How to participate in the Digital Forum

These platforms are part of the SPIE Digital Forum experience. Browse this page to learn more about these tools and to be better prepared for the event. 

• spie.org: You're already here! During the Digital Forum, you can find links to everything you need within this website to navigate to conferences and presentations, plenary sessions, the Digital Marketplace, special events, Slack Channels, and more.
  
  
• Slack: A channel-based messaging platform, used for commenting during the SPIE Digital Forum.
  Set up your Slack account for the SPIE Photonics West 2021 Workspace. Once you have created an account for this Workspace, you can then access this event's Workspace (https://spiepw.slack.com/). Registration for the Digital Forum is also required and the first step in this process.
  
  
• Zoom: A virtual video and audio conferencing tool. In order to ensure full functionality of events scheduled in Zoom, please make sure your system is utilizing the most recent Zoom update.
  
  
• Remo: Innovative, self-guided networking platform that lets you virtually move around the room.
  
  
• Wonder: A virtual space where people can meet and talk. Guests can see who is speaking to whom. Move your avatar around with your mouse. To join a conversation, move closer. To leave it, move away. Simple as that.
  
  
• SPIE Conference App: Access everything happening in the Digital Forum. Download the App and enjoy the event on your smartphone or tablet on the go.
  
  

1. Register for the Digital Forum

It's quick and easy. Register early so that you're ready to go on the first day of the forum. All authors, presenters, and attendees need to register to enjoy the forum. Registration is also required for authors and presenters before you can access the presentation and manuscript upload system. Register today. 

2. Sign in to your SPIE account during the week of the Forum

By registering and signing in, all the content of the Forum will be available to you. Conference papers and presentations including commenting, live plenaries, exhibitor interactions and product demos, and special technical events and networking events are all included with your registration. By signing in during the week of the Forum, you'll have access to all events. Sign in now.

3. Explore the conference program

All conference presentations and posters are available the week of the digital forum and the week after. Browse the program to search and filter for conferences, presentations, and special events.

4. Engage in live events

Live events will be happening throughout the week. You will see this icon associated with any live content:  

Live events will be hosted via Zoom

Fifteen (15) minutes before an event is scheduled to go live, the following icon and link will appear on the event's webpage. Click on the link to enter the meeting waiting room. The host will start the event at the scheduled time.

A Zoom account is not required to view live events. If you do not already have Zoom installed on your device, you will be prompted to download and install it when you try to enter an event. Browser viewing is also available with slightly reduced functionality. To see whether your device is set up for Zoom, visit: https://www.zoom.us/test

For plenary and technical events that have already occurred, any presentation recordings will be made available, and a link will display. Click on the link to see the recording.

5. Engage with presenters and colleagues using Slack

What is Slack?
Slack is a channel-based messaging platform that is being used for commenting during the SPIE Digital Forums. Anyone registered for any event and signed in to their SPIE account can comment on all papers, posters, and presentations during the week using their SPIE event Slack account.

Watch SPIE Slack Tutorial Videos

About SPIE Digital Forum Slack Workspace and Channels:

• Slack is organized into Workspaces, each made up of a series of Channels.
• Each SPIE Digital Forum has its own Workspace.
• Each conference and event has its own Channel within this Workspace. Plus, attendees can set up custom Channels.
• Channels for events are named by their conference number or title of event (example:
• #11460- or #plenary-). Use the Channel Browser to find all active channels you want to join.

Here are a few Channels common to all users of the SPIE Digital Forum Event Workspaces:

• #general - A Channel with information about the event, handy quick links, and other information.
• #help - Information for attendees about getting help with Slack or any other matters.

The Slack logo and links appear with every part of the program that has commenting enabled: 

Take the next step. Watch this short, helpful video to get set up in Slack.

Slack Quick Start Guide: https://slack.com/resources/using-slack/your-quick-start-guide-to-slack

6. Discuss, share ideas, and network using Remo

What is Remo?
Remo is an innovative, self-guided platform for networking and workshopping with other virtual attendees. Remo that let's you move about the room to different tables and groups. It's intuitive and easy to use.

Watch Remo Tutorial Videos

Get ready to use Remo:

• Use the Remo system check to ensure your desktop system is ready to go.
• Once you've registered for the Digital Forum, find the networking and poster events in the conference program.
• Follow the link to sign up for Remo events.
• Set up your Remo profile. Watch video to learn how to set up a profile.

If you will present a poster, this event will use the whiteboard feature to present posters in small, rotating groups. Watch this video to learn how the whiteboard functionality works.

7. Enjoy simple, realistic networking with Wonder

What is Wonder?
Wonder is a virtual space where people can meet and talk. Interact with each other organically - just like in real life. No rigid formats, just free-flowing conversations.

• Works anywhere, immediately. No download, installation or registration - just click on the link in the event listing to enter.
• Wonder is 100% GDPR-compliant. Your privacy and security are taken very seriously.

Get ready to use Wonder:

Watch Wonder Training Video