Smart Connect℠ FAQ
What is a Smart Connect℠?
Smart Connect℠ is the Alignable way for business networking. “Smart” refers to our technology being able to bring together the right people based on who you want to meet with and providing you with an easy way to stay connected after the meeting. “Connect” refers to the networking happening inside the meeting that could lead to further connection once the event is over.
The standard event is 60 minutes, with 6-7 seven-minute breakout rooms for networking with other businesses. It begins with an introduction to the event, followed by breakout room sessions and wrapping up with meeting feedback. While this is the standard template for Smart Connects℠, hosts are able to make this event their own by adding in ice breakers, event themes and of course, their personality!
Is Smart Connect℠ the same as a Quick Connect?
While Smart Connect℠ is a similar style of networking event as our previously run Quick Connects, this is an exclusive new product offering. You are now on Alignable’s supported platform that allows us to troubleshoot any issues that could arise, gives you a business card profile of who you are connecting with, makes breakout sessions fully automated with a 1-click action, and overall will give you better access to networking opportunities that will be available to run as often as you would like!
Can I run Smart Connects℠ using my personal or Alignable zoom link?
You will not be able to run Smart Connects℠ on any other video platform. This exciting new style of events has been optimized with support, discovery options, tracking, and easy to use functionality that is exclusively available using our in-house platform.
Can I use any browser to join?
We recommend using Chrome or Edge as these browsers have been tested most frequently for high optimization. You should have access using Firefox and Safari as well but will be better utilized once we fully roll-out this platform. You will be blocked from using it on a mobile device or tablet.
How do I set up a Smart Connect℠ Event?
You will set up this event the same way you set up all events from your home screen as outlined below.
Select Add a Networking Event>Smart Connect℠>Post
How early can attendees join the meeting?
The event will open up 15 minutes prior to the start time, allowing attendees to enter a waiting room. Once the host has joined for the first time, all attendees will be able to enter the main room.
How does the waiting room work?
Before the host has joined and within 15 minutes of meeting start, the attendee will be redirected to a waiting room. There will be a check mark on the "automatically join when available" box, they will want to leave that checked and once the host joins, they will be automatically brought into the main room of the meeting.
When breakout rooms are in session and a new attendee joins the meeting, they will be brought into the waiting room and will have a timer that displays how much time is left in the current breakout session. Once the breakout session has finished, the attendee will be automatically joined to the main room with all other attendees.
How do I blur or change my background?
After clicking the join event button you will be taken to the settings screen where you will have the option to blur your background. Once you have entered the event you will not be able to change this setting or alter your background. We will be adding the feature to customize your background in the future.
Can you join without microphone/camera set up?
You will not be able to join the event unless your microphone and camera are connected. Being able to engage with working sound and a visual component is key to making these networking style events a success!
Can I share my screen?
Yes, as the host you will have the ability to share your screen. Currently, only the host has this function. We recommend trying to do this as soon as you join the event to test the screen share feature. You may have to update your settings on your computer to allow for “screen recording”.
Where are the emoticons?
This will be a part of a future iteration but not currently available.
How do I set up the time and amount of people for the breakout rooms?
This will be automatically set up with the Smart Connect℠ standard of 7 mins and 2 people in a room (the exception being one room will have a third member in it if there is an odd number of people). In the future, we will look to provide other options for the size of breakout rooms, but to start, it is 2 people.
How do I open breakout rooms?
You can now open breakout rooms with a 1-click action! Just click, Start breakout. Be aware, once you click that button, everyone will get sent to breakout rooms (besides the host) immediately.
How do I make sure everyone is in a breakout room?
The platform sets this up for you by automatically matching everyone up in a set of two, with the exception of an odd number which will auto populate to one room that has a third member in it. You will be able to view & join each individual breakout room on your screen.
What if someone drops out of a breakout room, will I be able to get them back to the same room?
If someone drops off they will be auto joined to the same room they were in, as long as that room is still active.
How do you raise your hands in the main room?
Hosts can not raise hands but attendees can. At the bottom of the attendees screen they will see a waiving hand icon, they can click the hand to show as raised.
How do I know the order of the raised hand queue?
When an attendee has raised their hand, it will show both on their main video screen as well as on the top of the attendee list. If more than one attendee has their hand raised, the queue at the top of the attendee list will show the raised hands in order, starting with who is first.
How do I know who’s unmuted?
As the host, in the main room you have the ability to click on the microphone icon that is located on the attendee list. Selecting the microphone icon will filter and show a list of anyone who is unmuted.
During breakout sessions, you can filter by whose microphones and cameras are off.
How do I mute individually so I don’t mute the person I am talking to?
When viewing the attendee list or the filtered unmuted list, you will be able to click the 3 dots and select “mute {NAME}”. This will automatically mute that attendee.
Where is the chat in the breakout rooms?
Currently there is no chat built into the breakout rooms, this is done intentionally as we want to encourage you to be fully present and engaging in active conversation. Profile cards will appear during the breakout session as well as at the end of the meeting. This will allow you to learn about them and have ease of access to their profile after the event.
How do I know attendees get in touch with people they’ve matched with in breakout rooms?
Once the meeting has ended there will be a screen that pops up, showing who you matched with and their profile card so you can connect with them after the event!
How often can I host a Smart Connect℠?
As often as you'd like! We encourage 2+ a week in your groups & alliances!
How do I add a co-host?
There is currently not an option for adding a co-host/host. The major reason a co-host was needed in the past was to moderate the breakout rooms, but the new platform takes all of the guesswork out, making it as easy as 1-click to set up breakout rooms.
In addition, if the host loses connection the meeting will not drop like it does on the zoom platform.
How do I leave the event?
As the host and attendee, it is very important that you do not exit out of the meeting by closing out of your browser. You need to click the red button at the bottom of your screen that says Leave Event. This will ensure you are routed to the end of the event screen that shows you who you matched with in your breakout rooms.