Registration
The Conference Oversight Committee was initially struck in the Fall of 2019 to identify an all-in-one registration, payment, and abstract submission software to replace the in-house system that was used for several years. The committee completed a survey outlining the priority features and Science Atlantic staff researched a number of platforms. Below you will find information on the registration process.
1. Select Software
Below you’ll find information about registration software and links to their websites.
Fourwaves
Fouwaves includes a website builder, schedule builder, registration, payment, abstract submission, email campaigns, and an abstract booklet generator. Three conferences have so far used this platform in combination with other virtual conferencing platforms. Fourwaves is recommended for conferences that are using basic video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, MSTeams, etc. to host their conference.
Dryfta
Dryfta has an event website builder, abstract submission, schedule builder, live polling and surveys, ticket and online payment, self-service dashboard. Dryfta has a pay as you use feature and for one single event (one month), the platform is $159 USD.
Regpack
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Whova
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2. Set up the platform
After a registration software has been selected, the next step is to set up the platform to accommodate your conference. This would consist of
- Selecting a registration fee
- Select abstract and registration deadlines
- Develop registration form
3. Poster Presentation
Format
Many virtual conferences have been hosting poster sessions where students submit the following materials:
- Abstract
- One-page Poster PDF that can be published as supplemental material to the abstract
- A short two-minute recorded presentation (Optional)
Depending on the platform used, the poster session could be either an asynchronous or asynchronous activity.
- Asynchronous: where materials are posted online and attendees can browse at their leisure. See an example here.
- Synchronous: where materials are posted online and a time slot is available for attendees to ask presenters questions about their poster materials. This depends on the platform you are using.
PDF Templates
There are several websites which offer downloadable powerpoint templates that can be created into pdfs. For consistency, select a template you like and recommend that all poster participants use the same one. Background colors and images can be edited by participants to make their poster unique. Here are links to a few website options:
Website
Creating a website for your conference is a great way to ensure all attendee information is in one place. Creating a website for your conference does not have to be difficult if you consult the appropriate resources. Below you’ll find information about websites.
Why creating a website is recommended
Creating a website for your conference allows you to display information about the event to your attendees.
Choose a format
There are many platforms that you can select from to create a website. Below you will find recommendations for website builders.
- Wix
- Sqaurespace
- Weebly
- GoDaddy
- Zyro
Choose a domain
A domain is the address of your website. Choosing the name of your website is important and it will be associated with your conference. Below is a list of domain platforms you can use
- Domain.com
- Bluehost
- GoDaddy
Many website builders have built-in domain aspects that you can use.
What to include
Designing your website is simple once you have steps above completed. Think of your website like an advertisement for your conference. All of the necessary information about your conference will be on there for attendees to see.
The about
This is a key aspect of your website. This will inform attendees of what your event is about and what to expect.
How to register
Online registration information
Sponsor information
Science Atlantic’s Involvement