frequently asked questions
What is a webinar?
A webinar is an on-line meeting which combines a visual component through a web conferencing tool with audio delivered with best results through the telephone. At a pre-determined time, attendees would simultaneously dial into a provided toll free number and log into a web conferencing platform. The visuals are usually a converted Power Point presentation but can consist of videos, web site demonstrations, pictures and application sharing as well. Speakers conduct their presentation while speaking into the phone, progressing through their slides, and while logged and dialed in the attendees see what the speaker sees and hears what the speakers says. There are many tools available for the speaker to use which enhance the experience of the attendee; such as pointers, highlighters and chat features among others. Using this method provides a smooth process for conducting interactive Q & A and running polls.
What's the difference between a basic audio only conference call and an event call?
A basic audio conference call is a great tool for smaller, on the fly collaborations where you want several people to be able to speak to one another. When you're running an event you want to create an environment where it is facilitated by a professional moderator to enable you to optimally deliver your message to your audience. It is imperative that attendees are in listen only mode unless pulled out by the moderator for Q & A - this eliminates any unwanted background noise to avoid distractions. The technology needed to produce these events is much more sophisticated and entirely different than what's used to run basic audio conferences. Think of event calls like a news room production and basic audio calls like a small meeting room for a few people to have a conversation.
What can attendees expect when they attend a BeaconLive event?
A few minutes before the event begins, your registrants will call a toll-free number and either enter their PIN or be greeted by a live operator (depending on how you set it up). This will put them into a “waiting room” where they will hear music or your pre-recorded commercials (your choice) until the event begins at the specified time. Once the BeaconLive moderator begins the call, all attendees are brought into the call in listen only mode. The moderator will then make an opening comment, introduce the speaker (s) and let the audience know how to ask questions and end the event with closing remarks. The logistics of what the moderator should say and when is determined in advance during the set up process and pre-event calls. We recommend that you begin and end on time as advertised to satisfy your attendees’ expectations.
What can my speakers expect the day of an event?
We ask that speakers dial into the event approximately 15 to 20 minutes before it begins. Speakers are given different PINs which provide higher level access into the call. Host members from your organization can also have this access so when you & the speakers dial in you are in a pre-event chat session and can iron out any last minute details. This also gives the BeaconLive moderator the opportunity to run a sound check. A couple minutes before the call starts the speakers are placed into the conference with the audience and the moderator starts the call where they make an opening comment, introduce the speaker (s) and let the audience know how to ask questions and end the event with closing remarks.
I am new to webinars, can BeaconLive help me get started?
For almost 20 years, BeaconLive has run thousands of calls and has tremendous experience producing events. Our experienced team is happy to discuss your goals for your calls and share ideas that can help you achieve them.
Will I be assigned a dedicated BeaconLive representative?
Yes. You will be assigned a dedicated BeaconLive Account Manager for all of your events to serve as your single point of contact. Your Account Manager will assist you in all aspects of your event from your initial contact in call design through all the details until your event is completed.
Can my event be recorded?
Absolutely. Many of our clients are selling attendance to their webinars and almost everyone records it and re-sells that as well. Whether you're charging or not, recording your webinars is a great way to make your events continue to work for you long after the live event is over. Because of this, we have invested in the best event conferencing bridges available which provide the highest quality and best recording platform. There are features that allow us to control volume during the live call so if there is a "loud talker" we can turn their volume down and if there is a "soft talker" we can turn them up. On the back end, we use the highest performing recording software on the market. Once recording is complete, we edit the recordings to delete any unwanted / inappropriate information. We will then forward the recording to your FTP site or deliver the CD's to you (in any format you wish). The combination of these features should give you confidence that your recordings will be of the highest quality.
BeaconLive can also provide audio & web integrated recordings. This is where we record both the audio and web portions of the event and then edit and synchronize them for playback. Like the audio only recording, this integrated recording can also be sent to you via CD or to your FTP site for you to utilize at your discretion.