#NABJ21 CONVENTION TIPS: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
Thank you for registering for the #NABJ21 Virtual Convention & Career Fair, Aug. 18-21. Below are tips you need to know about navigating our virtual convention environment as you connect with the thousands of attendees, recruiters and partners joining us this year! Please keep this info handy and read it carefully! Remember to view the convention tutorial here.

Accessing the Platforms & Information
  • Before the convention begins, you will receive an email from NABJ Registration that includes your registration email, a unique protected password and the login link for all things convention. Save this info! It is the only way you can access the Main Convention Floor/Lobby, the Exhibit Hall, networking, and all workshops, sessions, receptions, and special events! This info must not be shared with others or you will have issues with the system.
  • Check your emails (including spam) from the NABJ Registration team and bookmark NABJ21.vFairs.com. 
  • Again, only the email you registered with and the password you received from NABJ will work in the convention environment. (Reminder emails with credentials were sent on Sunday and Monday.) Email registration@nabj.org, if you need help with your credentials.

Staying Up-to-Date With the Convention App
  • In your app store, download Guidebook and search for NABJ21. Once you find our guide, add it so you can receive updates on your phone/device and use the convention guide daily. You can also download the app and view it in browser form here: https://bit.ly/NABJ21App.
  • The convention app is where you can build and find the most up-to-date schedule information, filter sessions by track, engage with other attendees, partners and recruiters, receive daily push alerts/notifications, and interact with additional convention features and chats.
Navigating the Convention
  • To navigate all components of the convention, you must always start at the home page, which is located at NABJ21.vFairs.com. Follow the buttons to enter the environment. The convention environment is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET (with the exception of nighttime parties/activities), but you should arrive at least an hour before we open each day.
  • Watch the above tutorial video to help you learn more about the virtual environment before the start of the convention. The video will be placed on the convention landing page, YouTube and main event floor.
  • Throughout the convention, the Help Desk will be located in the lobby of the convention environment. Here you will find email contacts for help and additional FAQs. 
  • The National Office is closed due to COVID precautions, so please use the support emails provided below, on the convention site and in the help areas to contact us.

Preparing for Convention
  • You must download or ensure you have the most up-to-date versions of Google Chrome for the best experiences. Other browsers are not recommended.
  • Attendees must rely on desktop/laptop computers rather than mobile devices for activities and viewing during the convention. Make sure that the software on your device is up-to-date. The virtual platforms are not designed for the mobile environment as they require full-screen viewing and interaction. There are key interactive features you can take advantage of on a desktop or laptop computer.
  • Note: If your computer or laptop software or hardware are out-of-date, you may not achieve the best experience on the web platforms.
  • You will need to access Zoom to enjoy some of the convention’s live engagement features, including the live speaker hallway, receptions and other activities. Download Zoom on your computer or laptop here: https://zoom.us/download.
  • Please disable popup blockers on your devices during the convention. Often parts of the platforms will open in new tabs or as new windows. Go to https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95472?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en to learn more about popup blockers on Chrome.
  • Outside of Zoom, most of our platforms are browser-based. No download is required. Please look out for alerts while in the system to allow your browsers to access your audio, video and camera for chatting and speaking experiences. Go to https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2693767?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en to learn more about this on Chrome.
  • Also, make sure your computer audio is turned up and working, you have working speakers and mics, and working headsets to maximize audio output and input. 
  • To participate in video chats or video Zoom events, you must have a web camera built into your device or a webcam attached/connected to your device.
  • Please make sure your camera software is working and up-to-date. If you plan on interfacing with attendees, companies, recruiters, and others via video during the convention, make sure you are in a quiet place, with limited interruptions.
  • Always double-check your audio and camera settings on your computer.
  • We are expecting a huge crowd for #NABJ21 and we have lots of offerings you don’t want to miss. You must have a strong internet connection to participate in the convention. If you are in a home or office with multiple devices connected to the internet you may experience slower upload and download speeds. 
  • Also, if you are viewing or speaking at the convention from your workplace make sure your company doesn’t have firewalls that will prevent you from accessing the convention. Advice: Try not to stream anything besides convention material to maximize your bandwidth.
  • It also helps to have minimal browser tabs open during the convention. The more tabs open, the more memory you will use.
The above image represents the convention Lobby or Main Convention Floor. This is the main point of navigation to enjoy and access all of the convention and career fair offerings. Here you will find the Career Fair and Exhibit Hall on the right. At the center, you will find Special Events, the Networking Lounge and Scheduled Meetings. In the middle area of the convention floor, you can find the Information Help Desk for Tech Support or Frequently Asked Questions. At the left, you will find the Workshops, Sessions, Receptions (and Plenaries) access point. The blue chat bubble will direct you to the live chat rooms where you can engage with other attendees and recruiters. The navigation pane provides links to the convention Lobby, Exhibit Hall, Resume Uploads, Resources, Program Book, Swag Bag, Chat Rooms, Info/Help Desk, and Networking Lounge.

