Frequently asked questions

General questions

What do I need to use Expectnation?

You only need a web browser to use Expectnation. We support Firefox 1.5 or better, Internet Explorer 6 or better, Opera 9 and Safari 2.

We require browser cookies to be enabled for authentication purposes. To use the organizer-only areas of Expectnation, you must have Javascript enabled. We try hard not to require Javascript for any of the public content which Expectnation publishes.

What do you mean by “build your conference into a community”?

We recognize that communication between the participants in a conference is a key part of its value. A strong element of our development focus is in supporting improved communication.

Our initial emphasis has been on the communication between organizers and participants, but our future development goals extend this to communication between the participants themselves. Expect to see features such as online networking, profiles and meeting scheduling for conference attendees.

Web site publishing

What formats can I use for web site content?

Web site articles are written using plain text, with some simple codes for typographical effects, e.g. *asterisks* for emphasis. We use a system called Textile. If you know HTML, you can also use that in your articles.

Images or other files, such as PDF or Microsoft Word, can be uploaded as assets, and then linked into articles so they can be downloaded. There’s no restriction on the file types here.

Future support for more word processor like editing is planned, but we’re taking our time on this as we want something that will work in the same way on every browser and operating system.

Scheduling

Do you support multi-track conferences?

Yes. We support either single or multi-track conferences. Tracks can be grouped using topics, and then assigned to rooms.

Exports and integration

What can I use the data exports for? How does it work?

We offer export of proposal and user data in CSV format (comma separated value). This makes it easy to import into programs like Microsoft Excel, or to hand to a software developer to load into your other databases.

Example uses of the exports:

• send schedule information to your brochure designer
• create on-site checklists for room monitors or volunteers
• export users for email marketing via a service such as CampaignMonitor

Over time we want to expand the export facility to meet more needs. Join the forums and let us know your requirements.

Do you integrate with other web applications?

There are many web applications which provide services such as registration or email marketing that it would be useful for Expectnation to integrate with. As our resources are not unlimited, we’re currently waiting to see where the demand lies before devoting time to this.

To request integration with any other service or software, please join the forums and let us know.

Attendee facilities

Do you support registration?

Yes. We support offline payment, and online payments using Payflow Pro, Paypal and Paypal Pro UK. If you require integration with a different payment gateway, please get in touch to discuss this with us.

Will you support session evaluations?

Yes, all attendees will be able to access an online form to send in their evaluation of conference sessions. You can turn this on and off selectively per session type. For example, you may wish to allow evaluations for presentations, but not for panel discussions.

Hosting

Do I need to have a web site to use Expectnation?

No, Expectnation is a completely hosted solution, which means we host the web site and database supporting your events. You get to choose the name you will use to access Expectnation from the following list

• yourname.confersystem.com
• yourname.evtrain.com
• yourname.meetingsystem.eu
• yourname.educationmeetings.com

For instance, ACME Events Inc., might choose acme.confersystem.com.

If your web site requirements don’t require any custom coding, you can host your company web site on Expectnation as well as those for your events.

If you control your own domain name, we can also make your Expectnation account use a subdomain of your choice. Please contact us for details.

Can’t I run Expectnation on my own servers?

If you have significant requirements and prefer to host the system on your own servers, we are happy to negotiate a license for you. Note however that this means you take on responsibility for all backups and security, and it may slow down the rate at which you can take advantages of new features in Expectnation.

What backups do you take?

We take a continuous live backup of your data, which can be used to bring back your account in the case of machine failure. Additionally, we store a second daily backup at a third-party location in case of a double failure. All backups not on our own machines are encrypted to protect your data security.

What about security?

We take your data security seriously, and make all reasonable efforts to ensure the computers hosting Expectnation are protected from attack.

Additionally, the administrative and personal data areas of Expectnation use SSL to protect private data. This is the same technology used by online banking systems.

Please note that whatever methods we employ, they will ultimately be limited by your own data security practices. There are many useful articles on good password practice.

We recognize that these days everybody has a large number of passwords to remember, which doesn’t help keep them secure, so we also support OpenID, a single sign-on solution. Providers such as MyOpenID and Verisign provide OpenID services for free.