Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eSymposia?

Keystone Symposia eSymposia are virtual events that bring together global research leaders and rising stars in a particular field to discuss the latest research advances and directions, while broadcast live to global audiences.

Key Features:

• Like our in-person conferences, these one-day virtual events feature a Keynote Lecture, Panel Discussions and Short Talk Presentations showcasing cutting-edge, emerging and unpublished research.
• Each session is followed by a live Q/A where registered participants can submit their questions via the Digitell Live Event platform (which includes live chat functionality, twitter feed, and video player), to be answered by speakers and panelists in real-time.
• Some programs also include optional career development sessions such as “Meet the Editor” and “Career Roundtable” workshops to provide insights and guidance into publishing and job opportunities for early-career investigators.
• Registration includes access to SciTalk presentations, abstracts and virtual posters, along with author contact information and access to the dedicated event forum, to promote collaborations and networking among fellow viewers. Participants may submit their abstracts for inclusion in these resources prior to the event.
• Viewers can also connect with each other via the KSConnect App, which includes direct messaging and contact information to foster community engagement during and after the event.

Altogether, eSymposia and associated resources help to connect the global research community with the latest biomedical advances, tools and technologies, and even more importantly, with each other, to catalyze and accelerate life science discovery and innovation towards clinical impacts.

These virtual events also democratize the dissemination of science, by eliminating travel and minimizing costs to participate in global research meetings. With these digital technologies we are able to engage global audiences, giving scientists from limited resource settings and remote locations the rare opportunity to present their work and network with global research leaders. Fostering such diversity and inclusion in both virtual and in-person meetings is part of Keystone Symposia’s core mission, and eSymposia are a key part of this vision.

Join us for an upcoming eSymposia!

How do I register?

Register on the event webpage with your name, email address, and credit card information (where applicable) anytime prior to or after the event. You may watch live on the day of the event, or the recording will be available anytime thereafter on-demand.

How do I login on the day of the event?

When you register for the event, you will be asked to create a login and password for the Virtual Keystone Symposia platform (if you have not already done so to access other VKS free content). On the day of the event, sign into your account with this login information by clicking or tapping “Log In” button in the top-right corner of the window, and then click the “Join Session” button on the event page up to 30 minutes prior to the event start-time.

What if I accidentally close my browser or sign out during the event?

No problem! You will not need to login again. Navigate to the eSymposia event page and click or tap the “Join Session” button.

What if I have schedule conflicts that day, can only attend half the event, etc.?

The event will be recorded, and available on-demand in its entirety after the event (usually no longer than one week after the event) so you may watch it at your convenience, and as many times as you like to refresh your memory or study a particular talk.

Can I ask speakers questions? How does the live Q/A sessions work?

YES! The digital media platform offers live chat functionality which allows you to submit questions for the speakers in real-time. At the end of each presentation, speakers will view the questions submitted and answer to the live audience as they would in an in-person Q/A session. In addition, you may submit questions, as well as seed discussions on Twitter via the event hashtag.

If you think of a question later, you can always contact the speaker anytime after the event via the KSConnect app, which has all speaker contact information as well as a direct messaging platform. For more information about the KSConnect app, click here.

How is an eSymposia different than a webinar?

While a webinar offers informational content, an eSymposia provides a more interactive experience where participants can connect with each other and spark fruitful discussions and collaborations that will impact their research, and the field, long after the event.

Event registration includes access to SciTalks, ePosters and abstracts, where participants may browse the work of other registrants for the latest advances, and to seek new collaborations. Author contact information is provided, and also available via the KSConnect app direct messaging feature, so that participants can engage each other in scientific discussions, learn new techniques, and follow up with questions.

Participants may also contribute to discussion via the Forum on the event page, and on Twitter via the event hashtag to share insights and thoughts with the global scientific audience.

In addition, eSymposia provide a snapshot of the state of an entire field, encompassing many different perspectives, rather than featuring a single person’s view of a topic.

eSymposia programs are specifically designed to include speakers from basic science, clinical research, industry, government, and other diverse viewpoints, to generate a comprehensive and integrated picture of the field. In addition, by providing a mix of voices, from field leaders to rising-stars, programs showcase expertise alongside novel approaches, techniques and directions that will innovate the field.