FAQs

Will the online programme be different to the in-person programme? 

The format of the virtual Workshop will be the same as the in-person Workshop. Live moderated Q&As will run after many of the main presentations with questions from both audiences. 

While virtual participants cannot physically attend the social occasions, there will be time for interactive networking online, where you will be able to engage directly with other participants. 

What can I access through a virtual registration?

Virtual participants will have access to the online platform which will enable you to:

• View keynote presentations and breakout sessions and ask questions live.
• Participate in live interactive networking functions.
• Pre-arrange meetings with other participants and speakers through the Meeting Hub.
• Utilise a suite of tools to enhance your attendance including live Q&A, event notes, contact exchange and downloadable content.
• Access to session recordings for two months following the Workshop. 

Once registered as an in-person attendee, can I change my registration to virtual?

Yes, changes either way will be possible. Registrations are fully flexible and can be switched up to 14 days prior to the Workshop. If your circumstances change virtual registrations can be changed to in-person and vice versa. Book now, switch later if you need to. 

When will I receive my link to the online platform?

Access to the online platform will be sent by email one week prior to the Workshop. Please check your junk folder if you do not receive the access email, or email icnworkshop@theconferencecompany.com.

How will the virtual platform work?

OnAir by EventsAir is a secure world class online space that will allow all participants and speakers to meet and interact across the course of the Workshop. When you receive your personalised link, we urge you to go into the platform as soon as possible, and make sure that your login is working correctly. Familiarising yourself with the platform will also make the experience much easier once the Workshop starts, as you will know how to navigate around the agenda, submit questions, enter and leave meeting rooms and join networking activities. When you log in to the platform, there will be an opportunity to upload a photo and bio.  

A technical support team will be available to help during the Workshop, but please test access once you receive your personalised link. Inside the platform, there is a live support function which you can click on at any time during the Workshop. There is also a training video on the platform which you can view before the Workshop.

I want to come to the Workshop in person, but I’m not sure if I will be able to get a visa / gain access to New Zealand. What should I do?

New Zealand borders are fully open from 31 July 2022. 

Participants from countries who do not have a visa waiver arrangement with New Zealand will need to apply for a visa before they travel to New Zealand. Here is the list of visa waiver countries.

Visa application forms may be found on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Select: Visit -> Other -> Visitor Visa and then follow the prompts.

What time zone will the programme be in?

Programme times are published in New Zealand Daylight Time (NZDT) which is 13 hours ahead of UTC (Universal Time Coordinated) in December. 

You can use www.timeanddate.com to convert times to your own time zone.  When you log into the virtual platform (once you receive the link) you can set the programme timeline to your preferred time zone.

Will speakers participating virtually be pre-recorded or live?

The programme will be a mix of pre-recorded and live presentations. In many cases those speakers who are participating virtually will be live to answer audience questions.  

Will virtual participants be able to ask questions and participate in sessions?

Questions can be submitted by virtual and in-person participants in each session through an integrated live Q&A text function. The moderator will select and ask the speaker questions from those submitted. 

What computer capabilities do I need to be a virtual participant? 

We recommend that you have reliable internet to get the most out of the Workshop. Hardwired internet is generally more reliable and faster than WiFi.

You will be provided with a weblink to the virtual platform. Google Chrome is the recommended browser for the Workshop web application. If you typically use Internet Explorer or Safari, it is recommended that you download Chrome prior to the Workshop.  Full online support will be available to all the virtual participants and speakers just prior to and during the Workshop. 

We strongly advise that you participate in the Workshop via your desktop or laptop computer that has speakers. Mobile devices are supported however the best experience will be via computer. 

Will there be an app?

Yes, it will be launched just prior to the Workshop.

Is funding available?

For any funding enquiries, please email Nick Wilkins at the Commerce Commission: nick.wilkins@comcom.govt.nz.