
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
About the hybrid Conference
What is a hybrid conference?
A hybrid conference combines a "live" in-person event with a "virtual" online component.
Presentations
Where possible, keynote speakers will present live at the venue and plenary sessions will be broadcast through the virtual platform and enable virtual and face-to-face delegates to ask questions directly to the keynote speakers. Plenary sessions will also be recorded and made available on demand through the virtual portal.
Abstract presenters that have been accepted for a face-to-face presentation will present live at the venue (restrictions permitting). In addition to presenting live, speakers will also provide a pre-recorded presentation to be made available on demand through the virtual portal. Concurrent session content will be released at the same time as the live version; the content for these online sessions are pre-recorded presentations and are not live. Abstract presenters that have been accepted for a virtual only presentation will provide a pre-recorded presentation to be made available on demand in the virtual portal; they do not present live online.
The virtual portal will be available to registered delegates for an extended time following the conference dates, to catch up on any presentations you have missed.
What happens if restrictions increase?
Potential restrictions could mean that the hybrid conference is pivoted to a virtual only conference. This would mean that all delegates will access the content through the virtual portal and the conference would not proceed with the face-to-face component.
Delegates will be kept updated throughout the planning process and will be advised on how the conference will proceed depending on the restrictions.
Registering for the hybrid Conference
How will the hybrid Conference work?
Depending on the restrictions at the time of the conference, delegates will have the option of attending the conference in Brisbane or participating virtually.
If your initial purchase is a Face-to-Face registration but COVID-19 related Government restrictions prevent you from attending in May, you will be provided with the opportunity convert to a Virtual Registration.
As COVID-19 restrictions ease, you may wish to upgrade your registration from Virtual to Face-to-Face, this will be possible depending on venue capacity and Face-to-Face registration availability. Abstract presenters will be given first preference to register for the face-to-face conference in order to present.
Face-to-face delegates will have access to all of the content live in the venue as well as the virtual on demand content.
Virtual delegates will have access to and be able to participate in the live plenary sessions and view the content on demand.
Please check our website regularly for the updated program and speaker information.
How do I register?
To register for the Conference, click on the following link to be directed to the registration site. You must register and pay in order to attend the face-to-face conference or receive access to the virtual Conference platform - Register Now
I am not a PHAA member. How do I join?
PHAA Members have access to reduced Registration Fees to participate in the virtual Conference. To become a PHAA member today, visit the PHAA Website.
What is included in the F2F Conference registration fee?
We will be providing you with our traditional three-day conference format, which includes live plenary and concurrent sessions. Delegates will also be able to attend the networking function and exhibition booths located in the catering hall. In addition to the face-to-face components, you will also have access to the online on demand content for viewing at your leisure. You will also be able to connect with other delegates via our online Meeting Hub, which offers one-on-one text and video meetings throughout the Conference dates.
What is included in the Virtual Conference registration fee?
We will be providing you with our traditional three-day conference format, broken down into pre-recorded and live video sessions. You will not need to sit for three consecutive days to watch the content. These will be made available for viewing both live and on-demand and will be available for a limited time after the official conference has concluded. You can also connect with other delegates via our Meeting Hub, which offers one-on-one text and video meetings throughout the Conference dates.
Do you offer group registration?
You can register a group of participants via the Group Registration Portal, located on the Registration page. However, each participant must pay their individual registration fee in order to obtain an individual access code to the online content and to attend the face-to-face conference. We are unable to offer shared registrations. Each registrant must use an email address unique to them as that is their unique identifier to access to the portal.
Why do I have to register to participate?
By registering to participate in our Conference you are helping the Public Health Association of Australia continue its work in a variety of public health topics. All presenters and co-presenters will be required to purchase an appropriate conference registration.
I can no longer attend the Conference. Can I give my login to a colleague?
Should you no longer be able to participate in the Conference we ask you to contact events@phaa.net.au so your registration can be transferred. We do not recommend sharing your login information with anyone as this contains the personal information your provided upon registering.
