FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Before the V-Gathering
How can I get prepared to participate in the APF V-Gathering?
The main platform we are using is Adobe Connect 8, generously provided by the Futures Program at the University of Houston.
You can test your computer and software at https://connectpro52594655.adobeconnect.com/atest/. Enter as a Guest. You need a flash-compatible browser to login to the V-Gathering forum. Use headphones with an integrated microphone and have this plugged into your computer before clicking on the above link. Once in the room, configure the audio using the Audio Setup Wizard under the Meeting menu.
If you will be participating via company-owned computer without full administors rights, you may need help from your IT technical people to download Adobe Connect plug-in. Furthermore, some mobile devices and tablets may have limited functionality. Again, check your equipment in advance. Here is a flash browser test site: http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/.
Can I read any preliminary information about the speakers?
On the V-Gathering program, you can find links to websites for many of the presenters. During the weeks leading up to the event, further resources will be posted on APF’s website Profuturists.org and on the APF’s Profuturists Posterous blogging site.
Can I connect with other futurists before the event?
On Thursday 20 October in US, UK, and EU, and on Friday 21 October in Australia and Taiwan, the APF will host its monthly twitterchat, #futrchat and focus on the V-Gathering presentations. Typically, between 60 to 90 futurists join. You can find more information at the APF’s Profuturists Posterous. Follow @profuturists.
Can I post questions to the speakers in advance?
Please feel free to post your comments and questions on twitter, use the hashtag #apfvg, and on the APF’s discussion board “Ask a Futurist”. These will be relayed to the moderators and speakers. (now closed to comments.)
During the V-Gathering
How can I join a session?
Prior to the event, all registrants will be sent a link by email. On the day of the event, you will be able to log in, join sessions, and use the chat boards.
Why can’t the presenter or moderator hear me?
Participants microphones will be muted for attendees; only presenters and moderators will have open microphones. (Audio mics present several potential technical problems that we want to minimize.)
How can I ask the presenter a question?
At the end of each session and at some point during longer sessions, there will be time for questions and answers. Please post your questions in the chat box. The moderator will take note of it.
Is there someone to talk to if I have technical issues during a session?
Yes. Every session has a tech moderator who will gladly help you. Post your problem in the chat box in the lower, right corner. Advice will be provided. You can also check the solutions to common problems.
How can I know which session is next?
Please check the V-Gathering program on the Profuturists.org site. Local times for UK, US/Eastern, and Australia/Eastern are provided.
Where can I find more info about the sessions?
In the V-Gathering program, you will find links to the speakers’ biography and to the abstract of each session.
Where can I continue discussing the sessions?
Please freely post your observations and brilliant comments by presenters or other participants on twitter using the hashtag #apfvg and on the APF’s discussion board “Ask a Futurist.” (To be opened before event.)
Common Tech Problems
Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect doesn’t load correctly. I get a white screen!
Try using another browser, or install the newest version of Flash (http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/)
Adobe Connect freezes.
Quit Adobe Connect and log back in. Your link will still work.
The sound cuts on and off.
This might be a connection speed issue. Try using a wired Internet connection, or getting closer to the wireless router.
Sound cuts out entirely.
First unplug and plug your headset back in to reestablish the connection. If that doesn’t work, close the Adobe Connect session and your browser. Reopen both to join the session. You may need to run the Audio Setup Wizard again under the Meeting menu.
Need more help?
During the session, notify your tech moderator via the chat box exactly the nature of your trouble. If you need any more help, please notify Cindy Frewen, Wendy Schultz, or Maree Conway, regional coordinators.
Links
Program: V-Gathering program
Website: Profuturists.org
Questions to presenters: “Ask a Futurist” (Now closed to comments.)
Blogging site: Profuturists Posterous
Twitter: @profuturistsHashtag: #apfvg
Check your computer for Adobe Connect: https://connectpro52594655.adobeconnect.com/atest/
Download and/or check for Adobe flash: http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
