Virtual platforms

The following platforms will be used, with each serving a different purpose for the Congress. All can be used for free.

Crowdcast: Crowdcast is a browser-based, interactive live-streaming platform. This platform is best suited to events that would typically take place at a podium or on a stage, with one or a few speakers, a large audience, and questions at the end. Talks can be given live or pre-recorded, and streamed to YouTube for viewing later. Participants can ask questions through the dynamic Q&A tool, answer polls, and chat. Up to four people can be on screen at once. We will be using this platform for keynote addresses and contributed talks. Our Crowdcast site is password-protected and registration is required.

Zoom: Zoom is a videoconferencing platform that many of us have already been using quite frequently. Zoom works well with smaller interactive discussions, giving all participants the ability to be seen and heard. We will be using Zoom for workshops, tutorials, sandbox sessions, and networking events. Links for each event will be sent to Congress registrants. You can use Zoom in your browser or download the free app (recommended).

Slack: Slack is a text-based communication platform that can be used live or asynchronously. We will set up a BEACON Congress Slack workspace, and within that workspace we can create as many topical channels as we like. Slack works great for private or group chats and can be used for informal conversations, to ask presenters questions outside of their assigned presentation time, and to send announcements to all participants. After you register for the Congress, you will receive an invitation to join the Slack workspace. You can use Slack in your browser or download the free app (recommended).