FIELD GUIDE TO THE

VIRTUAL FLORIDA

CONFERENCE ON AGING

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2020 Virtual FCOA Conference

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL CONFERENCE? A virtual conference is a web-based event that replicates many aspects of a traditional in-person conference. The Virtual Florida Conference on Aging will feature multiple sessions, including plenary presentations, training and education workshops, discussion areas, social networking opportunities, exhibit areas for vendors, a sponsor showcase, awards presentations and various other features. Activities may take place in real time, on demand, or some combination of the two. To get started, register to attend, have an open mind to this new format, engage fully, and follow these useful tips to make the most of your experience at the Virtual Florida Conference on Aging.

Before Organize your session schedule. With more flexibility, it ’s critical to plan

ahead and optimize what sessions you want to see. Maximize your time and learning by reviewing and selecting topics and sessions in advance.

Prioritize your time. The truth is: multitasking isn ’t that productive. Focus on making the best use out of your time by being truly present. Set reminders for sessions so you don ’t miss something important.

Minimize distractions. Interruptions happen. Set yourself up in a quiet space. Be sure to silence your phone, block off your calendar, and put a “Do not Disturb” message on, so you can fully focus. If possible, let people know that you have a commitment that requires your full attention and to not text, call or drop in during that time. It may mean turning off notifications, shutting down social media screens, closing email, etc. There will be scheduled breaks during the Conference for you to check back in if needed.

Familiarize yourself with the tools. There’s nothing worse than missing something because of faulty technology. Be sure to test your audio and ensure a strong wifi connection. For the best experience, use a laptop/desktop instead of your smartphone. Test your speakers and video

Tips on How to Make the Most of the

Virtual Florida Conference on Aging

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2020 Virtual FCOA Conference

capabilities ahead of time so you can focus on the session and not technical issues. Login credentials for the platform will be sent to participants ahead of time, familiarize yourself with the platform. Look for the areas where you can chat with other participants.

During Be an active participant. Plan to participate beyond listening. Take

notes. Ask questions via chat. Partake in online polling. Get active on social media by using conference hashtags, live chats, and other tools to connect.

Build your virtual community. At an in-person conference, you’re normally just listening to a speaker and making small talk in the coffee line. Virtually, you have a chance to engage in more meaningful ways. Create and share insights by collaborating with others. Expand your network by chatting with other attendees, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors. (A chat box will be available in every section of the virtual platform.)

Going as a Group. If you are attending the Conference with others such as work colleagues, make arrangements to attend the same workshop or chat during a break. Having others share in your conference experience can boost your motivation and increase your attention. Also, consider convening as a group – e.g., by Zoom or Skype – at the end of each conference day and/or after the event is over to share your experience with the event and key takeaways.

Visit the Exhibit Hall and Sponsor Showcase. Learn more about a topic or product by reaching out to a vendor or sponsor. This is an excellent chance to connect deeper and gain knowledge. In any given field or profession, vendors and sponsors are usually one of best sources for practical advice and insight into emerging trends.

After

Take advantage of replays. Catch any recorded sessions you may have missed. Debrief with fellow attendees and peers. Keep the conversation going by sharing key takeaways fellow attendees and peers. One of the benefits of the Virtual Florida Conference on Aging is that everything is recorded. Schedule a time to access the sessions you were not able to attend or review ones you already attended.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to have fun. You’re there to learn, connect and, most importantly, have some fun!

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The Conference Opening Session will take place on Tuesday, August

25th at 9:00 AM and is sponsored by Florida Blue Medicare and Growing

Bolder.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary

Richard Prudom (left) will kick off the session with a

welcome address and highlight some of the work the

Department and Network has been doing to support

older Floridians during the COVID pandemic.

Our keynote speaker for this session will be Marc

Middleton (right), Founder of Growing Bolder who will

talk about surviving, thriving and living with passion and purpose.

After the plenary session, over the course of the day there will be up to 30

workshops offered. We know you can’t watch them all in the

same day, but we hope you will come back at your convenience to take advantage

of this great educational opportunity. At 2:15 PM please join us for the Quality

Senior Living Awards, by Florida Power & Light presentation. Our award winners

are nothing short of inspirational!

On Wednesday, August 26th we will kick off day

two of the virtual conference with another great

plenary session that is sponsored by Humana. The session will begin with

aging policy expert Robert Blancato (left). Mr. Blancato is a great presenter

who will bring us up-to-date with what is happening in Washington, D.C.

