Frequently Asked Questions
2021 NFA Virtual Convention
Attendees
Membership
Do I need to be a member of the NFA to attend the annual convention?
This summer you are not required to be a current NFA member to attend the convention. Non-member registration is available for $340. If your membership has lapsed and you’d like to renew, you can purchase a registration-and-membership bundle for $180 before June 17th, 2021.
Why should I register in advance for the convention?
Advance convention registration is quick, easy, and offered to you at a special rate. We encourage you to register for the convention before the early-bird registration deadline (June 24th, 2021). You can compare pricing and begin your registration here.
If I renew my membership today, does my current membership expire one year from today?
No, your membership will be extended one full year past your current expiration date. If your membership expires on 7/31/2021 and on 6/1/2021 you purchase the bundle product with registration and membership, your membership will be renewed through 7/31/2022. You will not lose any time on your membership.
What will I be able to access if I register for one day only?
You will have access to the sessions on the schedule for that day (the full schedule can be found here once available) plus the virtual exhibit hall where you’ll be able to visit and interact with our commercial vendors. You will also be eligible to participate in the passport contest for a chance to win a cash prize. More information about the passport contest is below.
Content/Platform
What is Whova? How do I use it?
Whova is the online event platform that will host the 2021 NFA virtual convention. You can access the agenda, Zoom sessions, videos, exhibit hall, and more either through the Whova web portal or by downloading the mobile Whova app. We recommend using the website for viewing sessions and downloading the app for browsing the agenda and networking with other attendees. To learn more about how to use Whova, check out their helpful attendee guide or watch their video tutorial.
How do I connect with other attendees on Whova?
Through Whova, you can see other attendees and start a conversation directly by sending a message. You can also write comments on session pages and exhibit booth pages. The community discussion boards are also a great way to connect and network with fellow attendees. You can also set up a chat room for up to 30 people. To learn more about how to network on Whova, check out their helpful attendee guide.
Will I be able to watch the sessions after they occur live? How long will the recordings be available?
Yes, all sessions except affinity spaces and meet-ups will be recorded and available for later viewing until September 15th, 2021.
What is the exhibit hall passport contest? How do I enter?
All attendees are automatically eligible to participate in the virtual exhibit hall passport contest. To play, attendees must visit booths to earn stamps on their digital passport. Attendees can earn stamps by liking booths, claiming deals, or posting a comment. At the end of convention, attendees with the most stamps will be entered into a raffle where three winners will be randomly selected.
Gift Card Prizes: First Place - $50, Second Place - $35, Third Place - $20
Other/General
Do you offer financial assistance or scholarships for the convention?
Yes. If you would like to attend the convention but can't afford the registration, you're invited to apply for a registration scholarship. Priority will be given to students and those who would be otherwise unable to attend the convention. Non-members may apply but, if selected, will be required to purchase an NFA membership (students will receive a discounted student membership rate). To be considered, fill out the application form by June 4.
The Frances Blaisdell Convention Scholarship has already been awarded for this year. We will offer the Blaisdell Scholarship again next year, in addition to the Myrna Brown Scholarship, which is offered every other year.
Where can I download the convention program book for past conventions?
The previous convention program books can be downloaded here.
Presenters & Performers
Concert Videos
I/we need to change the repertoire for our program. What do I do?
Contact Program Chair Jennifer Grim with your changes. All performances should not exceed the original allotment of time after changes. Am I supposed to record a video for my performance?
Yes, all performances this summer will be submitted as pre-recorded videos. Videos will be uploaded to an online form on the NFA website through Box.com. Once submitted, videos will have convention graphics or pre-roll clips added to the beginning of them and be uploaded to Whova prior to the convention “going live”.
When are videos due?
All pre-recorded videos are due by Thursday, June 17th. Presenter bios and session information are also due at this time. Use the online forms on our website to submit your information.
Platform Use
What is Whova and how do I use it?
Whova is the online event platform we are using to host the 2021 virtual convention. Attendees can access the agenda, attend Zoom sessions, watch videos, explore the exhibit hall, and more either through their website online, or by downloading the mobile app. Speakers can make their handouts available directly on Whova, chat with attendees before, during, and after their session, and network with any attendee. To learn more about how to use Whova for your sessions, check out their helpful speaker guide.
How do I feature pre-recorded videos in my live lecture-recital or workshop?
The best way to feature pre-recorded videos in your session is to use the screen-share feature in Zoom to play the video for your attendees. You must remember to enable sharing your computer audio as well. You can screen-share yourself, or if you’d rather, we can have a convention intern screen-share your video for you.
Other/General
How do I perform at the convention?
2021 NFA competitions and proposal opportunities are now closed.
You may submit a proposal to perform at convention. Proposals must be submitted via our online system, and we encourage you to check our website for more information when 2022 submissions open later this fall.
Are there opportunities to perform at the convention without submitting a proposal?
Yes. The convention offers dozens of participatory events to which you are encouraged to have your flute ready to join in. The program contains a diverse offering of participatory masterclasses, reading sessions, movement events, and more.
Exhibitors & Sponsors
Platform Use
What is Whova and how do I use it?
Whova is the online event platform we're using to host the 2021 virtual convention. Attendees can access the agenda, attend Zoom sessions, watch videos, explore the exhibit hall, and more either through the Whova website or by downloading the Whova mobile app.
For more in-depth information about what options you have as an exhibitor or sponsor, we recommend reading the Whova Exhibitor Guide and/or the Whova Sponsor Guide.
How do I upload a pre-recorded video to my virtual booth?
Whova allows exhibitors to create a unique promo or welcome video to feature on their virtual booth’s page. First, create your video and upload it to YouTube or Vimeo. Then, when adding content to your booth, choose the embed option to add the video URL. In addition to your pre-recorded video, you can also host live sessions in your booth.
Other/General
Are there specific exhibit hall hours?
The exhibit hall isn't limited to a specific set of hours. Attendees will be able to visit your booth, watch your video, engage with deals/raffles/giveaways, and leave a comment at any time convenient to them. This year, we have flutists attending from all over the world across multiple time zones. We recommend monitoring the booth throughout the day or pre-scheduling strategic times to be present. You can include the times representatives will be available in your Company Description so that attendees will know when someone will be available to chat.
Can I run promotions/raffles/giveaways at my virtual booth?
Yes. Whova allows exhibitors to feature one promotional offer at a time. You can add information about additional promotional offers in your description. Find more information in the "Add a Promotional Offer" section of the Whova Exhibitor Guide.
What is the exhibit hall passport contest? How does my booth participate?
All attendees are automatically eligible to participate in the virtual exhibit hall passport contest. To play, attendees must visit booths to earn stamps on their digital passport. Attendees can earn stamps by liking booths, claiming deals, or posting a comment. At the end of convention, attendees with the most stamps will be entered into a raffle where three winners will be randomly selected. Prizes include gift cards for $50, $35, and $20. Exhibitors can encourage booth traffic by offering deals/offers, which attendees can collect as part of the passport contest.