Skip to content
What you need
- A computer w/microphone, speakers & camera
- Internet
- Video Conferencing Platform
Video Conferencing Basic Concepts
- Host – Schedules & initiates calls
- Presenter – Can share screen
- Can use any kind of computer: PC, Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone
Additional/Optional Equipment
- Additional Monitor(s)
- Speakers
- Camera
- Headphones
- Microphone (Uni or Bidirectional)
- Projector & Screen
- Audio Mixer & USB Audio Interface device
Video Conferencing Platforms
Zoom Meeting
- $14.99/month, $149/year
- Cannot schedule simultaneous meetings without additional license(s)
- Registration is optional (but recommended)
- Registration reports are available: Meeting attendees not recorded
- Allows branding with images
- Has test call website
- Supports multiple microphones, speakers/headphones, and cameras
- Can use telephone for audio
- Supports polling
- Meetings can be recorded, stored & Played from the Zoom server
- Supports Breakout Rooms
Zoom Webinar
- Additional cost
- 100 attendees – $40/month
- 500 attendees – $140/month
- 1000 attendees – $340/month
- Designed (and recommended) for seminars/webinars
- Users not allowed to use their camera
- Registration is required. Attendee information is recorded
- Has Practice Mode to use before the seminar begins
- Question & Answer tools
Try to get discounted software
Tips for making your Virtual Events successful
- Master the Environment
- Schedule Events for evenings or weekends (avoid internet congestion)
- Don’t allow two presenters to be in the same room (avoids feedback)
- Practice
- Upgrade PC software before the event
- Equipment Check/Practice Sessions
- Test Apple Mac’s thoroughly
- Make sure presenters have adequate bandwidth
- Have one person in overall charge for the event
- Have other helpers who will handle problems, questions, etc.
- Mute unless speaking
- Avoid background distractions when using a camera