Performedia
AARP and Performedia - The Leader in Hybrid Events
Call the Performedia Sales Team at 919.754.9195 or click here www2.performedia.com/contact to contact Performedia for your online event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I don't understand what a virtual event is.
Answer: A virtual event is very similar to physical trade shows or conferences. It has exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and presentations. People participate for the same reasons they do at a physical event, including lead generation, networking and education. The difference is of course that it's online. So for an attendee, it's an ideal way to visit exhibitor booths, watch educational presentations and chat with fellow show goers from the comfort of your home or office.
Question: How do I make sure my computer will work?
Answer: The 2010 AARP Digital Experience can be accessed from most computers. While a broadband internet connection is required, our system check tool will determine if you have the necessary components installed in your computer.
Question: What software/hardware do I need to have on my computer?
Answer: Given a high speed internet connection, most computers will be configured to run the virtual expo. However to avoid disappointment, here are the minimum system requirements you will need:
Operating System:Browser:Media Player:
Windows XPInternet Explorer 6.0+Flash 9.0,115
Windows VistaFirefor 2.0+Windows Media Player 9.0+
Mac OSXSafari 3.0+Real Media Player 8.0+
Ubuntu
The 2010 Digital Experience runs on Adobe Flash software, so you need to have the latest version. Download latest version of Adobe Flash - it's free and only takes a couple of minutes. Use these links to update your Media or Real player.
Question: I can't log in or access certain areas?
Answer: Check that your 'cookies' are enabled. Cookies are small amounts of text information stored by your browser that allow us to track who you are when you click between locations on the site. Your browser sends the information in the cookie (usually just a session id number) with each request. The server then matches that session id with any personalized information it controls such as the functions in the virtual expo. We use cookies in combination with SSL encryption, making it exceedingly difficult for an unauthorized user to forge your cookie, and greatly increase your security to the show. Depending on the browser you're using try looking in the 'Edit' or 'Tools' menus first. Failing that, go to the 'Help' option in your browser and search for 'enable cookies'.
Question: Where do I interact with other AARP members?
Answer: In the AARP lounge you will find a variety of topic based chat rooms for your networking pleasure. Select the chat room of your choice and you will be brought to a group chat with many of your fellow AARP members. If you would like to have a private discussion, select that person from the list along the left and a private one-on-one window will open. If you have a webcam, click on the webcam icon to broadcast your live video for a truly engaging real-time experience.
Question: How do I watch presentations?
Answer: Along the top you'll see the Lecture Hall. Once in the Lecture Hall you will see the various tracks and sessions available for you to view as they happen or on-demand if the live running has since passed.
Question: Why does the video I am watching sometimes appear jittery or freeze up?
Answer: Good quality video streaming relies on the bandwidth coming into your computer. If you do not have a lot of bandwidth, or if you share bandwidth with others in an office or in a neighborhood, sometimes your bandwidth may go below the level needed to make the streaming video look its best. Under these circumstances it may be better for you to come back a little later and view a session or booth video on demand. Here's a good URL to go to in order to test your bandwidth: www.speakeasy.net/speedtest. When the page has loaded, Select the server choice closest to your location and watch it test your bandwidth. If you have less the 500 kbps of inbound bandwidth, you may find you will get less than the best level of streaming.
Question: The presentation won't play for me.
Answer: Check to see that you've disabled your pop up blocker.
Question: Why can't I use my "Back" button to go back to the page was just on within the virtual event platform?
Answer: While the back button is a great way to go back and see previous web pages you just saw, virtual event environments are less like pages and more like a movie on one page. When you are inside this movie, the concept of forward and back don't really apply. You need to use the navigation buttons (explained below) to get where you want to go. When you click on the back button, we will ask if you want to navigate away from the virtual event - and if you don't - just say no.
Question: Is there someone available to help me with my issues?
Answer: Within the environment we will be providing you with one-to-one text support located within the help desk. If you are unable to access the environment or engage in chat, please call our toll free number at 1-877-767-5177 September 30-October 2. Alternatively, you may email us at aarp-support@perfomedia.com.
Question: How do I get around the event?
Answer: Navigating the AARP Digital Experience is as simple as moving your mouse. We've created an informative video tour that will explain how easy it is for you to explore this new and exciting environment.
