VIRTUAL INFORMATION
GENERAL
REGISTRATION
SESSIONS
TOURS
WORKSHOPS
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
AME
SURVEYS
CONTENT
PRESENTERS
EXHIBITS
SPONSORSHIP
VIRTUAL INFORMATION
Q. Why did you decide to have a virtual conference?
A. Since there is still so much uncertainty around hosting an in-person conference, we decided to transition to a fully virtual format in order to protect the health, safety and well-being of our participants. It is important, now more than ever, for lean leaders and continuous improvement professionals to connect and prepare for the future, and we plan to make this happen virtually.
Q. Can you describe what you mean by a virtual conference?
A. This will not be just another webinar. The AME Toronto 2020 Virtual Conference will provide you with opportunities to participate in keynote sessions, practitioner presentations, interactive idea exchanges, world-class tours and networking activities. There will be plenty of time to share, learn, grow and connect — with AME, our speakers, sponsors and each other!
Sessions will be recorded for convenient, on-demand access following the conference. Please note that some of our sessions and tours will not be made available on-demand after the conference at the request of the presenter and/or host company. We will announce exclusive content ahead of the conference, so you don't miss a single moment!
Q. What technology do I need to participate at the virtual conference?
A. A high-speed internet connection, speaker, microphone and webcam are needed to participate virtually. For the best experience, we suggest using a desktop or laptop computer and Chrome as your internet browser. If you don’t already have Chrome, you can download it for free here. While not required, you will have a better online experience if you do not use wireless internet service. A wired/ethernet connection will have a stronger signal than wireless.
As we get closer to the virtual conference, we will share instructions on how to access the CrowdCompass Online Event Guide and AttendeeHub app, which will serve as a hub to access all the conference content on your PC/laptop.
We will use Zoom to broadcast the conference content. Click here to check the Zoom technical requirements and then click here to check your internet speed bandwidth. See below for information on installing Zoom on your computer.
IMPORTANT: Please be sure to download the Zoom client for meetings desktop application using the link below. This will ensure the best virtual experience. Do not use the Zoom web browser version as it has limited features.
ZOOM Download Center - includes browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox; mobile apps for Apple and Android platforms; and plugins for Outlook, IBM Notes, and Intel Unite.
Q. How will AME ensure a safe environment?
A. To create a safe virtual environment, all attendees must agree to the AME Virtual Event Guidelines to participate. All sessions will be recorded. A facilitator will help to lead a productive dialogue in each of the interactive sessions. All registrants agree to adhere to the AME Virtual Event guidelines. Any attendee observed to be in violation will be immediately asked to leave the virtual conference.
Q. Do I need to have a webcam for the event?
A. Using a webcam is highly recommended to maximize your conference experience. While not required to view the presentation slides and virtual presenters, a webcam will allow you to interact and network with presenters and fellow attendees face-to-face. You can choose to turn your camera off if you only want to use it to view and not allow others to see you.
Q. How do I access the virtual event on the day of the conference?
A. You will log in to the CrowdCompass Online Event Guide to access the conference. Visit https://event.crowdcompass.com/ametoronto2020, then enter your first and last name and the email you used to register for the conference. We will send a verification code to that email. Please note that it may take a minute or two for the verification code to arrive.
Q. When will I receive the instructions for participating in the virtual conference?
A. AME is working diligently to prepare for this unique experience and will send you the necessary instructions within a couple of weeks of the conference. Make sure that the email address associated with your registration is accurate and up to date so that there is no delay in receiving our communications. If you're not sure if your email is up-to-date, contact Laura Cloninger at lcloninger@ame.org.
Q. Can my computer or mobile device handle the virtual conference?
A. Most up-to-date computers and mobile devices such as laptops, desktops, and handheld tablets are capable of running the virtual conference for you. For the best virtual experience, we recommend joining the virtual conference on your laptop or computer.
Q. What do I need to do on the day of the virtual conference?
A. On the morning of the event, you will log in to the CrowdCompass Online Event Guide to access the program schedule. Here, you will find webcast links to the sessions you choose. The system will allow you into a session 5 minutes before the session starts. Please do not attempt to login earlier than this.