 
 Attending Our 140-Plus Workshops, Sessions, Plenaries, Receptions, and Events
 
  • Convention sessions, workshops, plenaries, receptions, opening events and other activities will be held or originate in Matchbox. All sessions (except invite-only) can be accessed via Matchbox. To arrive at Matchbox, you must first enter the vFairs portal and log in with your registration credentials. You may be prompted to verify twice upon first entering. 
  • Note: Do not try to reach Matchbox or vFairs via Google search. The links are private and not found in the public domain. Once in Matchbox, you will also be asked to log in with the email you provided to NABJ registration and the password assigned to you.
  • You can access the sessions directly from the convention platform at NABJ21.vFairs.com. Every day of the convention, you can click on the Workshop/Sessions tab to access pre-recorded, live and on-demand sessions. Sessions will be available for on-demand viewing 24-48 hours after the original air time. Note: To participate in live chats, the speaker hallway, and Q&A, you must attend the original air time of the session or event.
  • By clicking on Workshops/Sessions, you will be taken to the Matchbox environment, where you will access the full schedule of activities and can click on the tile for the session or event you want to attend. 
  • To access meetings and events on Saturday click on Saturday Events in the Networking Lounge in vFairs or the Saturday tile in Matchbox.

The Career Fair
  • The Exhibit Hall is only open Wednesday through Friday. Career Fair hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. each of the three days. Some recruiters will host evening appointments until 8 p.m. to accommodate attendees in different time zones, but all appointments are set at Eastern Time.
  • Both recruiters and attendees can access booths through the Exhibit Hall. If you are a recruiter, simply navigate to your booth via scrolling from left to right or through the exhibitor index or search, and click on the chat to open up your booth. 
  • Attendees are urged to upload resumes and portfolio links to the NABJ Career Center prior to the start of the convention, where our 90-plus recruiters will be learning more about attendees now and through the convention.
  • To post a NEW resume in the NABJ Career Center for recruiters: Go to www.nabjcareers.org, create an account, go to “My Resume,” post your resume, and be sure to select that you will be attending the “NABJ 2021 Virtual Career Fair/Convention.”
  • If you already have an EXISTING resume in the NABJ Career Center and want Convention recruiters to find you: Go to www.nabjcareers.org, log in to your account, go to “My Resume,” and click “Confirm Activation.” (If your resume has deactivated, click “Edit” and go to “General Information.”) Go down to “Job Fair Registrations'' and select that you will be attending the “NABJ 2021 Virtual Career Fair/Convention.”
  • To make an appointment before the career fair, log in to vFairs and navigate to the booth of your choice via the search bar or menu options. Click “reserve a chat” at the booths of your choice and await a confirmation email from vFairs or “NABJ 2021.” Appointments are first-come, first-served.
  • When you return for the convention, arrive in the chat area to let your recruiters know you are ready and they will invite you to the Direct Message area or Private Chat with video, text or audio when they are ready to meet with you, so be dressed to impress!
  • If you don’t have a pre-scheduled appointment, check-in with recruiters in the chat to see if there are openings and don’t forget to review the clickable images, resources and links with job information at each booth.
  • You will also have digital items to add to your virtual swag bag (including discounts and giveaways), which you can email to yourself. Your swag bag will also be pre-loaded with goodies from our partners.
  • Remember to have your resume and portfolio links uploaded in advance and readily available.
The Networking Lounge
  • In the networking lounge, you will find the convention attendees’ networking chatroom. This is where you can connect with others and share information. The convention team may stop in to share information as well. You can also find the chat icon on the left side of the vFairs screen at all times.
  • Please practice the NABJ Code of Conduct at all times in the chats.
  • You will also find access to the Reception Hall. This is where you will participate in live partner and media receptions. You can find that schedule by clicking on the receptions tab and also in our convention app.
  • Special content/bonus features, our photo booth, press room, member showcase, awards review, and Student Projects newscast can be accessed in the lounge as well. 
  • And last but not least … don’t forget to go shopping at the NABJ store! 

Meals
  • Early registrants received access to reserve one meal delivery and some beverage benefits upon registration, on a first-come, first-served basis. These meal events include luncheon or reception options. Remember, your meal event cannot be changed! Food will be delivered only in alignment with the event time you selected and if delivery is available in your area. (Pick up may be an option.)
  • Be sure to check your email for detailed instructions you need to know about GrubHub and other delivery services from MyMobileLyfe. Emails will come from GrubHub or the beverage provider. GrubHub meals can be pre-ordered for delivery starting Aug. 16.
  • Contact meal support at: dionne_battle@hotmail.com.
#NABJ21 | NABJ21.VFairs.com