Frequently Asked Questions for TMS2021 Virtual

Accessing the TMS2021 Virtual Conference

When can I log in? Starting now, registrants can log in at www.tms.org/TMS2021/Connect to access the virtual conference platform. Log in and start navigating, building your agenda, etc. New registrants should allow 90 minutes from when they complete registration to be able to log in.

My default browser is not Chrome or Firefox. How do I access the meeting? You can download and open either browser and paste the link above into the address bar. The virtual conference will only work using Chrome or Firefox.

In what time zone are presentations scheduled? All events are in Eastern US Time. Note that Sunday, March 14 is the start of Daylight Savings Time in the US. The virtual conference will automatically re-set the times to display Eastern Daylight Savings time beginning on Sunday. Eastern Daylight Savings Time is UTC-4:00.

How do I navigate the virtual conference platform? We’ve created an orientation video series to help registrants navigate the site.

Do I have to log in at the time of my talk for the video to be viewable? Videos will be available at their scheduled times. No action is needed by the presenter or session chair for this to happen. We do encourage presenters and session chairs to be active via the message boards during their sessions.

How do I participate in a Zoom session? View the list of networking sessions by clicking on “Networking Spots” from the virtual conference lobby. Click on the desired session, select "Join Virtual Meeting," and follow the prompts.

Why won’t my Zoom window launch? When you join a Zoom meeting, the virtual conference opens a new browser tab for Zoom. If this does not launch, check your Chrome or Firefox settings to ensure that pop-ups are enabled for the site. (The site name may appear as Bravura Technologies.)

Is there a TMS background I can use for Zoom? Of course. Visit the Presenter Tools web page for backgrounds, social media posts, and other information to help presenters make the most of the virtual experience.
 

Oral Presentations


What is the format for oral presentations? All oral presentations will be pre-recorded through the Bravura platform. Files must be submitted as MP4s. File size is limited to 500 MB. More information is available in the TMS2021 Virtual Speaker Guide.

What are the time constraints for presentations? In general, contributed presentations should last 20 minutes. Invited speaker times can vary but may not exceed 25-40 minutes. Please do not extend your presentation beyond your assigned time. You can find this information in the e-mail that confirmed the date and time of your presentation.

Is a PowerPoint template available? A TMS2021 Virtual PowerPoint template is available here. The PowerPoint template is not required, so you can use your own if you prefer.

How do I record the presentation? Information is available in the TMS2021 Virtual Speaker Guide. Note that you may use the recording tools in the speaker portal or you may record your presentation on your own using Zoom, GoToMeeting, PowerPoint, or other recording apps. Files must be submitted as MP4s. File size is limited to 500 MB. If your file exceeds this size, we recommend you record using our console, or compress your file.

How do I submit my recorded oral presentation? You must first register prior to submitting your presentation. Information is available in the TMS2021 Virtual Speaker Guide.

By what date do I upload my presentation online? See the important dates below.

How do I avoid having people save/record my presentations? Within the meeting platform, files may be viewed but not downloaded. Similar to an in-person conference, during the registration process all attendees are asked to agree to not save or record presentations from the conference. In addition, attendees are not able to use the Bravura system to record someone else’s presentation.

Is a background available which I could display during my introductory comments? Yes, the use of the TMS background for your presentation is not required, but we offer two background options: blue or yellow. You can select either TMS option, use your own background image, or use no background image at all.

Poster Presentations

What is the format for poster presentations? Presenters should provide the poster in PDF format. Any visual aids which might clarify the results of your own work are encouraged. These can include diagrams, charts, figures, illustrations, etc. However, do not post your paper text. Note that graphics should be simple, colorful, well-labeled, and clear. Poster presenters can also create a 2-minute video to introduce their poster.

How do I submit my poster presentation? Information is available in the TMS2021 Virtual Speaker Guide.

By what date do I upload my poster presentation online? See the important dates below.

Is a background available which I could display during my introductory comments? Yes, the use of the TMS background for your presentation is not required, but we offer two background options: blue or yellow. You can select either TMS option, use your own background image, or use no background image at all.

Time Zone Considerations

Due to time zone issues, do I have to be available at the date/time of my presentation? Speakers are asked to be logged on at the scheduled time of their talk to participate in an online discussion of their presentation.

In which time zone will TMS2021 Virtual take place? All presentations and events will be scheduled in Eastern Daylight Time. (Please note that Standard Time ends and Daylight Savings Time begins on March 14. )

Registration

I am a presenter – do I need to register and pay? Yes, but be sure to register at the discounted presenter’s rate by January 25, 2021.

What is the registration deadline date for presenters? January 25, 2021. IMPORTANT: If you have not registered by this date, your presentation will be removed from the program.

I am a co-author, and the presenter can no longer record the talk. How do I change the designated presenter? This change can be coordinated by contacting TMS staff at programming@tms.org. 

Can I register and upload my colleagues’ talks? All TMS2021 Virtual presenters must be registered for the conference in order to upload their talks and be included in the conference technical program. Presentations where the speaker in the recording is not (1) the designated presenter and (2) registered for the conference will be removed from the program.

General Information

How can I communicate with participants during my session? A message board is assigned to each on-demand presentation. You can interact with TMS2021 Virtual attendees with questions or comments about your presentation on this message board.

How long will presentations be available to view? Presentations will be available to view through May 31, 2021.

Important Dates for Presenters

By what date do I upload my presentation online? The system will be available starting in early February. The deadline dates are based on topic areas for each symposium. General deadlines are listed below. You can view this schedule for a detailed list of symposia by topic area and the associated deadlines. Please upload your presentation before or on your assigned date to avoid overload of the system.

Deadline Dates Based on Topic Areas

February 25:
  • Advanced Materials
  • Characterization
  • Physical Metallurgy
February 26:
  • Corrosion
  • Materials Processing
  • Nuclear Materials
March 1:
  • Additive Technologies
  • Electronic Materials
  • Energy & Environment
March 2:
  • Biomaterials
  • Materials Design
  • Nanostructured Materials
March 3:
  • Light Metals
  • Special Topics

For More Information

Questions? Please contact the TMS Programming Department for more information.