• Symposia Chairs will all present live.Be sure to check the System Requirements below for the Virtual Platform and Day of Session Information for Speakers and Moderators below.

  It is imperative that you login to your session 20 minutes prior to the start to talk to the virtual meeting room technician and for last-minute coordination with the speakers. Ensure that all presenters have joined as well.

  All session moderators, co-chairs, chairs, and organizers should be sure to have a clock or timer nearby to keep the session on time as no timer is available in the virtual platform.

  Sessions cannot run over. Sessions will cut off 10 minutes automatically after the advertised end.

  • Symposia speakers will pre-record their 25-minute talks. Each speaker will have a 5-minute Q&A that you will moderate after their talk.
  • ASCB and EMBO will have a slide with meeting policies displayed at the beginning of the session.
  • Once you see the slide with the policies disappear, you will welcome everyone, briefly read announcements provided by ASCB staff (if any), and then introduce the first speaker.
  • After the first speaker’s recorded talk, the technician will briefly flash a Q&A slide and the session will become live for the 5-minute Q&A and you will be asked to read the questions submitted in the chat to the presenter.
    • If there are many questions, select the ones that seem the most important/relevant.
    • Be prepared with some questions for your own in case there are no questions from the audience.
  • Keep an eye on your clock or timer. Once 5 minutes has passed, say the Q&A is over and remind attendees that the speakers will be in discussion rooms following the talk to continue the conversation.
  • Introduce the next speaker.
  • After the second speaker’s recorded talk, the session will once again become live for the 5-minute Q&A and you will once again read the questions submitted in the chat to the presenter.
  • Once 5 minutes has passed, thank everyone for attending and remind them to visit the speakers’ discussion rooms following the talk if they want to continue the conversation.

Minisymposia Co-Chairs will all present live.

Be sure to check the System Requirements for the Virtual Platform below and Day of Session Information for Speakers and Moderators below.

It is imperative that you login to your session 20 minutes prior to the start to talk to the virtual meeting room technician and for last-minute coordination with the speakers. Ensure that all presenters have joined as well.

All session moderators, co-chairs, chairs, and organizers should be sure to have a clock or timer nearby to keep the session on time as no timer is available in the virtual platform.

Sessions cannot run over. Sessions will cut off automatically 10 minutes after the advertised end.

• Minisymposia speakers will pre-record their 12-minute talks. Each speaker will have a 3-minute live Q&A, moderated by the two session co-chairs, following their talk.
• ASCB and EMBO will have a slide with meeting policies displayed at the beginning of the session and then a title slide with the name of the session.
• Once you see the slide with the session information slide, you will welcome everyone, briefly read announcements provided by ASCB staff (if any), and then introduce the first speaker.
• After the first speaker’s recorded talk, the technician will briefly flash a Q&A slide and the session will become live for the 3-minute Q&A. You will read the questions submitted in the chat to the presenter.
  • If there are many questions, select the ones that seem the most important/relevant. You will probably only be able to ask two to four questions depending on how long it takes the presenter to answer.
  • Be prepared with your own questions in case there are no questions from the audience.
• Keep an eye on your clock or timer. Sessions must end on time since they will automatically cut off 10 minutes after the end and we want to give all speakers equal time.
• Once 3 minutes has passed, begin the introduction for the next speaker.
• After the next speaker’s recorded talk, repeat the 3-minute Q&A period.
• Continue to introduce the speakers for all six talks.
• After the final speaker, thank all the attendees for attending and the session will end.

Subgroup Organizers will all present live.

Be sure to check the System Requirements for the Virtual Platform below and Day of Session Information for Speakers and Moderators below.

It is imperative that you login to your session 20 minutes prior to the start to talk to the virtual meeting room technician and for last-minute coordination with the speakers. Ensure that all presenters have joined as well.

All session moderators, co-chairs, chairs, and organizers should be sure to have a clock or timer nearby to keep the session on time as no timer is available in the virtual platform.

