ESRA '21 Gather Town Guide

Logistics and Preparation

About

Gather combines video-calling with a 2D map, allowing you to walk around the space and video chat with nearby conference attendees. The space simulates an in-person conference experience with interactable objects, such as posters, and private spaces where you can have smaller-group or individual conversations. Gather will serve as the access point for all ESRA ‘21 sessions, and links to external platforms (e.g. Zoom) will be embedded into the Gather space.

Space Access

The space will be open and available to visit until Sunday, July 18. We suggest that you visit Gather.Town prior to the conference keynote on July 19, so that you are comfortable using and navigating the space and interacting with other attendees. There will be a Gather.Town office hours session on Sunday, July 18 from 6-7 PM if you have any questions or encounter difficulties.

Note: The space is not optimized for mobile/tablet usage. Please access the space using Chrome or Firefox, as other browsers are not compatible with Gather space. There is a new option to download the Gather beta desktop app to your Windows or Mac system, but this is not required.

Audio + Video Access

When you first access Gather, you will be asked to adjust your audio and camera settings. You will need to grant permission to Gather to access your camera and microphone.

Design your Avatar

Type your name into the first/last name and affiliation into the “Name” box. Use the arrow keys to customize your avatar appearance and clothing. You will have the option to adjust your avatar appearance and name later by clicking your image icon at the bottom of the screen. (Press and hold “Z” to celebrate your avatar’s creation!)

Navigating the Gather Space

Use the arrow keys (↔ ↕) to navigate the space. You may also double click with your mouse or trackpad on the spot where you would like your avatar to move.

If you would like to find a specific person, you can click on the side panel where the conference participants are listed. Click on the participant you would like to locate and then click “Follow”.

Interacting with Objects

Click “X” to interact with objects like posters, bulletins, and the help desk. This will allow you to join the keynote speech, inspect posters, and play games in the lounge area.

• You may encounter impassable areas. If you are ever stuck between objects or people, hold down “G” to turn into a ghost and then use the arrow keys to navigate to free space.

Interacting with other Attendees

There are a few options for connecting with conference attendees throughout the three-day event. 

• Video conversation: Attendees’ videos will automatically populate at the top of your screen when you approach them in the Gather space. You have the option to mute or turn off your video.
• Private conversation: Some areas of the conference space are designated “private”, which limits the number of attendees who may participate in a video call.
• Chat: Privately message other conference attendees by clicking on the chat box in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen

Attending Conference Events

Space layout

The ESRA ‘21 Gather space contains several spaces for connecting with other participants and attending conference events. When first entering the space you will see the following rooms on the map:

• Garden: Meet new change-makers in the election science space as you wander among the fountains and cherry blossom trees.
• Lounge: Grab a coffee with a colleague, play a game of Set with a new collaborator, or take a quick break between sessions in the lounge area.
• Concourse: Bump into new and old friends alike in the concourse space as you navigate between the plenary and poster sessions. Sit by the fire and plan your next project for supporting the work of election administrators.
• Poster Rooms 1 & 2: The poster spaces are yours to explore throughout the conference. Presenters will be available during the poster sessions for questions and discussion.
• Keynote and Plenary: All plenary sessions will take place in this room (i.e. keynote, lightning rounds, roundtables, panel discussions). Upon entering the Keynote/Plenary space, click “X” when prompted to access the Keynote Zoom link. (Zoom links will also be available in the entrance bulletin, and at the Help Desk)

Note: Seating spaces, poster areas (indicated by a square shadow), and carpeted areas are designated Private Spaces, where you can have smaller group conversations with other attendees.

ESRA ‘21 Poster Sessions

Attendees will have the option to view and interact with the posters presented throughout the conference, including break times. An index of posters within each room will be listed in the conference program and on a sign outside of each room.

Video Tutorial

We've also provided a visual walkthrough of the space; please take a look below! We encourage you to take a look at the space for yourself ahead of the conference; the link was provided in the email you received.

During the conference, there will also be a help desk available for any questions or issues that come up during the event. You can also get in touch with us at any time via the email listed below.

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