2020 Virtual Small Business Forum Tech FAQs

2020 Virtual Small Business Forum Tech FAQs

How to Watch and Participate in the Forum

Do I have to register via Eventbrite to watch the Forum?

Participants may watch the welcome, spotlight and keynote discussions of the Forum either through webcast on sec.gov or, after registering via Eventbrite, on WebEx Events. In order to participate in the collaborative policy sessions, participants must register to engage in the discussion on WebEx Events.

Is the Forum being recorded?

Yes, the Forum will be recorded and webcast on sec.gov. The recording of the welcome, spotlights, and keynote discussions will be available on sec.gov for future reference.

If I get disconnected, can I rejoin the Forum via WebEx Events?

Yes. You may follow the same WebEx Events access link you used to join initially to rejoin the Forum via WebEx Events. Attendees may come and go as needed using the same WebEx Events access link.

How to Access WebEx Events

Where can I find the WebEx Events access link?

Participants must register via Eventbrite to access the Forum via WebEx Events. The week of the Forum, the WebEx Events access link will be added to your Eventbrite ticket and provided in the reminder emails from Eventbrite.

Where is the WebEx Events access link on Eventbrite?

The WebEx Events link and access details can be found on your Eventbrite ticket. After logging in to the Eventbrite account you used to register for the Forum, you may view tickets by following the ticket link in the top right corner.

How do I join WebEx Events?

Please join WebEx Events through your computer, smart phone or tablet using the link provided on your Eventbrite ticket and in the Eventbrite reminder emails. Note: You may be instructed to download the WebEx application, and download times may vary. We encourage you to join at least ten minutes early.

Please utilize your device speakers or connected headphones for audio and do not use the WebEx “call me” audio connection feature. Due to WebEx Events software limitations, you will not be able to hear all audio content if you separately connect audio via phone. Users wishing to listen by phone should connect to the meeting using the WebEx iOS or Android app.

Please note that all participants’ microphones will be muted on entry.

Am I required to enter my name and email address?

Yes. All attendees must enter their first name, last name and email address to join.

Where can I find the WebEx Events password?

The password will be provided via Eventbrite with the WebEx Events access link. If you cannot locate it, please email smallbusiness@sec.gov.

I cannot hear audio while videos are playing. What should I do?

Please utilize your device speakers or connected headphones for audio and do not use the WebEx “call me” audio connection feature. Due to WebEx Events software limitations, you will not be able to hear all audio content if you separately connect audio via phone. Users wishing to listen by phone should connect to the meeting using the WebEx iOS or Android app.

Communication during the Forum

Am I the only attendee? I cannot see anyone else. You may view all participants by clicking on the participant icon at the bottom of the video screen. A list of participants will be displayed on the right side of the video screen.

Can I enable my video camera?

Due to the anticipated number of participants at this event, the ability for attendees to share video has been disabled.

How I do use the WebEx chat function?

Click the chat icon at the bottom of the video screen to open the chat window on the right side of your screen. Please make sure your chat is set to send to “All Participants” before you click “Send”.

I cannot unmute my microphone. How do I share my feedback?

All attendees will be muted upon entry to minimize background noise during the event. During the spotlight and keynote discussions, attendees are encouraged to chat with the SEC team on WebEx Events, email us at smallbusiness@sec.gov, and live tweet using #SECsmallbizforum.

During the collaborative sessions, the moderators will seek collaborative feedback and engagement with the participants using a variety of methods, including:

We are excited to utilize technology tools in the virtual environment that will enable more voices to be heard than ever in these collaborative sessions. All participants should first share feedback for recommendation development via www.menti.com or WebEx Events chat. If you would like to also add verbal remarks, please WebEx chat to us, and the moderator will recognize as many participants as time allows to be able to weigh in verbally.

How do I submit recommendations?

Forum participants will engage in collaborative policy sessions to craft recommendations to improve the regulatory framework impacting how businesses raise capital from investors. To participate in the collaborative sessions participants must register for a WebEx Events access link. Participants are encouraged to submit topic suggestions through the registration form or by sending them to smallbusiness@sec.gov.

Menti.com Questions

What is Menti.com and how will it be used?

Menti.com is an online audience engagement technology that we are excited to use at the Forum to allow everyone’s voices to be heard and incorporated into the discussion. In each session that utilizes this technology, we will provide access information (both a QR code and website instructions). No downloads are necessary; the tool works within your web browser on your computer, phone or tablet.

What happens if I get disconnected from Menti.com during the presentation?

The website instructions will be posted at the top of each slide on the video screen. Please go to www.menti.com and type in the access code. You will automatically rejoin the presentation on the active slide.

For other questions please reference Mentimeter’s FAQs.

Other Questions

Where can I find the Forum Program?

The program can be found here and is available on sec.gov/oasb/sbforum along with other helpful links!

My question is not answered in this FAQ, are there other resources available?

For other WebEx Events related questions please reference the WebEx Event help center. You may email other questions to smallbusiness@sec.gov.