Frequently Asked Questions

Below you can find a list of most common questions regarding participation in the online event. 

Connectivity

To ensure smooth participation in the event, please check the technical requirements below:

►Internet access

1 Mbit or faster

►Operating system

Mac OS X 10.11 or most recent

Windows 7 or most recent

►Browser

Chrome (Mac/PC) 79 or most recent (best experience, required for presenters)

Firefox (Mac/PC) 75 or most recent (recommended alternative)

Safari (Mac) 12 or most recent (recommended alternative)

Chrome (Android) 80 or most recent

Safari (iOS) 11 or most recent

Edge (Mac/PC) 80 or most recent

►VPN

VPN should be disconnected (unless you are located in China).

If you are located in the People's Republic of China, then an additional VPN connection is required to access our online event platform. 

If you do not have access to a VPN connection or if the one you use does not give you access to the event platform,  the following list includes a number of compatible VPN providers, with various fees and options:

• NordVPN

• ExpressVPN

• VyprVPN

• Surfshark

• PrivateVPN

• Astrill VPN

Please keep in mind that if you need to use a personal VPN connection, you will need to arrange that yourself ahead of the event.

► I am using a VPN but am not located in the PRC and I cannot access the live sessions. What can I do?

If you are using VPN and are not located in the PRC, then it is advised to switch this off. 

► I logged in from my office but can’t access the platform. What can I do?

If you log in from your office, your company may have a network with a high security gateway. We recommend you log in from your home network to avoid any such issues on the platform. 

Use this link to test your connection.

General

► How do I access the online conference? 

In order to access the online conference, all participants need to register here. Once the registration process is complete, you will receive your unique credentials for accessing the portal to the conference. 

► What will I need in order to participate in the online conference?

A computer that has internet access (ideally high speed). If you are presenting at the conference, we will reach out to you individually with more recommendations for a successful presentation.

► What browser should I use?

We ask you to give your preference to Google Chrome (version 79+) as your browser. Note that Internet Explorer/EDGE are not supported and Firefox is not officially supported but should work most of the time. You can download Google Chrome here. 

► Can’t connect to the live session I want to attend. What can I do? 

Any connection issues please first try this test.

If you are using a company computer or a company network with a high security gateway and are having problems connecting, please send this document to your IT department to implement.

If the Virtual Lobby stays in a “connecting” state or you can’t join a session due to a “Network Error”, it could mean that your networking is blocking our IP addresses through a Firewall or a Gateway. Please see the following document to set up your Firewall.

► My connection is too weak to view the sessions properly. What can I do?

If it is possible to switch to a wired connection, please do so. When using WiFi, we recommend you close any other application on your computer that may use internet bandwidth. You should also disconnect your phone and any other wireless devices from the Wi-Fi connection, and try to sit as close to the Wi-Fi hotspot as possible. 

► My session froze and I can’t hear the presenters anymore. What can I do?

In case your screen freezes or you are unable to see the Questions, please refresh your screen and re-enter the session.

► I cannot see any of the pre-recorded or live presentations. What can I do? 

Are you located in the People's Republic of China? Then an additional VPN connection is needed to have access to our online event platform. 

If you do not have access to a VPN connection or if the one you use does not give you access to the event platform, best is to use another VPN connection.

The list below includes a number of VPN providers, with various fees and options:

• NordVPN

• ExpressVPN

• VyprVPN

• Surfshark

• PrivateVPN

• Astrill VPN

Please keep in mind that if you need to use a personal VPN connection, you will need to arrange that yourself.

► I am using a VPN but am not located in the PRC and I cannot view the pre-recorded presentations or the live sessions. What can I do?

If you are using VPN and are not located in the PRC, then it is advised to switch this off. 

► I logged in from my office but can’t access the platform. What can I do?

If you log in from your office, your company may have a network with a high security gateway. We recommend you log in from your home network to avoid any such issues on the platform. 

Registration

► How can I register for the NSG2021 Conference & Exhibition Online?

You can register for the conference by visiting our Registration page and clicking the link to the registration portal. 

► I can't attend all sessions, is my colleague allowed to use my login credentials?

No, login credentials are personal and can only be used by the owner of the account. 

Technical Programme

► Can I send in questions during a presentation? 

Yes, you can already enter questions at the start of the session. Questions will be discussed during the Q&A part of the session. 

► How can I join a live session? 

Join a session by either selecting the date and then the session from the "Virtual Lobby" underneath the video section or, click at "At a Glance" at the top of the page. 

When joining a live session you may need to click at the "play" button that appears on the screen. This depends on the settings of your browser.

► Will all other delegates see the questions I send in for the presenters during the live session?

The questions first have to be approved by the session host, and only then other delegates will be able to see your question. 

► Will the recorded sessions be available after the conference? 

The recorded sessions will be available until 30 September 2021. 

Speakers & Chairpersons

► What do I need to do for my presentation on event days?

1. Register for the conference

2. Make sure you login to the online event portal and get familiar with the platform prior to the conference. There is a "Green room" available for the speakers during the event days - please visit it to get acquainted with the interface.

3. Run the connection test here

4. Enter the session approx. 5-10 min before the scheduled start time

5. Check if your camera and microphone work well

6. Make sure you wear a headset to avoid a feedback loop

7. Be ready to present and for the Q&A part of the session 

8. Enjoy your time presenting at the conference! 

► My connection is too weak to view the sessions properly. What can I do? 

If it is possible to switch to a wired connection, please do so. If your internet speed is still too slow, please turn off your camera, do not share your screen, and only use your microphone. 

When using WiFi, we recommend you close any other application on your computer that may use internet bandwidth. You should also disconnect your phone and any other wireless devices from the Wi-Fi connection, and try to sit as close to the Wi-Fi hotspot as possible. 

Social Opportunities 

► Can I get in contact with the other conference delegates on the Virtual Event Platform?

Yes, on the platform you will be able to interact with other delegates via your Inbox on the top right of the platform. You can click on “Find people to chat” to see all the participants that have made their profile public.

Alternatively, once you are in a session, have a look at the “People” tab on the right side of the screen, click on the name, and send a message.

You can also find the participants on the bottom section of the Lobby, under the “Networking” section. Hover over this section, it will expand and show you all the participants that are online at the moment.