Introduction to video/teleconferencing

Quick reference guide for using supported virtual meeting tools

Introduction to video/teleconferencing
This guide provides a quick reference to virtual meeting tools being used and supported in UNEP. The features listed are not exhaustive but may be utilized as an initial checklist by staff to decide on which tool to use when planning a virtual event.
Benefits of virtual event
1.Enhance participation
2.Save cost
3.Boost efficiency
4.Act sustainably
Types of virtual events
Webinars
1.Purpose: inform, engage in discussions, exchange ideas, brainstorm. 
2.Format: presentations, facilitated discussion/brainstorming. 
3.Duration: often stretch over several days. 
4.Time zones: multiple.
Conferences/workshops
1.Purpose: inform, engage in discussions, exchange ideas, brainstorm. 
2.Format: presentations, facilitated discussion/brainstorming. 
3.Duration: often stretch over several days. 
4.Time zones: multiple.
Meetings
1.Purpose: sharing information, engage in dialogue, working together on a deliverable. 
2.Format: conversation between two parties or more. Typically no visual aids necessary. May include group editing of a document/deliverable. 
3.Duration: up to a few hours. Time zones: typically 2.
Trainings
1.Purpose: provide instructions and subject specific guidance, lead exercises. 
2.Format: mainly online presentations with little discussion, but may include exercises and other forms of participant engagement. 
3.Duration: typically not longer than half a day, although subject dependent. Time zones: multiple.
Planning a virtual event
1.Establish virtual event planning team
2.Schedule event
3.Compile agenda
4.Decide on appropriate technology
5.Invite participants
6.Communication
7.Establish virtual event planning team
General checklist before event
A few weeks prior to event
Do a dry run: Set up a test event to confirm that all equipment is working. Have someone in another room log into the test event to test connectivity. Recommend that participants check with their local IT focal points to ensure there are appropriate software permissions. Share access details in event invitation and remind participants again closer to the event. Assign a facilitator to each presenter who takes care of all technical aspects.
Immediately before event
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to set up computer, internet, projector etc. Ensure there is wifi access. Display “stand-by” slide before the event starts (and during breaks) so participants joining know they are in the right place. Limit background noise. For larger events, ask participants to mute their microphones when not speaking (if necessary, get help from IT to mute participants).
Account for technical glitches
Ensure IT support is available during the event in case of any disruptions. Share a contact number/email of a staff in case a participant needs to report connectivity problems. This way, the flow of the event won’t be disrupted. Ensure the event facilitator has the contact details of each virtual participant (or focal points for larger events) so that they can be contacted in case there is some major disruption to the virtual event.
Comparison of virtual event tools
​
MS Teams
Zoom
Webex
Use case
Suitable for small meetings requiring basic interactivity with mostly internal participants such as for team meetings.
Suitable for small to large highly interactive meetings, including webinar type sessions.
Suitable for small to large highly interactive meetings, including webinar type sessions. Comprises 4 modules: Meetings, Events, Training, and Support.
Capacity
250
500
250/1000/3000
License
Included in the Unite Workspace license. All UNEP personnel with @un.org can access to run meetings.
Individual  project managed licenses. Has own access credentials.
UNEP corporate license. http://unep.webex.com Access is integrated with the @un.org account.
Meeting creation
Staff can create and start meetings directly through the Teams app or Outlook calendar.
TSU can create and start meetings directly with license.
Staff can create and start meetings directly through the Webex app or web browser.
External (non-UN) participants
​✅
 
 ✅
​
​✅
 
Participants registration
​❌
 
​✅
​
​✅
 
Toll free dial in
​❌
​
​✅
​
​✅
 
Waiting room
​✅
 
​✅
​
​✅
​
Screen sharing
​✅
 
​✅
​
​✅
 
File sharing
​✅
 
​✅
​
​✅
 
Chat function
​✅
 
​✅
​
​✅
 
Private chat
​❌
​
​✅
​
​✅
 
Hand raise
​❌
​
​✅
​
​✅
 
Break-out rooms
​❌
​
​✅
​
​✅
 
Recording
​✅
 
​✅
​
​✅
 
In session polls and surveys
​❌
​
​✅
​
​✅
 
Tracking audience engagement
​❌
​
​✅
​
​✅
 
Integrated Q&A
​❌
​
​✅
​
​✅
 
Transcription
​✅
 
​✅
​
​✅
 
Encryption
​✅
 
​❌
​
​✅
​
Link to tutorial
​MS Teams​
​Zoom​
​Webex​
Source
UN Department of Operational Support

Mailing and messaging - Previous

Slack

Next - Video/teleconferencing

MS Teams meetings and calls

Last modified 2yr ago

	MS Teams	Zoom	Webex
Use case	Suitable for small meetings requiring basic interactivity with mostly internal participants such as for team meetings.	Suitable for small to large highly interactive meetings, including webinar type sessions.	Suitable for small to large highly interactive meetings, including webinar type sessions. Comprises 4 modules: Meetings, Events, Training, and Support.
Capacity	250	500	250/1000/3000
License	Included in the Unite Workspace license. All UNEP personnel with @un.org can access to run meetings.	Individual project managed licenses. Has own access credentials.	UNEP corporate license. http://unep.webex.com Access is integrated with the @un.org account.
Meeting creation	Staff can create and start meetings directly through the Teams app or Outlook calendar.	TSU can create and start meetings directly with license.	Staff can create and start meetings directly through the Webex app or web browser.
External (non-UN) participants	✅	✅	✅
Participants registration	❌	✅	✅
Toll free dial in	❌	✅	✅
Waiting room	✅	✅	✅
Screen sharing	✅	✅	✅
File sharing	✅	✅	✅
Chat function	✅	✅	✅
Private chat	❌	✅	✅
Hand raise	❌	✅	✅
Break-out rooms	❌	✅	✅
Recording	✅	✅	✅
In session polls and surveys	❌	✅	✅
Tracking audience engagement	❌	✅	✅
Integrated Q&A	❌	✅	✅
Transcription	✅	✅	✅
Encryption	✅	❌	✅
Link to tutorial	MS Teams	Zoom	Webex