Frequently Asked Questions

Hybrid conferences will become the new normal. They allow for people to attend a conference either in-person or virtually.

In 2021, the in-person component  of Riversymposium will be held in Brisbane. The virtual component will be held in a custom made platform that can be accessed anywhere in the world where you have an internet connection.

There are many benefits to attending an online conference – the most obvious being the money-saving aspects as there is no need to travel or book accommodation.  

Other benefits include: 

• Convenience and accessibility –  You can join an online conference from anywhere you have an internet connection, and the ease of recording means sessions can be available to view anytime for up to 12 months after the event.
  
• Ability to attend every session – at traditional conferences, you need to pick one concurrent session to attend or jump between rooms. This means you can’t always see every speaker you wanted to. By attending our virtual symposium, you will have access to EVERY presentation for 12 months after the event has finished. You can watch the session you missed or view your favourite sessions again. 
• Expand your network – It’s often hard to track down a particular delegate or speaker you would like to connect with at a large conference venue. At a virtual event, every delegate is just a click away from talking over instant messaging, swapping emails or having a one-to-one video chat. 

A laptop or desktop is preferable, but you will also be able to view the conference via your mobile device.  You will need connection to the internet.  

We are running a virtual RiverExpo which will be a great opportunity to meet fellow delegates and see the great work happening around the world. The RiverExpo will be available throughout the whole conference with particular ‘open’ times if you wish to chat in person to somebody from that organisation – just like at break times in a face-to-face conference!  

We will also be holding a number of virtual networking opportunities so you will be able to connect with people from around the world – further information will become available on our website.

We are using a platform called Delegate Connect which is designed by an experienced, Australian-based event managment company – Iconic Live. 

Abstracts are now closed for the 2021 Riversymposium, however you can still apply to take part in the event in the form of a Learn-Inspire-Transform or RiverPitch session.  Please refer here for more information.

We will endeavour to confirm the outcome of all submissions by end of May 2021

You will need to register an account on our online platform when you first submit your abstract, once you are notified of securing a speaking position, you will receive an email outlining the next steps which will include how to purchase your ticket for IRS. Presenters must register and pay to confirm attendance within 14 days of being accepted as a speaker or we reserve to right to withdraw our offer.  

If you are presenting virtually, all slides and a pre-recorded version of your presentation must be submitted by the 10^th September 2021. This is to ensure that if you encounter any technical difficulties on the day, we will be able to use this recording in place of your live presentation. All question and answers will be live, so you MUST be available at your allocated time. Full instructions will be included in your speaker pack.

Full details on speaker requirements will be sent in your speaker pack. The organisers will also arrange a time to show you how to use the system and do a practice-run so you are familiar with the platform.  

Yes. All presentations (both in-person and virtual) will be recorded and made available to delegates on-demand for up to 12 months following the event. If you do not wish for your presentation to be recorded you can select this option when submitting your abstract.