AARP and Performedia - The Leader in Hybrid Events
Call the Performedia Sales Team at 919.754.9195 or click here www2.performedia.com/contact to contact Performedia for your online event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: I don't understand what a virtual event is.
Answer: A virtual event is very similar to physical trade shows or conferences. It has exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and presentations. People participate for the same reasons they do at a physical event, including lead generation, networking and education. The difference is of course that it's online. So for an attendee, it's an ideal way to visit exhibitor booths, watch educational presentations and chat with fellow show goers from the comfort of your home or office.
Question: How do I make sure my computer will work?
Answer: The 2010 AARP Digital Experience can be accessed from most computers. While a broadband internet connection is required, our system check tool will determine if you have the necessary components installed in your computer.
Question: What software/hardware do I need to have on my computer?
Answer: Given a high speed internet connection, most computers will be configured to run the virtual expo. However to avoid disappointment, here are the minimum system requirements you will need:
Operating System:Browser:Media Player:
Windows XPInternet Explorer 6.0+Flash 9.0,115
Windows VistaFirefor 2.0+Windows Media Player 9.0+
Mac OSXSafari 3.0+Real Media Player 8.0+
Ubuntu
The 2010 Digital Experience runs on Adobe Flash software, so you need to have the latest version. Download latest version of Adobe Flash - it's free and only takes a couple of minutes. Use these links to update your Media or Real player.
Question: I can't log in or access certain areas?
Answer: Check that your 'cookies' are enabled. Cookies are small amounts of text information stored by your browser that allow us to track who you are when you click between locations on the site. Your browser sends the information in the cookie (usually just a session id number) with each request. The server then matches that session id with any personalized information it controls such as the functions in the virtual expo. We use cookies in combination with SSL encryption, making it exceedingly difficult for an unauthorized user to forge your cookie, and greatly increase your security to the show. Depending on the browser you're using try looking in the 'Edit' or 'Tools' menus first. Failing that, go to the 'Help' option in your browser and search for 'enable cookies'.
Question: Where do I interact with other AARP members?
Answer: In the AARP lounge you will find a variety of topic based chat rooms for your networking pleasure. Select the chat room of your choice and you will be brought to a group chat with many of your fellow AARP members. If you would like to have a private discussion, select that person from the list along the left and a private one-on-one window will open. If you have a webcam, click on the webcam icon to broadcast your live video for a truly engaging real-time experience.
Question: How do I watch presentations?
Answer: Along the top you'll see the Lecture Hall. Once in the Lecture Hall you will see the various tracks and sessions available for you to view as they happen or on-demand if the live running has since passed.
Question: Why does the video I am watching sometimes appear jittery or freeze up?
Answer: Good quality video streaming relies on the bandwidth coming into your computer. If you do not have a lot of bandwidth, or if you share bandwidth with others in an office or in a neighborhood, sometimes your bandwidth may go below the level needed to make the streaming video look its best. Under these circumstances it may be better for you to come back a little later and view a session or booth video on demand. Here's a good URL to go to in order to test your bandwidth: www.speakeasy.net/speedtest. When the page has loaded, Select the server choice closest to your location and watch it test your bandwidth. If you have less the 500 kbps of inbound bandwidth, you may find you will get less than the best level of streaming.
Question: The presentation won't play for me.
Answer: Check to see that you've disabled your pop up blocker.
Question: Why can't I use my "Back" button to go back to the page was just on within the virtual event platform?
Answer: While the back button is a great way to go back and see previous web pages you just saw, virtual event environments are less like pages and more like a movie on one page. When you are inside this movie, the concept of forward and back don't really apply. You need to use the navigation buttons (explained below) to get where you want to go. When you click on the back button, we will ask if you want to navigate away from the virtual event - and if you don't - just say no.
Question: Is there someone available to help me with my issues?
Answer: Within the environment we will be providing you with one-to-one text support located within the help desk. If you are unable to access the environment or engage in chat, please call our toll free number at 1-877-767-5177 September 30-October 2. Alternatively, you may email us at aarp-support@perfomedia.com.
Question: How do I get around the event?
Answer: Navigating the AARP Digital Experience is as simple as moving your mouse. We've created an informative video tour that will explain how easy it is for you to explore this new and exciting environment.