You can also access the program from the conference mobile app. However, for the best experience, we recommend using the Online Event Guide on your desktop or laptop computer.
Q. How long will on-demand content be available after the virtual conference?
A. You will be able to access on-demand content, as permissible by each speaker/tour site, for 6 months following the virtual conference.
Q. What elements of the traditional AME Conference will the virtual format include?
A. Our amazing volunteers have been working diligently to provide the same conference elements that have been a part of the AME Conference for the last 35 years. We will provide, in an engaging virtual format:
- Pre-conference workshops
- Keynote sessions
- Practitioner presentations
- Interactive sessions
- Tours
- Exhibit gallery and access to sponsor partners
- Networking opportunities
The Companion Program will not be a part of the 2020 virtual conference. We are looking into options for bringing this group together, virtually. Please email sohara@ame.org if you are interested in more details.
GENERAL
Q. This is my first conference – what do I need to know or do?
A. We’ve tried to cover lots of common questions in this list. If this is your first conference, you’ll definitely want to attend the NuBee Night event taking place on Tuesday, October 27 from 6:30 - 7 p.m. Our presenters will offer an overview of the conference and answer your questions. In the meantime, if you don’t see an answer to your question in this list, please email conference@ame.org.
Q. Is there a dress code for the virtual conference?
A. Our presenters, volunteers and staff will be dressed business casual. You can choose what is most comfortable for you as a virtual participant. Please note that we encourage the use of video during all our sessions.
Q. What breaks are scheduled?
A. We have planned breaks in between sessions to allow you time to meet with our exhibitors and check out the sponsor showcases. You will also have enough time to grab another cup of coffee and take a stretch before the next session.
Q. Will any networking activities occur during the conference?
A. There will be multiple networking activities and opportunities for conference participants, including the Club NuBee orientation session, the Energizing Excellence World Premier, and Photo Hunt our gamification app. During breaks and before virtual sessions begin, we encourage you to connect with conference attendees, participants, exhibitors and sponsors through the Online Event Guide.
Q. I'm active on Twitter/LinkedIn/Instagram/Facebook. What's the best way to follow live updates from the conference?
A. In addition to following AME’s social media accounts for updates and other information before, during and after the conference, we recommend following (and posting on) the activity feed on the Online Event Guide. Likewise, speakers, tours and conference participants are encouraged to use the #AMEConference hashtag when sharing social media content.
Q. What if I have technical issues?
A. Technical support will be provided during the conference. Please contact our help desk through the Online Event Guide.
Q. Where will the AME Toronto 2020 Conference take place?
A. All pre-conference workshops, sessions, tours and keynotes for the AME Toronto 2020 Virtual Conference will take place online in the comfort of your own space.
Q. Will the dates of the virtual conference stay the same as the in-person conference?
A. We are planning to deliver the virtual conference during the same timeframe as the in-person event. The virtual conference will provide pre-conference workshops and kick off with a welcome event on Tuesday, October 27. The conference sessions will take place on Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29. The program schedule was built to ensure that the format of our conference works with a virtual experience. Click here to check out the program schedule.
REGISTRATION
Q. How much does it cost to participate at the virtual conference?
A. Registration for the virtual conference is $950 per member or $1100 per non-member. Click here for membership details. This is more than half-off the price of our planned face-to-face conference and includes access to content on-demand, available for the first time following the conference for additional professional development value. Register before August 31 and save even more with our Last Chance Discount.
Q. What are my options if I’m currently registered to attend the in-person conference?
A. You should have already been contacted by AME to discuss your registration options. If you have not, please contact Laura Cloninger at 224-232-5980 x221 or lcloninger@ame.org.
Q. Whom should I contact if I’m not receiving communications about the conference from AME?
A. Please contact Laura Cloninger at 224-232-5980 x221 or lcloninger@ame.org.
Q. How can I change my email and other details in my registration?
A. Contact information can be updated on your profile page. Enter using your email and registration confirmation code. If you no longer have your code, you can opt to have it resent to you. If you would like to change your email address, please contact Laura Cloninger at 224-387-3357 or lcloninger@ame.org.
