CONVENTION BLOG

Virtual Convention: What You Need to Know

The Sigma Tau Delta 2021 Virtual Convention will begin in just two days. Registration has closed and we look forward to welcoming everyone at the Welcome Social Meet at 7 p.m. CDT on Thursday, March 25. As you make your final preparations to join us virtually we would like to share with you everything you need to know to access and enjoy this week’s convention.

Convention Access

In order to enjoy the roundtable sessions, Featured Speakers, networking sessions, and social events you need to login to the Virtual Event Website. To login:

  1. Go to the Virtual Event Website
    Convention Access
  2. Scroll down and click on the Go to My Event button. Use the same first name, last name, and email address you are registered under.
  3. You will receive an email from Sigma Tau Delta Convention with your verification code. Please save this code. Enter your verification code. Look in your spam or junk folder if you cannot locate your email with the code. Email [email protected] if you cannot find your code. Staff are available during normal business hours and during the convention to assist you.
  4. The login opens access to My Event.
    • Here you will be able to see the sessions and Join Sessions.
    • You are encouraged to Add Sessions to create My Schedule for you to organize sessions you would like to attend.
    • Remember, sessions will be available through on-demand recordings for 90 days following the convention.

Roundtable Sessions

Roundtable sessions are comprised of two parts: the pre-recorded presentation and a live Q & A. Make sure you add both sessions to your schedule. The pre-recorded session will begin at the designated time. Access to attendees opens 5 minutes before the session begins. Simply click “Join Session” from your schedule in the Virtual Event Website and the video will automatically play. Once the pre-recorded presentation ends, attendees will be directed to join the Q & A session. This portion of the Roundtable session will take place in a traditional Zoom meeting where attendees will have the ability to share their screen and talk either through their mic or the chat to participate in a lively discussion. And remember, if there are multiple sessions you are interested in that are scheduled at the same time, all roundtable sessions will be available on-demand for 90 days following the convention.

Featured Speakers

One of the highlights of any Sigma Tau Delta convention is the opportunity to hear our Featured Speakers talk about their writing. In planning this year’s fully online convention we were determined to retain this key component of our event. Attendees will have the pleasure of participating in two Featured Speaker presentations. Karen Auvinen, author of our 2021 Common Reader Rough Beauty: Forty Seasons of Mountain Living, will join us on Friday, March 26 at 4 p.m. CDT. Access to the event will open at 3:55 p.m. Attendees will be able to leave questions in the Q & A box for the speaker to answer following their presentation. Environmental humorist Michael Branch will conclude the 2021 Convention with his presentation on Saturday, March 27 at 4 p.m. CDT. Again, access to the event will open at 3:55 p.m. To learn more about these two authors, read the convention blog “Meet Karen Auvinen and Michael Branch.”

Networking

One of the most valuable aspects of attending any convention is the networking opportunities. At the Virtual Convention attendees will have the ability to connect with each other in a number of different ways. In addition to engaging with each other during Roundtable Q & A sessions and various social activities, networking sessions for each of our six regions will also take place on Friday March, 26 at 6:30 p.m. CDT. Regents and Student Representatives will address their region and lead discussions on Society and regional events and opportunities. An alumni networking session led by the Alumni Representative will also take place on Friday afternoon for members to learn about staying engaged with the Society after graduation.

Social Events

The Student Leadership Committee is hosting two social events during the Virtual Convention. Join us on Thursday evening as we kick off convention with a welcome from Convention Co-Chairs Glen Brewster and Lexey Bartlett followed by breakouts for games and ice-breakers. On Friday evening join us for a virtual literary-themed, pub-style trivia night! Play as a team of up to 6, either by gathering a group of fellow chapter members or making some new friends by playing on a randomly-generated team. The winning team will walk away with amazing prizes!

Perks for Registered Attendees

While the enriching discussions, networking, and social events are perks enough for convention attendees, we have a few other bonuses available. In a traditional face-to-face convention attendees have the opportunity to browse Society merchandise and pick up signed copies of our Featured Speakers’ books. This year, while we can’t exactly replicate the in-person shopping and book-signing experience, attendees will still have the ability to grab graduation regalia and logo merchandise at a 15% discount and books by our Featured Speakers complete with signed bookplates. Access to the Convention Bookstore can be found on the Exhibitors page in the Virtual Event Website. All registered attendees will receive an email with access information and a discount code for Shop English.

Resources

Why You Should Attend Convention
Tips for Attending the Virtual Convention
Meet Karen Auvinen and Michael Branch
Literary Trivia Night at the Virtual Convention
Virtual Event Website
Sigma Tau Delta 2021 Virtual Convention
About Sigma Tau Delta Conventions
Convention Theme
2021 Common Reader
Featured Speakers
Convention Schedule

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