Sessions cannot run over. Sessions will automatically cut off 10 minutes after the advertised end.

• Subgroup speakers will pre-record their talks (duration was determined by you earlier in the year). If indicated, speakers will have live Q&A, moderated by the subgroup organizers, following their talk.
• ASCB and EMBO will have a slide with meeting policies displayed at the beginning of the session and then a title slide with the name of the session.
• Once you see the slide with the session information, you will welcome everyone, briefly read announcements provided by ASCB staff (if any), and then start your introduction or introduce the first speaker.
• After the first speaker’s recorded talk, the technician will briefly flash a Q&A slide, if applicable, and the session will become live for the Q&A. You will read the questions submitted in the chat to the presenter.
  • If there are many questions, select the ones that seem the most important/relevant. You will probably only be able to ask two to four questions depending on how long it takes the presenter to answer.
  • Be prepared with your own questions in case there are no questions from the audience.
• Keep an eye on your clock or timer. Sessions must end on time since they will automatically cut off 10 minutes after the end and we want to give all speakers equal time.
• Once allotted Q&A time has passed (if applicable), begin the introduction for the next speaker at the time their talk is scheduled.
• If you have a break in the session, announce the break and tell the audience at what time you will start the next talk (in Eastern Standard Time).
• Continue to introduce the speakers and moderate the live Q&A for all talks.
• After the final speaker, thank all the attendees for attending and the session will end.

Education and Professional Development Moderators/Organizers will all present live.

Be sure to check the System Requirements for the Virtual Platform below and Day of Session Information for Speakers and Moderators below.

It is imperative that you login to your session 20 minutes prior to the start to talk to the virtual meeting room technician and for last-minute coordination with the speakers. Ensure that all presenters have joined as well.

All session moderators, co-chairs, chairs, and organizers should be sure to have a clock or timer nearby to keep the session on time as no timer is available in the virtual platform.

Sessions cannot run over. Sessions will automatically cut off 10 minutes after the advertised end.

Education and Professional Development Moderators/Organizers:

• Provide ASCB staff with an outline of how you want your session to run prior to the start of the session. We will provide these details to the technician in the virtual meeting room. Review this information with the technician and your speakers when you log into your session 20 minutes before the start.
• If you are presenting live, be sure to share your screen if you have slides.
• If you are hosting a panel discussion, all panelists will be visible on the screen in addition to the moderator. The moderator can direct questions submitted by the audience via the chat feature to the appropriate panelist(s).
• If any of your speakers pre-recorded their presentations, discuss with the technician when those should be played live for the audience.
• Prepare some questions in advance in case the audience does not have questions, or does not have enough questions.

All session chairs, co-chairs, organizers, and moderators must agree to the ASCB|EMBO VIRTUAL MEETING SPEAKER TERMS. Click here to view and sign the form.

The format for the 2020 joint meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) and the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), Cell Bio Virtual 2020, has been revised to be conducted virtually with the presentations being recorded to be available for a limited period of time for review by the ASCBMBO Meeting Registrants after the event.

To present, you will have to affirm the following rights and permissions:

Copyright Rights: This presentation is my own work, and I own the copyright of all materials being presented or have secured any necessary third-party permissions.

Consent to Record: ASCB may record and make my session and materials available upon demand to Cell Bio Virtual 2020 meeting attendees for up to 30 days after the last day of the meeting (through January 15).

You must register for the Cell Bio Virtual 2020 Meeting by November 9 so we can ensure you are listed as a presenter in your session on the virtual platform. Register here for access to your session as well as all other scientific content at this year’s meeting. Minisymposia Co-Chairs have already been registered for the meeting.

Registration is free for ASCB and EMBO Community members. Nonmembers must pay a fee.

Questions? Contact ascbinfo@ascb.org.

• Desktop or laptop computer* with at least:
  1. Mac: Mac OSX 10.7 or later
  2. Windows: Windows 10, 8, 8.1, 7, Vista (SP1 or later), XP (SP3 or later)
  3. Ubuntu: 12.04 or later
  4. Linux: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.4 or higher

* While it is possible to record your presentation from a tablet or mobile phone, we do not recommend it.