The keynote speaker for this session is Cassandra Worthy

(right). Ms. Worthy is a dynamic speaker who will address

the topic mastery of change and will discuss how we can

use the anxiety of COVID-19 as an opportunity for positive change for yourself

and/or your agency.

The day will continue with upwards to 30 MORE workshops and at 2:00 PM

we will present the FASP Best Direct Service Employee and Senior Volunteer

of the Year Awards by Humana.

Throughout the 2-day conference, and until September 30, 2020, attendees will be able to log in

with their unique credentials to network, visit the exhibit hall, view the showcase of sponsors and

stream workshop and plenary content. Please take the time to visit all of the wonderful partners in

the Exhibit Hall and the Showcase of Sponsors.

The closing session will take place at 4:15 PM on Wednesday, August

26th, sponsored by WellMed. Join FCOA President Christine

Cauffield, PhD, as she shares exciting news about advocacy, recognizes all of our partners and

presents her vision for the 2020-2021 year.

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2020 Virtual FCOA Conference

Registration & Fees The virtual conference is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25

th and Wednesday,

August 26, 2020. Conference hours each day will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern. If you’re unable to attend all days, the sessions will be recorded and available for viewing through September 30, 2020.

What does the Florida Conference on Aging cost?

I have not yet registered for the conference, but I’m interested in participating in the virtual event. What do I do? You can register for the Virtual Conference at http://www.fcoa.org/conference (scroll to the bottom of the page) or by calling 850-222-8877. Prior to the conference, you will receive an email from us to access conference materials, live content, recorded on-demand sessions, and the Virtual Exhibit Hall and the Sponsor Showcase. The entire conference experience will be available from the comfort of your home or office.

What will the Virtual Conference look like? The Virtual Conference will include up to 50 workshops over the course of the conference dates. All conference plenaries may be broadcast live, in real time or recorded depending on speaker schedules. Through the virtual event platform, you will be able to connect with colleagues from across the state, participate in workshops and plenary sessions, and visit the Virtual Exhibit Hall and Sponsor Showcase. All sessions will be available to registrants on demand, along with all conference materials, so you can enjoy them at the time that works best for you. A

Conference Group Rate for Members (4 attendees - register more than 4 attendees the rate would be $125 for each additional person):

$500

Conference Group Rate for Non-Members (4 attendees register more than 4 attendees the rate would be $175 for each additional person):

$700

Member Registration 1 Attendee: $150

Non-Member Registration 1 Attendee: $200

Exhibitor Fees: Non-profit or Government - $350 and includes 1 registration. Corporate - $500 and includes 2 registrations. Additional attendee registrations for exhibit booths will be billed at the rates noted above.

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2020 Virtual FCOA Conference

schedule at a glance can be found on the Conference website http://www.fcoa.org/conference and our Conference Program will be available soon. Virtual Conference Participation What days or times will feature live sessions? We are still working on the Virtual Conference schedule, and we will post an updated agenda to the Conference website http://www.fcoa.org/conference. All live sessions will be held on August 25-26, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET. These sessions also will be recorded and available for viewing later.

What if I am unable to participate in the live sessions? If you are unable to tune in for the live broadcast, registered participants can access the recordings by logging into the virtual platform until September 30, 2020. All sessions will be posted the day after the live sessions take place. The process will be similar to logins for live programs, but you will be able to view the presentations at your convenience. You also can access the Virtual Exhibit Hall and Sponsor Showcase at any time convenient for you.

Will Continuing Education be available? FCOA, in partnership with Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association will be

offering up to 10 CEUs for qualified sessions. CLICK HERE to complete your

application. Only registered conference attendees are eligible for CEUs.

CEUs are available for the following clinical licenses: FL Board of Nursing; Florida

Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health

Counseling; Florida Board of Nursing - Certified Nursing Assistants; and Florida

Board of Nursing Home Administrators.

What Equipment do I need to participate? Attendees need only a computer or tablet with internet access and speakers. Phones may be used, but navigation and quality will be compromised.

The recommended browser is Chrome. If you do not currently have Chrome, we recommend that you install prior to the conference start date to ensure a quick and easy access to the conference.

Attendees can network and ask questions using the 'chat' function in the virtual platform. It is built in - no additional software will be needed.

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2020 Virtual FCOA Conference

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Titanium Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

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2020 Virtual FCOA Conference

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Copper Sponsors