Using ZOOM: please note that ZOOM will be used during this meeting, we have made a tutorial to explain how to use ZOOM. If you are not familiar with this tool then we highly recommend testing it before the conference. Our team is available to help. Just send us an email at [email protected].

Naming yourself: you should put your real first and last name as a username on ZOOM. If you represent a country or an organization, please indicate the name of the country or organization first and then your name. A tutorial is available to explain how to rename yourself.

Asking a question: please note that all the participants are muted automatically when joining the meeting. If you want to ask a question, you can type it directly into the Zoom conference chat, or use the “Raise Hand” option so we can unmute you to speak.

Setting up your devices: you should plug in your laptop charger and have your headphones with a microphone near you if needed. We highly recommend using them as a speaker, when you ask a question or in networking room to ensure the audience hears you well.

Setting up your camera: you should set your camera: the best angle for the camera to capture your face is from the eye-level or a little above. If needed, add some books under your computer to reach the appropriate height. You should get close to the camera but not too close. The camera should frame your face, neck, and shoulders. Also, you should be at the center of the frame.

Testing the connection speed: if you share your internet connection with others at home, you should ask if they can limit their data consumption. You should make sure the audience is not looking at a blurry or pixelated image.

Selecting a quiet place: you should make sure that you are in a quiet environment: check your room acoustics, ensure there is no background noise, dogs barking, people walking by, and more.

Avoiding distractions: you should make your environment very simple and avoid any distracting object that you could be tempted to play with or touch while you are speaking to the audience like keys.

Considering the light: you should light your face, and darken the space behind you: The light source should come from in front of you. Natural light is highly advised.

Clearing the background: you should pay attention to your background if you are at home and minimize background distractions for the audience. You can also use a virtual background customized to the conference by clicking here. To do so, a tutorial is available to explain how to change your virtual background.

Using headset: for speakers, please use a headset to reduce background noise to significantly improve audibility, including for interpretation purposes.

Recording of the conference: this conference will be recorded therefore, if you would like your presentation not to be recorded, please send an email to [email protected]

Using the PDS 26 template (for speakers only): if you are preparing your slides, you are welcome to use the custom PDS 26 PPT template, which you can download it here. Please note that using this template is entirely optional and free for you to use if you wish.