2021 OPHA Annual Conference & Meeting FAQs

OPHA's 77th Annual Conference & Meeting is virtual.

Already registered and looking for the virtual conference? Early access will be posted October 4.

What is a virtual conference?
A virtual conference is hosted entirely over the Internet. This virtual conference will include primarily live presentations in the form of webinars. Some pre-recorded presentations may be included. Attendees participate through a Conference Platform designed specifically for the virtual conference. The Platform is where you will watch conference presentations and participate with questions and comments in real-time. Attendees will be able to access various sessions, expand their professional skills, and increase their knowledge base – all from the comfort of their own homes.

Are there benefits to a virtual conference?
Yes! A virtual conference creates an opportunity for more people to participate than ever before.

  • Cost-effectiveness: With a virtual conference, there are no travel, food or lodging costs
  • Flexibility and convenience: There is no travel time lost
  • Continuing Education: You can still earn credits and expand your knowledge
  • Connect with speakers and sponsors - Registrants will be able to participate in live Q&A with presenters and connect with sponsors
  • Connect with your peers - Have you missed colleagues at past conferences? This year it's easy to connect online
  • Sustainable and climate friendly - less travel means fewer emissions improving both air quality and reducing your carbon footprint. No paper materials also means fewer resources used

Can I still submit an abstract and present?
No our abstract deadline was June 19. Please consider submitting for next year's conference!

How will my presentation be done?
Your presentation will include audio and video and an opportunity for live Q&A with registrants submitted to a session moderator.  Presenters will have advance access to the platform and technical assistance from OPHA staff, member volunteers, and virtual platform staff. 

My organization would like to support the conference as a sponsor. How will that work this year?
Conference sponsorship is essential to making the conference happen no matter the format. Sponsorships also support OPHA's work all year. Download the 2021 sponsor prospectus and submit your application here!

Who should attend?
The conference is open to a wide range of participants that include Public Health Practitioners, Physicians, Administrators, Dental Professionals, Nurses, Educators, Policy Makers, Community Leaders, Researchers, Non-profit Executives & Staff, CCO Executives & Partners, and Students.

What are the technical requirements needed to participate?
To participate, all you need is an internet connection and a viewing device, such as a laptop, desktop computer, tablet, smartphone, or smart television. For the best viewing experience, we recommend that you join the conference using a supported internet browser, which includes Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari.

What happens once I register?
When a virtual attendee registration is complete (paid for) you will receive an email confirming your payment. OPHA is working diligently to prepare for this unique experience and will send you the necessary instructions well in advance.
Note - ONLY those who register will be cleared to use the virtual platform (the company that provides the platform will cross-check registrations with our list). If you don’t register, you cannot access the platform. Make sure that the email address associated with your registration is accurate and up to date so that there is no delay in receiving our communications or logging into the virtual platform.

Can I visit the conference without paying?
No. We have to use the same registration system as always, and that list will be given to the platform administrators. Only those who are paid registrants will have password-protected access to the platform. You may NOT visit the exhibit hall, upload a video, view videos, upload or view posters, or anything else within the virtual platform without a registration log-in.

Can I share my virtual conference login information with other members of my team?
For every paid registration, only one device (computer, laptop, tablet, phone) will be allowed to enter the virtual conference. The Continuing Education Units/Credits earned, the questions asked, and the polling conducted within that single login session are all tied to the account of the individual that purchased the virtual event registration.

Can I access and view recordings of any sessions from the conference?
YES! Similar to our in-person conference, you will be given the opportunity to select which sessions you’d like to attend virtually. It is up to you to decide which sessions interest you in a given time block and to attend those sessions as desired. You may attend as many or as few sessions as you want. All live sessions will be recorded and available for registrants for two months following the event.

When can I access the platform?
The platform will be open 24 hours a day from approximately one week before the conference. You can log in, view content, and make comments at any time during that time. You can access at any time during that week, no matter what time zone you are in.

What time does the conference start?
The conference will officially open at 9:00 AM on Monday, October 11. The platform will open earlier for networking and time to check out the exhibit hall.

Are you thinking of organizing a group viewing party?
Joining the virtual conference is more fun with friends…consider bringing your colleagues together to view the conference in one place. Here are some tips for organizing a viewing party:

  • Make sure everyone in the group is registered before the conference.
  • Look for a meeting place that can accommodate the group while observing mask and distancing guidelines.
  • Post a photo to your favorite Social Media platform of your group using the hashtag #OPHA2021 – you can also post your photos on the Virtual Platform.

What professional credit is available for the Annual Virtual Conference?
Continuing Education Units/Credits will be offered. Specific types and amounts will be provided closer to the date of the conference.

Will I get a certificate of attendance?
If you need one, please contact the OPHA member handling your specific type of continuing education. Details will be on the OPHA website.

How will I be able to connect with other virtual attendees?
The conference platform will be available for you to interact with other attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors via various features – The Lounge for instant video conversations, Main Event Feed for posting updates, 1:1 or Group Chat features, during breakout sessions, and more!

Will I be able to ask the speakers questions?
Yes, there will be a chat feature that will allow you to send questions to a moderator.

What about poster sessions?
Poster sessions will also be delivered in a virtual format. In addition to viewing the posters, attendees will have the opportunity to hear first-hand presentations by the authors during the Exhibit Hall/Poster portion of the Conference. The Lounge is a great place to meet instantly with poster presenters and have a live discussion.

Will there be an exhibit hall?
Yes! The exhibit hall is actually an impressive and interactive function of the platform we are using! Exhibitors in the virtual hall will provide a robust experience for attendees. You’ll be able to view videos and documents at their virtual booths. You can visit each booth, ask questions using the chat feature, and have 1:1 or group meetings using the platform.  You can also meet with exhibitors in the lounge for an instant video conversation.


ADA Accessibility

ADA accommodation requests should be directed to Jessica Coughlin, at [email protected]. Requests for accommodation should be made at least 2 weeks prior to the event. OPHA will do it's best to accommodate requests made after September 27th, but we cannot guarantee availability of all services.   


Refunds

The deadline to request a refund for conference registration is two weeks before the event: Monday, September 27. No refunds will be allowed after this date.  A 4% cancellation fee will be taken from the refund to cover administrative costs.  Paid registration is required for all attendees prior to participating in the conference.