Q. Can I share my registration?
A. Registrations are accepted on an individual basis and access to the conference Online Event Guide is unique to each registrant. Click here to view the available registration options.
Q. If I purchased a group of registration passes, how do I assign them?
A. Before the conference, an email including a registration code will be sent to the person who purchased the registrations. Distribute this code to each team member to use on the payment page during the registration process. This code will be the same for each of the members in your group and will include the last name of the person who purchased the registrations. Using the code will allow each team member to register themselves without payment required. Please be aware that pre-paid registrations do not cover the non-member fee so there may be a $150 balance due if the person is not an AME member.
SESSIONS
Q. How do I sign up for sessions?
A. You can build your schedule and enroll in sessions and a tour in the Online Event Guide. We recommend that you log in 5 minutes early to ensure your spot for each event. At the session/tour start time, spots will open up to those in the waiting room. If you log in late your spot will not be guaranteed. If this were to happen please keep in mind we have a variety of concurrent sessions to choose from.
Q. How often can I modify my schedule?
A. You can modify your schedule as often as you like, including on the day of the session, using the Online Event Guide. Keep in mind that some sessions have limited capacities and some tours have restrictions. As you remove an event from your schedule, it may not be available for you to add again later.
Q. How do I know which session is best for me?
A. Descriptions of presenting companies, the expected learning points, skill level and session highlights are noted online. We recommend that you read through the information and find sessions that best suit your needs.
Q. Are the speaker’s slides available for sessions?
A. Presentation files will be available after the conference for download if the presenter shares their files with AME. Be sure to check the session page on the Online Event Guide for updated information.
Q. Do I need to attend all the sessions relating to a particular theme?
A. No, you should select the practitioner/interactive sessions that most interest you. You should move around among the sessions in order to maximize your learning.
TOURS
Q. When can I sign up for a tour?
A. Tour enrollment is currently open.
Q. How much does it cost to attend a tour?
A. Tours are included in the price of registration and every conference participant may enroll in one tour. Space permitting, you may enroll in an additional tour as we get closer to the virtual conference.
Q. How can I tell if a tour is full?
A. If a tour is full, the registration system will indicate this and you will be able to choose another tour site.
Q. If a tour is filled, is there any chance I can still attend this tour?
A. Typically, there are a few conference participants who do not show up for their scheduled tour. If a tour you would like to attend is full and has no advance restrictions, you can log in 5 minutes before the tour start time and hang in the waiting room. At the start of the tour, if there are available spots, you will be allowed entry. In order to go on your first-choice tour, we recommend that you enroll for a tour early.
Q. Can I attend more than one tour?
A. Paid conference participants are entitled to sign up for one tour prior to the conference as part of their registration. You can edit your profile to add a tour now. As we get closer to the conference, an option to participate on a second tour may become available. If this happens, AME will send out an email notification with more information.
Q. How do I know which tour is best for me?
A. Tour descriptions and highlights are provided on the conference website. We recommend that you read through the information and find a tour that will best suit your needs.
Q. How can my company become a tour site for the AME virtual conference?
A. If your company is interested in hosting a virtual or in-person tour during the AME Atlanta 2021 International Conference, please contact the Atlanta tour chair Tim Jenkins at shelby6s170@gmail.com.
WORKSHOPS
Q. When are the workshops held?
A. Workshops will be offered on Tuesday, October 27, during the virtual conference. Workshops are an additional cost and require advance registration. Click here to find the right workshop for you! AME offers workshops and other events throughout the year. Click here for a look at our full event calendar.
Q. When can I sign up for a workshop and how do I pay?
A. Workshop registration is currently open. Immediate payment is required upon registration.
Q. How much does it cost to attend a workshop?
A. Half-day workshops cost $200 for members and $250 for non-members. You do not need to be registered for the conference to participate in a workshop. You will be prompted for payment during the registration process. AME accepts major credit cards. Check the registration page for additional pricing information and check the schedule to view workshop options on Tuesday, October 27.
