.
Connect with Suppliers
Enter the Exhibit Hall to visit the ONPHA Trade Show. Find solutions to all of your procurement needs in our one-stop supplier shop. Browse and click on the virtual booths to chat in real-time with company representatives.
Take advantage of early access to the Conference space on Tuesday, November 3 to set up your profile early and visit the Trade Show from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Exhibit Hall will also be open throughout the Conference on Wednesday, November 4.
Come say hi!
See what we’ve been up to, chat with our friendly staff, and find out what’s coming up at the ONPHA Centre, our virtual answer to the ONPHA Booth. Learn about our recent advocacy with government, catch up on the blog, and get links to resources, upcoming courses, and events. Our staff will be on hand to answer all of your questions throughout the Conference. Make sure you stop by and say hello.
We know that the experience of the Conference itself can be just as important as the learning opportunities that are offered, which is why we’ve put so much effort into making sure you get the best experience possible from the virtual 2020 ONPHA Conference. We hope to see you on Wednesday, November 4 for a day of learning, networking, and celebrating sector excellence.
Visit our website for more information or contact us at conference@onpha.org with your questions about the Conference.
