What are the congress dates/times?
The Congress will take place from May 25-29 — join us from anywhere in the world.
What are the congress hours?
Tuesday, May 25, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm WAT
Wednesday, May 26, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm WAT
Thursday, May 27, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm WAT
Friday, May 28, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm WAT
Saturday, May 29, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm WAT
*Please note the virtual platform will be available 24 hours a day. The times noted above are the hours in which content will air. Content will also be available on demand shortly after it airs
*The Virtual Platform will also be available to all registered participants for 3 months’ post congress
The agenda provides flexibility throughout the day, offering gaps of time to attend sessions, visit exhibitors and/or enjoy entertainment offerings
The virual platform will open May 18, though content will not air until May 25.
Why has ACSCD decided to host a virtual congress?
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect travel and major gatherings, we recognize that staying connected is more important than ever for our communities, exhibitors, sponsors, attendees and numerous partners. The decision to move forward with a virtual event offers a safe and innovative solution for the community and industry to access our program, investment and networking opportunities. We will share further updates as they become available. We are excited to welcome you to our very anticipated ACSCD 2021 in a new virtual setting.
What is a virtual congress?
The Congress will take place within a virtual venue called a platform, comparable to a physical venue (e.g. Landmark Event Centre). Event components that participants would traditionally experience in-person will be presented virtually. A virtual congress offers attendees more benefits than ever before. Exhibitors will showcase information and interact with participants at virtual booths through video/text chats and relevant links/resources. Participants will network in virtual lounges, one-on-one video meetings, chat rooms and in other virtual gathering areas.
Who attends ACSCD?
Regional Governments Representatives, Intergovernmental Organizations, Private Sector Representatives, Academia, Research institutes and Think tanks, NGOs, Donors, Development Partners, Healthcare providers, Community Groups, Patient Groups, Youth Groups, People living with sickle cell disease and other interested individuals from across Africa and the world.
What are the benefits of the ACSCD virtual congress?
Global Connections: Access to a broader global audience and even more valuable connections with thought and industry leaders worldwide.
Matchmaking: Facilitated matchmaking based on all participants’ interests in order to deliver the most focused networking experience.
Experience The Online Exhibit Hall: Discover solutions, book meetings with leading organizations and text/video chat with exhibit staff during exhibit hours.
Much More Than A Webinar Or Video Conference Call: Move around the virtual congress to attend various interactive presentations with breakout sessions and group discussions among your peers – it’s just like being in the same room together. Customize your own agenda to fit your work schedule and time zone.
Broader Access: The virtual congress can be accessed from all mobile and desktop devices. All you need is a high-speed internet connection. Attend virtual networking lounges, educational sessions and entertainment all from the comfort of your home or office.
What programming will be carried over into the virtual congress format?
We plan to include most of our traditional programming offerings. See https://acscd.org/program for the most up to date information.
How will the virtual congress accommodate different time zones?
Some sessions will begin later in the day/evening to reach attendees in key time zones. Additionally, sessions will be available to view on-demand after airing.
Also, upon logging into the platform for the first time, attendees will be asked to select their preferred time zone from a list. Agenda timing will then be noted in attendees’ preferred time zone, as opposed to the default of WAT. No need to convert time zones manually.