Three more days: IACL’s Free Speech in the 21st Century
Dear IACL “Free Speech in the 21st Century” speakers and presenters,
We hope that you are all safe during this prolonged global confinement. We are three days away from our virtual conference. This is the first time we are doing an online event of this size. We will do everything for the event to go well, but I apologize for any problems that may occur. It was tough to set up panels, considering the different participants’ time zones. The biggest risk for the event’s success is the speaker’s internet connection, computer, and microphone. Please ensure you have good internet access, a good computer, and your microphone works well.
THE PROGRAM, THE BROCHURE, AND THE WEBSITE
We have prepared a brochure and a conference website: http://iaclfreespeech.almamater.eu
The website and the brochure contain the program. Please check your name, affiliation, and panel. Some panels and presentation times have changed from the previous draft. If you are unable to present at the scheduled time, please let me and milena.sokolic@almamater.si know immediately.
The website and the brochure include a photo and a bio of each speaker. Please check for mistakes and let milena.sokolic@almamater.si know if you wish some information changed.
THE REGISTRATION AND THE REHEARSAL
Each of us needs to register for this Zoom meeting via the following link:
Please register by July 1.
You will be asked to choose a rehearsal time. In the rehearsal on July 2, we will prepare for our conference, test your internet connection, microphone and speakers, answer all your questions, and test the Zoom Webinar system. We are in different time zones, and therefore, for your convenience, we will hold three rehearsals on Thursday, July 2: 8am, 12pm, 5pm (all London time). You may choose any one of them. Even if you are familiar with Zoom Webinar meetings, I suggest that you attend the rehearsal to meet us, talk about the conference, and make sure we are all familiar with the software and the conference plan.
You will then receive an email containing a link to a secure Zoom session for Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4. The link that you will receive is unique and non-transferable.
ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT
On the day of the event, we would love to have during the whole duration of the conference and to ask many questions to produce a fruitful discussion. You will be able to use the chat option during the session for comments or questions. Based on chat activity, during the Q&A, you may be invited to ask a question live, in which case the session host will activate your microphone and camera. You may ask the panel chair to read your question for you.
In case you are not present during the whole duration of the event, we recommend that you log in 30 minutes before the beginning of your panel.
YOUR PRESENTATION
The panel presentations are expected to last between 10 and 14 minutes. Shorter presentations are acceptable. You are encouraged to discuss on other panelists’ presentations. You may share screen or your Powerpoint presentation. Please attend a rehearsal to test these features. If you sent a pre-recorded video, you are welcome to attend the panel via Zoom to answer questions and participate in discussion.
ZOOM AND NO YOUTUBE
Two weeks ago, the draft program contained information that the conference would be streamed on Youtube. We decided not to do it. This will be a closed scholarly event. It will be on Zoom only, and only registered and confirmed attendees may attend. Any scholar, however, is free to register to participate via Zoom. The conference will be promoted on IACL’s website and other scholarly and public networks. The number of Zoom Webinar’s “seats” is limited.
IN CASE OF TECHNICAL PROBLEMS
If you experience technical problems, with the registration or during the session, please send an email to milena.sokolic@almamater.si and marko.bencak@almamater.si.