Presenting at the virtual Conference
Why has the abstract process changed?
In line with the new hybrid format, we have changed the traditional abstract submission format. In submitting an abstract you are agreeing to provide a pre-recorded presentation as well as presenting at the face-to-face conference (if you have selected this option). The pre-recorded presentation is required to be sent by the deadline, so it can be uploaded to the online conference platform and made available for the virtual conference delegates in an on-demand format. The pre-recorded presentations are also required if the conference has to pivot to a full virtual only conference due to changes in restrictions.
I would like to submit an abstract. What do I do?
The process for submitting abstracts has not changed. Click on the 'Call for Abstracts' tab. There you will be directed to a portal to submit your abstract. The only difference from previous years is the format in which you will deliver your presentation. If your abstract is accepted into the Conference program, you will receive full instructions on how to prepare and upload your presentation.
I need to make a change to my abstract. How do I do this?
Please contact events@phaa.net.au for any changes to your abstract. Closer to the Conference we will advise all presenters a cut-off date for changes permitted.
Viewing the virtual Conference
Do I need to download anything to view the Virtual Conference?
No. Once you have registered, you have access to the online Conference site. Our sessions use integrated software connected with Zoom and other streaming services. These sessions and videos will play automatically in your browser. You can use your laptop or PC (tablets and smartphones are not recommended, due to screen size). For the best viewing experience, we recommend that you join the conference using a supported internet browser, which includes Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Please also remember a stable broadband or wi-fi connection is recommended.
Can I watch from multiple devices at the same time?
You can use any device to watch the Conference (computer, smart phone, tablet). The recommended device is a computer or laptop. Please note, only one device can access your account at any one time. Please do not share your registration login with anyone.
Can I stream the Conference on a big screen or television?
Chromecast - If you have Chromecast, you can view the sessions on your television screen, direct from your smart phone using your wi-fi network. For more instructions visit http://www.google.com/chrome/devices/chromecast/learn.html
AppleTV - If you have an Apple TV and and iPhone/iPad, you can stream a video to your AppleTV and watch it on the big screen. Use AirPlay directly from your iOS device via your wi-fi network. For more instructions visit Apple.com
PHAA's Public Health Catering Guidelines around healthy food and alcohol
Healthy food
PHAA adopts ecologically sustainable, culturally appropriate and healthy food practices to improve public health outcomes, including:
• Ensuring food and beverages are in keeping with dietary guidelines.
• Ensuring cultural food practices are considered.
• Reducing the use of chemical additives used in food production.
• Promoting agricultural practice that minimises ecological damage and minimises water use.
• Ensuring key allergens are considered; and
• Minimising food surpluses and wastage.
Venues are also asked to limit the use of unhealthy discretionary foods and protect the environment. We encourage venues to avoid single use cups, plates, cutlery and packaging. Food and beverages should be served in reusable, washable containers. It is equally important that venues which host events reduce the food-related environmental footprint of the event and ensure locally grown and sustainably produced nutritious and safe foods are available and provided at the event, whenever possible.
Beverages
PHAA ensures the hosting conference provide plain drinking water, plus, still or sparkling water, excluding bottled water. Service of sugar sweetened beverages (for example soft drink, fruit juice) are kept to a minimum ensuring that adequate alternatives, for example fruit infused waters are available. Hot beverages for example, tea and coffee, will be served with reduced and low-fat milk options provided.
Alcoholic beverages
No alcohol is to be supplied or included in packages at events conducted under the auspices of PHAA. Any event arranged by PHAA is not to provide or serve alcohol as a routine and freely distributed part of the provision of hospitality at the event. This includes adding the supply of alcohol into the price of registration, such as beverage packages. However, every effort will be made to ensure – when the event and venue is appropriate - attendees are freely able to purchase alcoholic beverages at their own expense.
Further Assistance
For additional assistance, please contact the PHAA Events Team at
P: 02 6285 2373