Differences Between Session Types
| Main Stage | Regular | Networking | Workshop |
Virtual Hub Tab | Main Stage Sessions | Regular Sessions | Networking | Workshops |
# of attendees | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Up to 250 |
Record Option | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Caption Option | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Concurrent / Overlapping Sessions | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Can attendees join in the attendee app? | Yes | Yes | No | No, attendees can't join video or audio, but they can engage via chat, Q&A, polls, and surveys. |
Can attendees join with a camera and microphone? | No | No | Yes | Yes (up to 25 people at a time can be on camera) |
When can attendees join? | Just click the Main Stage Sessions tab anytime; if the session has not started yet, they should see a countdown | 15 minutes before the start of the session | 5 minutes before the start of the session | 1 minute before the start of the session |
When can speakers join? | They can access the Studio anytime before and during the session | They can access the Studio anytime before and during the session | N/A (Speakers cannot be assigned to Networking session types) | They can access it from the Speaker Hub anytime before or during the session |
Main Stage
This option is best for large sessions like keynotes, event kick-offs, or conclusions, as the Stage is featured prominently on the virtual event hub. Only one Main Stage session can be run at a time, as the intent of these sessions is that most of your attendees will be tuning in to it. Main stage sessions will stream on the Main Stage Sessions tab of the virtual event hub.
It can only be seen on the Main Stage Sessions tab
No Limit to the number of attendees
Can have up to 16 speakers on camera using Accelevents Studio as a stream provider
Cannot have concurrent and overlapping sessions of the same type
Option to record the live session
Option for live captioning or custom subtitles
To join this session, the attendee has to click the Main Stage Sessions tab. If the session has not started yet, they should see a countdown while waiting
Note: If you're doing a live session using Accelevents Studio as your stream provider, there is a 6-hour limit when being in the Studio. This includes the prep time before broadcasting. We suggest limiting your session duration to a maximum of 5 hours to ensure the broadcast will not get cut off. Click here to learn more about the Accelevents Studio.
Regular Sessions
This option better suits smaller, more targeted sessions. These work well for any information that may not benefit the entire group but provide important information to a specific segment of your attendees. Examples include a field-specific panel, a VIP fireside chat, or a Q&A session with an expert. These sessions will stream in the Regular Session tab and there is no limit to how many concurrent sessions can be scheduled!
Can only be seen on the Regular Sessions tab
No Limit to the number of attendees
Can have up to 16 speakers on camera using Accelevents Studio as stream provider
Can have concurrent sessions of the same type
Option to record the live session
Option for live captioning or custom subtitles
Attendees can join the session 15 minutes before the start of the session
Note: If you're doing a live session using Accelevents Studio as your stream provider, there is a 6-hour limit when being in the Studio. This includes the prep time before broadcasting. We suggest limiting your session duration to a maximum of 5 hours to ensure the broadcast will not get cut off. Click here to learn more about the Accelevents Studio.
Networking
The networking session is the best way for attendees to get to know each other. It works by pairing your attendees with one another in a speed-dating environment. Attendees will have a set time limit where they are matched for a 1:1 private video call with another attendee before being re-shuffled and matched with a new attendee. Event organizers are able to create rules for attendees to be matched based on their ticket type. Networking sessions appear in the Networking tab of the virtual event hub.
Can only be seen on the Networking tab
No Limit to the number of attendees
Can have both attendees on camera while matched up
Can have concurrent sessions of the same type
Not recorded
Attendees can join 5 minutes before the start of the session
Cannot work in the attendee app
Workshop
Workshop sessions are best for roundtable open discussions between your attendees. Multiple workshop sessions can be scheduled at a time and will allow up to 25 attendees to be on camera at once. This session type will stream from the Workshop tab of the virtual event hub.
Can only be seen on the Workshop tab
Up to 250 attendees per session
Can have up to 25 people on camera, up to 250 people using their microphone including attendees and speakers
Can have concurrent sessions of the same type
Option to record the live session
Attendees can join 1 minute before the start of the session
Attendees can engage in workshop surveys, chat, polls, and Q&A through the Attendee app, but the workshop video will not be available in the app.
** If a workshop runs longer than 3 hours no portion of the workshop will be recorded.
Break
This session type will only appear where your agenda is shown and does not have a stream provider field. This option is best for scheduling breaks in your agenda.
Can be seen on the Agenda
Does not have live or recorded streaming
It's just a placeholder for breaks during your event
Expo
This option works for scheduling dedicated time in your agenda for your attendees to visit exhibitors’ booths without missing any content! This session type will only appear where your agenda is shown and does not have a stream provider field.
Can be seen on the Agenda
Does not have live or recorded streaming
It's just a placeholder for when you want people to visit the expo area
Other
This can be used for any placeholder you would like on your agenda. This session type will only appear where your agenda is shown and does not have a stream provider field.
Can be seen on the Agenda
Does not have live or recorded streaming
It's just a placeholder for other activities you want to host in your event that does not include recorded or live videos