• Processor / RAM
  1. Single Core 1Ghz or higher (Dual core 2Ghz or higher, 4G RAM recommended)
• Browser
  1. Windows: Chrome 72+, Edge 84+, Firefox 27+, or IE 11+
  2. Mac: Chrome 30+, Safari 7+, Edge 84+, or Firefox 27+
  3. Linux: Chrome 30+, Firefox 27+
• Bandwidth
  1. 1.5 Mbps "up" minimum (3+ Mbps "up" recommended)
  2. Hint: Use speedtest.net to test
• Hardware
  1. Webcam
  2. The microphone and speakers built-in to most computers are adequate, but a headset with a boom mic or a stand-alone microphone will create a richer, cleaner sound. Dozens of models, wired and wireless, are available on Amazon for less than $100 with 4-star or better ratings.
  3. A second monitor is recommended, but not required.

Be sure your systems meet the minimum system/technical requirements for the virtual platform (see above). If at all possible, connect your laptop through a hard-wired Ethernet LAN if possible since wi-fi can be less reliable.

If you are using the video on your webcam for your talk, live Q&A, or pre-recorded talk, consider the following:

• Sit in a comfortable position and ensure you are centered in the webcam view. The webcam should be at, or slightly above your eye level.
• Ensure the framing of your face in the webcam is appropriate and there is not too much “head space” (space above your head) or you are not too close so your head is cut off in the view.
• Think about what is behind you. Choose a professional and neutral background where there is little or no possibility someone may walk behind you. A bookshelf, solid wall, or home office environment works well. You can use one of these Cell Bio Virtual 2020 background templates.
• Lighting is very important. Computer screens typically give off a blue light. Make sure any light source in the room is in front of you (behind your laptop screen). This can be a lamp or a window. Make sure there is no light source behind you because it will make your face appear dark in the camera.
• Avoid wearing pure white clothing because it can make you appear overexposed. Do not wear checkered or highly patterned items because they usually do not look good on a webcam. Solid colors other than white and in contrast to your background work well.
• Look directly into the camera as much as possible if there is a video aspect to your presentation. This makes the virtual audience feel as if you are talking directly to them and will help engage them. People tend to look at their screen to see a video of themselves while presenting and it makes it appear as if they are looking down and not making eye contact. If you find yourself looking at your screen instead of the camera, position the video of yourself on the computer screen as close to the webcam camera as possible. You can also put a photo of family, pets, etc., right next to the camera to remind you to look up at the camera.
• If you wear glasses, they will reflect what is directly in front of you into the camera. Tilt your head slightly or adjust your glasses to eliminate this effect.
• During the recording or the live presentation/Q&A, eliminate any background noises and mute any telephones or other devices and computer notifications (e.g., new email notification sound), so they will not provide a distraction during the recording or live talks/Q&A.
  • Optional: We recommend using a USB headset during your presentation so that the microphone will be close to your mouth and background noise will be reduced compared with your computer’s built-in microphone.
• If you are presenting live or doing a pre-recording, relax and take a few deep breaths before starting your presentation. The audience is interested in what you have to say, but you will not receive the same social cues that you would in an in-person event.
• Build in natural pauses in the content to allow the audience a moment to interpret an important point.
• Don’t rush your presentation, but also do not stay on any one slide too long. Ensure the presentation is engaging.
• Do not use build slides (a slide that starts with the first major bullet point and shows more major bullet points as the presentation proceeds) or animated transitions during your presentation. They will not have the same impact in a virtual setting and can appear distorted to the audience.
• Familiarize yourself with how you’ll look on the webcam by recording a 30-second video of your talk and watching it. Using these tools you can get used to presenting “live”:
  • Windows 10: Click Start and scroll down to choose Camera. On the right you’ll see a camera icon and the option to “Take a Video.” Click this to begin recording and then click stop when finished. A thumbnail will appear at the bottom of the screen. Click the thumbnail to view the video you just made.
  • Macintosh: Open the Photo Booth application and click the video icon in the lower left. Click the red button with camera icon to begin recording, then click to stop when finished. Double-click the thumbnail to view the video.
• Keep a glass of water nearby and take a drink during a natural pause in your talk if your throat becomes dry.