Q. How can I tell if a workshop is full?
A. If a workshop is full, the registration system will indicate this, and you will be able to choose another workshop.
Q. How do I know which workshop is best for me?
A. Workshop descriptions, expected learning points and key takeaways are provided on the conference website. We recommend that you read through all the information to find a workshop that will best suit your needs.
Q. My workshop was canceled—what should I do?
A. Prior to the conference: If you received a notice from AME that your workshop was canceled, you can edit your profile online and select a new workshop. Day of: You can modify your registration online or contact the virtual help desk, found in the Online Event Guide, for assistance.
Q. Can I attend a workshop but not the whole conference?
A. Yes, you can register to participate in a workshop without attending the whole conference. The charge for workshops without conference registration is the same price, $200 for members and $250 for non-members.
Q. Are presenter handouts available during workshops?
A. Workshop presenters are not required to provide handouts. If handouts are available, they will be emailed to you in advance of the workshop. Workshops are typically conducted by consultants. Because providing such training is part of how they make their living, presentations are usually not available for download.
Q. How do I find which workshop(s) I signed up for?
A. You can determine which workshop you signed up for by logging into your registration profile. Click here to access your registration profile.
Q. I'm signed up for a workshop but want to switch – what should I do?
A. You can change the workshop you want to attend by switching it in your registration profile. Simply log in to our registration system. Click here to access your registration profile.
Q. I want to take my coworker’s place at a workshop – what should I do?
A. Please email your request to Laura Cloninger at lcloninger@ame.org.
Q. How do I get reimbursed for a workshop I no longer want to attend?
A. Please email your request to Laura Cloninger at lcloninger@ame.org.
Q. How can I become a workshop presenter?
A. If you are interested in presenting virtually or in person at the AME Atlanta 2021 International Conference, please contact the workshop chair, Joe Barto at jbarto@tmgva.com.
INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
Q. I'm attending the conference virtually from overseas - what do I need to know or do?
A. The AME virtual conference schedule is listed in EDT. When you log in to the Online Event Guide you will be prompted to adjust the schedule to your time zone. It is strongly recommended you do this in order to ensure you are on time for all conference events.
ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
Q. What is the accelerator program?
A. The Accelerator Program is for companies bringing teams of 10+, 25+ or 50+. The more people on a team who share the AME conference experience, the more impact it will have on a company’s goals and objectives. The Accelerator Program provides the perfect forum for maximizing an organization’s efforts to improve its processes and positively impact its culture.
Q. Do I belong to an accelerator program group?
A. If your company is sending multiple people to the conference, you may be part of the Accelerator Program. Simply click on the Accelerator icon in the Online Event Guide and search for your company by name. If your company is listed there, you are an Accelerator! Tap your company name to find more information, such as your facilitator name and contact information, your virtual debrief room information and more.
Q. Does everyone in my group need to come from the same facility or company to qualify for the accelerator program discount?
A. Not at all! Your group can include people from different facilities within your organization or even your customers and suppliers. You’ll just need to designate a point person to get a count of how many registrations you’ll need and register for that many “TBD registrations.” Your point person will get a TBD code closer to the conference. You then send your TBD code to every member of your team so that they can register themselves. The TBD code ensures that they will not have to pay during the registration process.
Q. How does registration work?
A. Once you pay for your registrations, you will receive a TBD code to provide to each of your team members. Each team member will need to register himself or herself using the TBD code. Employees must use their company email domain when registering with their TBD code. Our system will not recognize an employee’s personal email address as part of the Accelerator Program.
Q. I belong to an AME Consortium. Can my consortium members participate in the accelerator program?
A. The Accelerator Program is available to members of any AME Consortium. Contact your facilitator to learn more.
Q. Must I pay for all of my registrations at once to qualify for the discount?
A. Our Accelerator Program conference facilitators are more than willing to work with you to schedule payments and assist you with anything else you may need leading up to the conference. As soon as we process your payment, our system will produce your TBD codes so that you and your team can register for the conference.
Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. You can pay by check or credit card.
Q. Do I need to pay a membership fee for each person I’m registering via the Accelerator Program?
A. If the registrant is an AME member or belongs to an organization owning a corporate membership, no additional membership fee is required. If the registrant is not a member, he or she will be offered the option to purchase an individual membership for $150 or to pay the $150 non-member fee. We strongly advise you to consider purchasing a corporate membership. Click here to learn more about the benefits of corporate membership.
Q. Do I have to register for my workshops and tours separately?
A. Yes! Check out all the tours and workshops offered by clicking the schedule icon in the Online Event Guide or visiting our conference website. To register for a tour, simply add it to your schedule in the Online Event Guide. To register for a workshop, click here to visit our online registration portal.
Q. Do workshops and tours cost extra?
A. Access to a tour is included in your conference registration. All conference participants are guaranteed at least one tour, though keep in mind tours fill up fast. Workshops are an additional fee and take place on Tuesday, October 27. Find the right workshop or tour for you, and register today through our conference website!
Q. My group is not within one company, but we are attending together as an international group or as some other type of grouping. Do we qualify for the accelerator program?
A. Groups are reviewed for Accelerator programming by the Accelerator Program Chair. Please contact Cheryl Jekiel at accelerator@ame.org for more information.
AME
Q. How do I get more involved with AME?
A. AME is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers! Please fill out the online volunteer form. You’ll hear back from us shortly thereafter.
Q. What is the AME Excellence Award?
A. The AME Excellence Award recognizes manufacturing plants that have demonstrated excellence in manufacturing and business. The primary focus of the award is to acknowledge continuous improvement, best practices, creativity and innovation. This award supports AME’s vision, mission and values of inspiring commitment to enterprise excellence through shared learning. Click here to learn more.
Q. What is the AME Champions Club?
A. The AME Champions Club is exclusively for the Champions of Excellence within a plant or facility. Membership in the Champions Club enables these agents of change to interact directly with a select group of individuals who shoulder similar responsibilities to improve their company’s competitiveness and who approach that challenge with an equally high level of enthusiasm and insight. Champions Club membership also enhances their company’s commitment to the excellence process while creating a broader alliance of companies within AME. Click here to learn more.
Q. In what activities do AME Champions Club members participate at the conference?
A. The Champions have leadership events, special sessions with keynotes and networking opportunities at the conference, which are for Champions and guests. Contact Sara O’Hara at sohara@ame.org for more information.
Q. Where will future AME conferences be held?
A. Click here to see a list of upcoming conference city locations and dates.
Q. What events are happening in my area?
A. Click here to find an event in your region.
Q. How can I host an event in my region?
A. Please fill out the volunteer webform and indicate that you would like to host an event. You’ll hear back from us shortly thereafter.
Q. How can I volunteer with AME?
A. There are many ways to get involved, from short-term projects to board and committee service. To volunteer with AME, click here to fill out our volunteer webform, and share your interests with us. We will take it from there!
Q. Are volunteers compensated by AME?
A. AME is a not-for-profit and compensates its dedicated, hard-working volunteers with thanks and gratitude. Depending on the level of engagement a volunteer has and the roles and responsibilities they take on, volunteers can receive benefits such as a conference or regional event admission.
Q. How can I access AME’s Target Online magazine?
A. Target magazine is AME’s quarterly publication designed for senior and experienced manufacturing professionals who are continuously reinventing products and services to meet tough competitive challenges. Members can access the latest issue or view back issues via the Target archives!
SURVEYS
Q. How do I fill out a survey?
A. Filling out a survey is easier than ever. Simply click on the schedule icon in the Online Event Guide, select the session you would like to provide feedback on, tap "survey" and begin! AME will send out an overall conference survey to all participants after the conference.
