Conference Guidelines

Conference Guidelines:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of Zoom downloaded before the event.

https://zoom.us/download Click “Zoom Client for Meetings.”


2. We recommend connecting from a computer or laptop. Zoom interface is different on a phone, versus tablet, versus computer. Being on computers will help ensure all participants can be on the same page.

A few related notes:

  • Conference instructions will be using computer interface only.
  • Moderators will be limited or unavailable to support other platforms.
  • Access to Conference is available via tablet and smartphone but not recommended.
  • Must download zoom app onto your smartphone in order to identify in your profile name (see #9, bullet two).
  • For optimum experience, use a computer.


3. We will be using the Zoom Waiting Room feature so be sure to allow ample time for connection. This means you will have difficulty getting in if you are late for a session.

4. We recommend logging in at least 5 minutes before each session. Once the session has started, you will be placed into the Zoom Waiting Room and admitted when moderators and co-hosts are available to do so.


5. We will be using the Zoom Remove Participant feature to permanently remove anyone who is being disruptive, i.e. anyone the conference committee or moderators believe to put the safety of the conference at risk. Bombers will be removed from the conference.


6. The Zoom Chat feature will be turned off periodically. Conference chatting (crosstalk) will be limited and you may find you are unable to chat with other participants. You will still be able to chat with the moderator/co-host if you have any questions.


7. We will be using the Zoom Mute All Participants feature and you may periodically find that you are NOT ABLE TO UNMUTE yourself. You will still be able to chat with the moderator/co-host if you have any questions.


8. During the conference, please refer to the Conference Site as any schedule adjustments will be made in real time.


9. As you attend this virtual conference, please consider the following:

  • Approach just as you would a face-to-face conference and identify yourself with your first name and last initial during Q&A, marathon meetings, and other open forums.
  • Please be sure to use your first name and last initial for your profile/video name PRIOR TO JOINING CONFERENCE. This will help us distinguish you from a potential bomber and let you into the conference. You can also chat the moderator/co-host to update your name for you, but we request that you do this before you log in.
  • Be mindful of visual and audio disruptions that might impact the serenity of the meeting. Keep audio muted when not in use, avoid background noise, and turn off your video if you need to get up and move around so as not to distract others. We recommend turning off video during breaks (extra time to do self-care!)


Safety Orientation-Virtual Introduction for the Conference:


Welcome to the 2020 SoCal CoDA Conference - 20/20 Clarity in Recovery! You made it here so you have access to the Conference Site where you find the schedule for the conference and links to both the rooms; Wisdom Room 1 and Courage Room 2. We will go over the Conference Guidelines. You can find them on the Conference Site. Just click the Link at the top that says Conference Guidelines. [read #1-9 above]

While the format of the conference is set up to allow flexibility, changes may be made in the interest of virtual safety. If there are any changes, again you can refer back to the Conference Site for real time updates.

A little more information about the conference…workshops and speakers sessions will be recorded with audio only, links for workshop handouts are included on the Conference Schedule, and after each workshop and speaker, there is a 30 minute break allowing for 20 minutes of fellowship. Conference moderators, with guidance from their Higher Power, will work to maintain the safety and integrity of this conference.

We would like to invite everyone to the Assembly for SoCal CoDA. If you are in the CoDA fellowship of Southern California, you are a member! This is a time for all of us to gather, meet the SoCal CoDA Board, and vote on the budget and open positions. The Assembly will be held on Saturday at 12:30pm in Room 2-the Courage Room. Please come join us! It is a great opportunity to see how our larger community entity supports us.

Workshops and speakers will be here in Wisdom Room 1 and the marathon meetings and Assembly will be in Courage Room 2. Again, please honor our conference and safety guidelines. We want everyone to be able to fully benefit from this experience. Thanks so much! We hope you enjoy your conference!


Conference information:


A. Speaker format

  1. 5 min prayer/safety guidelines
  2. 5 minute intro
  3. 45 min share
  4. 5 min thanks and announcements


B. Workshops are 90 minutes in length.


C. Break/Fellowship: After each workshop and speaker, there is a 30 minute break allowing for 20 minutes of fellowship that may or may not include thanks/Q&A if presenters are willing.


D. Moderators, with guidance from their Higher Power, will work to maintain the safety and integrity of the conference via Zoom co-host capabilities, Zoom conference guidelines, and scripts approved using the group conscience process.


E. Recordings: Workshops and speakers sessions will be recorded with audio only. These will be available on socalcoda.org after the conference ends.


F. Anonymity Intention for Virtual Platform (powerless statement)

Workshops and speakers in Room 1-the Wisdom Room are being recorded, Audio Only and will be available on socalcoda.org after the conference has ended. While we are achieving a level of anonymity with audio recording only (with no video), we are powerless over much more in this virtual platform. We want to make it clear to all attending and sharing that it is technically impossible to stop anyone from recording the conference themselves locally while they attend. We ask that nobody download or post any video recording of this conference. Please do not record or distribute any video images from any part of this conference. We ask that you honor all our Twelve Traditions and remember anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions. Marathon Meetings going on simultaneously in Room 2-the Courage Room Will Not be recorded.