• Check your internet connection.
• Log into your session 20 minutes prior to the advertised start (this is VERY important for last minute coordination and instructions).
• Check your laptop/computer microphone and video.
• Remove distractions.
• Mute anything that may buzz or beep, turn off your email pop-ups, etc.
• Plug in laptop power source to avoid a dead battery.
• Wear solid colors or jewel tones. Navy looks better than gray or black. Avoid stripes, small patterns, or wild patterns.
• Speak straight into your camera. Your webcam should be at eye level.
• Try to ensure your background is plain and not distracting. Make sure that you are not sitting with a window or light source behind you.
• Wear a headset for the best audio and change your computer’s audio settings to be input and output through the headset and its mic if you do this.
• If sharing internet with others, ask them to minimize their internet use during your presentation. Turn off any devices you do not need during the live event to avoid low internet connectivity.

Backgrounds should not include objects or pictures with political statements, obscene, discriminatory, or offensive language. If you chose to use a virtual background, we encourage you to use one of the official virtual meeting backgrounds.

If you are not using a virtual background, suggest you choose a professional and neutral background where there is little or no possibility someone may walk behind you. A bookshelf, solid wall, or home office environment works well.

Start networking before the meeting begins! Let your colleagues and friends know you’re moderating a session at Cell Bio Virtual 2020 by posting on social media or sharing on slides during presentations at your university or other meetings. Click here for social media badges you can share.

Posting about the meeting on Twitter or Instagram? Don’t forget to use the hashtag #CellBio2020!

Please review ASCB’s Abstract Licensing and Publication Agreement.

All abstracts selected for presentation will be available to view online, on our virtual platform, and in the December 15, 2020, issue of Molecular Biology of the Cell. Abstracts will be available on the 2020 Cell Bio Virtual Meeting website on or around November 16, 2020. At that time, all information is considered public.

Abstract Citation

A PDF file of abstracts from the 2020 Cell Bio Virtual Meeting will be published as a supplement in the December 15, 2020, issue of Molecular Biology of the Cell.

Citation Format

Smith AB, Jones CD (2020). Abstract title. Mol. Biol. Cell 28, page # (Abstract #XXXX).

XXXX = the PRESENTATION number assigned to your abstract in early November – NOT the abstract ID number you received when you first submitted your abstract.

Page # = the page of the PDF that your abstract begins on.

All posters and oral presentations at Cell Bio Virtual 2020- An ASCB|EMBO Meeting will be embargoed until the date and start time of their presentation at the meeting and/or until the consent of the author to report said findings is given. This means that press registrants MAY NOT PUBLISH any information about work being presented at the meeting UNLESS AND UNTIL the start date and time of that presentation AND WITH the express consent of the author.  Likewise, no screen shots or images of research presentations may be included in such reporting. Approved images should be obtained directly from the author. ASCB and EMBO aim to encourage presentation of the latest findings and enable responsible and quality reporting of those findings by press in attendance. This policy helps ensure that all reporters have access to the same, up-to-date, and complete information when researching and writing their articles and that information regarding research presented at our meeting is not published prior to the presentation.

When is my speakers’ content due?

All of your speakers must upload their narrated presentations, headshot, and session handouts by November 23, unless they have pre-approval to present live or your session is a panel.