CONTENT
Q. How is the content chosen for the virtual conference?
A. As with each of the past 35 annual AME conferences, content for the virtual conference is planned by and for the AME community. Our passionate volunteers serve on the conference committee and select the content you want. If you are interested in submitting a request to present, the call for presentations and workshops online form will open soon for the AME Atlanta 2021 International Conference. In the meantime, please direct any questions to the Atlanta conference chair, Lynne Johnson, lynnejenniferjohnson@gmail.com.
Q. Can I pick breakout sessions to attend?
A. Yes! You can choose any session you would like to attend in each breakout session time block. Space is limited for some sessions, so sign up early and please only select a session if you plan to attend. Registrants can modify their registration using the Online Event Guide.
Q. Are there recordings available after the events?
A. Yes, sessions will be recorded and the content will be available on-demand for conference registrants, as permissible by each presenter/tour site.
Q. Do I have access to all of the sessions?
A. In a word, yes! Similar to if you were attending the conference on-site, you can select which sessions you’d like to attend virtually. It is up to you to decide which sessions interest you in a given time block and to attend those sessions as desired. You may attend as many or as few sessions as you want. But please note that not all sessions will be available on-demand.
Q. Can I share my virtual conference login information with other members of my team?
A. For every paid registration, only one device (computer, laptop, tablet, phone) will be allowed to enter the virtual conference at a time. With that said, there is nothing stopping you from attending the virtual event and allowing your colleagues to enjoy the conference with you (socially distanced) from wherever you are viewing the event!
Q. Can I access and view recordings of any session from the conference?
A. Your virtual conference registration includes access to all session recordings after the conference concludes and for up to 6 months. Don’t worry, you can view any sessions you missed out on as soon as the recordings for those sessions are made available. Note, however, that not all presenters and tour sites are allowing their content to be available on-demand. Please check the conference website listings as well as the Online Event Guide for more information.
PRESENTERS
Q. How can I become a virtual presenter?
A. If you are interested in presenting at the AME Toronto 2020 Virtual Conference, click here to review the conference themes and submit your workshop or session request.
EXHIBITS
Q. I am an exhibitor for the AME Toronto 2020 Conference. What changes can I expect?
A. The great news is that AME will have the ability to feature and include exhibitors in the virtual conference. We will work in partnership with each exhibitor to shape an experience that delivers the same value as you would have at the live event. Please contact Darlene King, at 224-387-3365 or dking@ame.org, for more information.
Q. Who exhibits at the conference?
A. We have many exhibitors who will participate virtually with us to enhance your learning experience. Click here for the most current exhibitor list and check back as the website is updated often.
Q. When will I be able to interact with exhibitors?
A. The conference will open with a virtual welcome reception with exhibitors and sponsors on Tuesday, October 27. Specific times for visiting the exhibitors are designated on the schedule, and you are welcome to visit their virtual booth any time during the conference.
Q. How can my company become a virtual exhibitor?
A. If you are interested in exhibiting virtually at the AME Toronto 2020 Virtual Conference, click here to learn more or contact Darlene King at dking@ame.org or 224-387-3365.
SPONSORSHIP
Q. I am a sponsor for the AME Toronto 2020 Conference. What changes can I expect?
A. The great news is that AME will have the ability to feature and include sponsors in the virtual conference. We will work in partnership with each sponsor to shape an experience that delivers the same value as you would have at the live event. Please contact Darlene King at dking@ame.org or 224-387-3365, for more information.
Q. How can my company sponsor a future conference?
A. If you are interested in sponsoring the AME Atlanta 2021 conference, please contact Darlene King at dking@ame.org or call 224-387-3365.
HOTEL
Q. What if I already booked a hotel reservation in Toronto for the in-person conference?
A. If you booked a hotel reservation at one of the AME host hotels, please call the hotel directly to cancel your reservation. The cancellation policy for each hotel is below. If you booked at any other hotel in Toronto, you will need to reference the cancellation policy for that location.
InterContinental Toronto Centre: 416-597-1400; Cancellation policy: A full refund will be provided for cancellations that occur up to 72 hours prior to arrival date.
Fairmont Royal York: 416-368-2511; Cancellation policy: A full refund will be provided for cancellations that occur up to 48 hours prior to the arrival date.
