Question 1

What program / system does ORPA use for the virtual conference?

Accepted Answer

ORPA uses CrowdCompass, a conference application that creates a digital program attendees can use to view sessions, create a schedule, and access webinar information.  Additionally, ORPA will use Zoom Webinars (and Meetings) for executing sessions online.

Question 2

What is the difference between Zoom Webinars and Zoom Meetings?

Accepted Answer

Zoom Webinar is the DEFAULT selection for ORPA conference sessions. In the session proposal system, session managers have the option to request Zoom Meetings as the session type.
Zoom Webinar:
Designated speakers and panelists have access to present slides and/or share screen. 
A speaker’s video and audio are accessible to everyone.  Speakers have all access controls.
Attendees (not speakers/presenters) cannot share their screen, access video, or speak via audio.
Attendees can post to a chat box and a Q&A box.
A moderator can manage the Q&A box function.
Breakout rooms not available.
Zoom Meetings:
Everyone, including the speakers and panelists have access to audio and video. 
Attendees have the same access controls as speakers/presenters.
Attendees can post to a chat box.
No Q&A box function is available.
Breakout rooms are available.
Recommended ONLY for sessions with 40 or fewer attendees and those sessions that require cross discussion, roundtables, or breakout rooms.

Question 3

What are the different session lengths?

Accepted Answer

Conference sessions are offered as 20 minute mini-sessions, a 60 minute standard session, or a field session.
20-minute Session
Mini sessions are a great way to present projects or niche topics in a quick and digestible way.  Don’t be fooled by the short time-frame, however.  Twenty minutes flies by quickly and presenters will need to identify the most important elements of their topic to present.  This type of session is great for presenters who want to get to the heart of a presentation without any extra fluff.  For attendees, it is a fun way to learn a new topic in a short time.
Be sure to calculate intro and question portion into your 20 minutes!
Only one speaker allowed for these sessions
Doesn’t qualify for CEUs by itself
60-minute Session
The standard session for an ORPA conference.  In the past this has been 75 minutes, but due to changes in CEU requirements, sessions can now be offered for 60 minutes.  A standard session will take place fully online (through Zoom) and can include up to four presenters. 
The most requested session – provides an opportunity to dive into a topic.
The 60 minutes includes intro and Q&A time.
Field Session
Field sessions are those that take place in person and on-site of a park or recreation space.  These sessions have been utilized for trail-related sessions, showcasing new projects, or other site-specific education.
Field sessions do not have a set duration, as it is dependent on the site, access, participation, etc.  Instead, the Session RFP requires session managers to specify the expected duration of a field session proposal.

Question 4

If this is a virtual conference, what about field sessions?"

Accepted Answer

ORPA understands the value of a field session in its ability to showcase a site and share real-life examples to attendees.  Therefore, we will make every effort to offer sessions that provide significant value for our attendees while at the same time maintaining appropriate safety, accessibility, and equity that has become the standard for our association. 
In submitting a field session proposal, we ask that session managers understand the following:
In order to accommodate concurrent virtual sessions, ORPA will limit the number of field sessions offered.
Duration: The conference session RFP will ask session managers to submit the proposed duration of the field session.  The duration should include the start to finish time of the presentation.  Additionally, we encourage the session manager to address the travel time to the site from the nearest / largest city, landmark, or hosting agency offices. 
If parking is limited on the site, be sure to specify this in the session proposal.
Session managers are encouraged to provide as many details as possible in the session proposal so the content committee can make an informed decision regarding the session.
Priority will be given to field sessions that are located in areas most accessible to attendees.  This includes sites that are not more than 45 minutes from a main freeway or highway.
ORPA reserves the right to cancel a field session if offering it poses a risk to the health and safety of attendees. 
Field sessions will not include a virtual component.  No Zoom webinar access will be included for field sessions and ORPA will not offer a “live stream” option.
ORPA reserves the right to change/modify any field session requirements at any time before the conference and hopes to work with session managers to present a session that best fits the needs of the attendees.

Question 5

As a presenter, can I send attendees an email or resources directly?"

Accepted Answer

No.  Presenters and Session Managers are prohibited from soliciting attendee contact information or requesting attendees provide an email address during a session.  Any digital materials or handouts must be provide to ORPA by September 30th, 2021 where ORPA will then post materials to the conference application for download by attendees. 
For any follow up after a session, presenters and session managers are required to submit answers or documents to ORPA for distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What program / system does ORPA use for the virtual conference?

What is the difference between Zoom Webinars and Zoom Meetings?

What are the different session lengths?

If this is a virtual conference, what about field sessions?"

As a presenter, can I send attendees an email or resources directly?"