• Symposia Speakers: Prerecord talks in a dedicated Zoom room with Projection, Inc., ASCB’s audio video company.
• Awardees and Participants in Award Sessions: Prerecord talks in a dedicated Zoom room with Projection, Inc., ASCB’s audio video company.
• Minisymposia Speakers: Upload a narrated presentation by November 23. The site for uploading will open on November 4. If assistance is needed, a Virtual Speaker Ready Room will be available between November 11 and November 23.
• Subgroup Speakers: Upload a narrated presentation by November 23. The site for uploading will open on November 4. If assistance is needed, a Virtual Speaker Ready Room will be available between November 11 and November 23.
• Education and Professional Development Speakers: For sessions that are not 100% live, upload a narrated presentation by November 23. The site for uploading will open on November 4. If assistance is needed, a Virtual Speaker Ready Room will be available between November 11 and November 23.

What should I do the day of my session?

Login to the Virtual Platform site, Pathable, and click on your session 20 minutes before the start time for the virtual Speaker Ready Green Room where your fellow session chairs/organizers and speakers can go over any last-minute instructions with the technician in the virtual room.

Review the “Day of Session Information for Speakers and Moderators” section above, which includes last-minute tips and instructions for your presentation.

How do I engage the audience in a virtual environment?

• Encourage attendees to share what they’re learning on social media.
• Keep content accessible.
• Provide your contact information for attendees to contact you, if you wish or encourage them to reach out to you via the virtual plaform, Pathable.
• Rely less on text-heavy slides and use more images.

Is polling available? 

This will be available for Education and Professional Development sessions. If you wish to use polling during your session, please contact Danielle Raiford at draiford@ascb.org for more information and training on how this will work.

Will attendees have the ability to talk via microphone during a session?

Not during talk sessions with presentations. Attendees will only be able to view these session, participate in the chat, and ask questions through the chat. The moderators, co-chairs, or organizers of your session will monitor the chat Q&A and pull questions for the live Q&A portion of your session.

Attendees will have the ability to talk via a microphone during networking sessions.

Will audience members be able to see who else is attending a session?

Yes, audience members will be able to see who else is attending a session.

Will I be able to see who is attending the session?

Yes. The speakers and moderators may view the people attending the session. However, we encourage speakers and moderators to use dual monitors so they can see the session and view the attendees on another screen.

Will I be able to chat with my speakers during the session privately?

No. Please pre-coordinate anything you need to prior to the session. You will also have 20 minutes to log into the Zoom room prior to the start of the talk and finalize details with all speakers, moderators, and the production team staff.

I’m on a panel or have multiple presenters, will everyone be displayed on the screen?

Yes. During the live Q&A for panel discussions, all moderators and speakers in a session will appear on screen in the Zoom conference room within the platform.

Do I have to be on camera?

Session co-chairs, moderators, or organizers will be on camera for introductions, and Q&A portions. Although it is not required, we highly recommend being on camera during the live Q&A. It helps with engagement, as the audience is better able to connect with you. You will not be on camera during your narrated presentation unless the presentation that you upload contains a video of you in addition to your slides.

Will there be any technical help during the live portion of my session?

Yes, a virtual technician from Projection will be on each session that contains pre-recorded talks to provide technical support. The virtual technician will be sure to run a quick check on everyone’s camera and microphone prior to the start of the meeting. It is imperative that you login 20 minutes prior to the start of the session so this can be tested.

How early do I need to log into my session?

We recommend that you log into your session exactly 20 minutes prior to your session (not the start of your talk) to do a final check of your technology with the virtual technician, to check-in with your moderators, and ask any questions you may have.

Is there a timer for my presentation?

All talks will be pre-recorded within the time requested. There is no timer for the Q&A portion but the session organizer or co-chair will monitor the time and stop the Q&A and introduce the next speaker when it is time to move onto the next presentation.

Everything must be kept on time because the session will automatically end 10 minutes after the scheduled time.

Can attendees ask speakers questions outside of session Q&A?

Attendees may reach out to speakers through the virtual meeting platform’s contacts feature. They can also submit questions through the Q&A chat while the session remains on demand until January 15. Speakers will be encouraged to check back periodically to answer any questions submitted after the end of the live session.