Q.
What are the expectations for facilitators and students to participate?
EAST programs are expected to register a Conference team (EAST facilitators and up to 1 administrator and 8 students) and participate in the Conference showcase. While attendance is not required at any session or event, EAST programs are encouraged to spend as much time as possible exploring the event. There is a lot happening over the three days, and you don’t want to miss out on opportunities to showcase your work, network, and celebrate your accomplishments.
Q.
What if I don’t have 8 EAST students who are able to attend?
That’s no problem. As usual, we give you the opportunity to bring up to 8 students, but there is no minimum number required. EAST Conference is an incredible opportunity for your EAST program, and you should want to share this experience with as many students as possible.
Q.
Is putting together a Conference team required this year?
Yes. You have the opportunity to bring up to 8 students, but there is no minimum number required. Your conference team of students (up to 8) will attend each day, just like they would at the in-person event. Attendance is not required at every session or all day long, but the conference is designed to engage, inspire, and connect your students with others in the network just like the in-person event. Participation may look like attending the opening session, being live in your virtual booth for both the judges’ Q&A, and the interactive school booth assigned time to share about your projects with others. Your students may choose a variety of education sessions to attend, explore the other interactive school booths and exhibitor booths, participate in various contests, and celebrate during the closing general session on Friday. Your team will get to choose their own adventure.
Q.
What if my administrator is unable to participate?
Administrator participation is not required. However, we do see the benefit in them attending and did want to provide that opportunity.
Q.
Will there be opportunities for additional students, parents, etc. to attend Conference?
Possibly! For budgeting purposes, our priority is on providing a unique experience for your Conference team (EAST facilitators, up to 1 admin and 8 students). However, we are keeping our eyes open for additional opportunities to invite others to share in the experience. A new feature of this year’s Conference is a Mainstage that will be live streamed to our Facebook, YouTube, and/or Conference website. Stay tuned for more details.
Q.
What is the Conference Showcase and how is it different from previous years?
Not much has changed, except that everything is happening virtually! The Conference Showcase consists of two parts: 1) a virtual school booth, which includes a recorded video of the program pitch, and 2) a live, online, question and answer session with a panel of judges. The recorded video will be viewed by judges prior to the live Q&A. Stay tuned for more information about the video submission process and deadline.
Q.
Is setting up a virtual booth required this year?
Yes. You will be uploading at the minimum onto the platform: Program Pitch video, Project list, Group Photo, and School Identification. Everyone gets the same template so you don't have to worry about designing, etc., but the template will allow you to include various files and links (i.e. social media, school website). Think of this template as your digital brochure.
Q.
How many projects do we need to showcase in our booth, and what if I don’t have enough?
Per the booth rubric, EAST programs are expected to share a minimum of five diverse projects that provide a solid representation of their program. We encourage you to reach out to your Site Support person for support with identifying projects and additional questions and concerns.
Q.
Are we also expected to set up a physical booth in our classroom?
Setting up a physical booth is not a requirement but it could be a useful tool for promotional purposes, in-person celebrations with your school or community, or as a backdrop when recording the program pitch.
Q.
What is the cost to attend or participate in EAST Conference?
There are no costs to attend EAST Conference, but here are a few budgetary considerations. We recommend planning for a substitute, meals and/or snacks for your Conference team, and materials for your booth (if you are able to create one in your classroom). We also encourage you to request some funds to support additional celebration activities for your EAST program.
Q.
Will we be able to attend breakout sessions?
There will be opportunities to attend breakout sessions and other educational activities. We are especially excited because going virtual allows us to open up many more "seats" in those sessions. Stay tuned for more information!
Q.
Will there be social activities for the students and facilitators to participate in?
Yes, we are planning to incorporate some fun engagement activities and networking opportunities. Stay tuned!
Q.
Who do I contact if I need an accommodation to attend virtually?
To request accommodations for this virtual event, please contact events@EASTstaff.org.
Q.
Will there be Leadership Teams this year?
Students taking a leadership role is a key component of EAST Conference. Unfortunately, with the uncertainty and circumstances surrounding COVID and the transition to a virtual event, we are unable to provide the same leadership experiences that we have in previous years. We encourage you to continue to be a leader in your EAST program as you experience EAST Conference virtually.
Q.
What is the Conference dress code?
EAST Conference is a professional event. Follow your standard school dress code policy. Conference t-shirts are encouraged on Friday, March 19. Of course, we encourage you to wear business attire if you are presenting, meeting with the judges, etc.
Q.
Is there an app or anything we need to download to access the JUNO platform?
Juno is the platform that will be used for EAST Conference. There is nothing to download. All you need is a modern web browser (Chrome or Safari recommended). JUNO is built as a native web app, so it will recognize whatever type of device you are on. During the booth setup process, double check that you have all of the access you need from any student networks or WIFI that may be used. If you have any issues, first verify that YouTube is unblocked or feel free to reach out to the EAST Tech Support Team. JUNO will provide options to test connectivity (within the platform) and will have support staff on hand to assist in case there are any issues accessing the platform.