FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessing the Convention/Career Fair

  • vFairs - Career Fair, Main Event Access & Login, Networking Photo Booth, Help Desk, Parties, Saturday Events
  • Matchbox - Schedule, Sessions, Workshops, Breakfasts, Luncheons, Receptions, Bonus Content
  • Guidebook - The Convention App with Additional Networking & Schedule Info (Attendees will be notified when App is available. Download info coming soon)
  • Note: Some special sessions and activities may take attendees to external links. You must log in at NABJ21.vFairs.com to access any convention activities.
Check your email from NABJ Registration. The information is included in your confirmation email. Attendees must use the same email and password in your confirmation email to access both vFairs and Matchbox (Workshops & Sessions). You access Matchbox after logging into vFairs.If you need help, email registration@nabj.org. Recruiters must use the password they used to set up their booths to access vFairs or can reset it if necessary. Recruiters access Matchbox for viewing sessions with the numeric password sent to them from NABJ via Constant Contact.
Visit nabj21.vfairs.com and click log in. When the popup window appears, click “forgot my password.” For further assistance, email membership@nabj.org for registration related questions.
You do not have to sign up for a particular session. Once you input your User ID and password into the login page, you will be taken to the main conference floor. From there you will be able to access all sessions, the career fair, and the networking chat rooms. Simply follow the signage. You will also find an info desk at the center of the floor and in the navigation bar. This includes a tech support chat. Always keep the email address you registered with and your assigned password handy as you navigate the convention environment.
You will receive panel access information via email from the conference’s Zoom or Matchbox system. Please look out for this information and be sure to check your spam if you don’t see it.
Remember: A high-speed internet connection is required. Please do not use a mobile device to join the panel. Speakers should not use green screen backgrounds or vertical camera angles. Review the Zoom system requirements. For tips on joining a Zoom, click here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/hIkCmbvAHQQ?rel=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1.
Yes, speakers are also registered for the conference. NABJ Staff will contact you with details.

Watching Sessions

We recommend that you access the conference using Google Chrome or Firefox. The conference should be viewed on desktop or laptop computers for the best experience. Live sessions will be hosted in Matchbox/Zoom. Your conference access will remain logged in, in another tab, if you keep it open. On-demand sessions will be available and playback opportunities for registrants will be open 24-48 hours after the session premieres and 90 days after the convention (with their convention credentials).
While you may be able to access Zoom in browsers, we recommend you download Zoom to view and engage in the webinars for the best experience. To learn more about downloading Zoom click here: https://zoom.us/download.
All sessions must be accessed by first logging on at nabj21.vfairs.com. Navigate to the sessions and workshops section on the main convention floor or click auditorium from the top menu. You can click the center panel in the auditorium to access all sessions in the Matchbox schedule.
Sessions will have indicators in the Matchbox platform, when you click to view session.
Yes, if the session/event is live you can chat with attendees and submit questions to panelists. Some events and viewing may also have other chat opportunities.
Moderators and panelists may decide to leave their contact info/social handles with attendees during their presentations or in the session chat. You may also feel free to reach out to them in the networking chat or speaker hallways.

Career Fair & Networking

At least 10 days prior to the career fair, “Early Access” will be open for all attendees to visit booths and schedule appointments with recruiters.
Please note: Attendees can enter the exhibit hall to begin making appointments by logging in with their credentials at nabj21.vfairs.com.
Recruiters will receive an email once an attendee makes an appointment with them.
Attendees and recruiters will receive a confirmation/invitation email as well as alerts within the vFairs system. You will be required to confirm/accept or deny an appointment.
Yes, you can! All video and audio chats will only be initiated by the recruiter. Please be dressed to impress for your video interviews.
Once you have received confirmation for your appointment you will go to that company’s booth at the time of your appointment. Click “Chat” in the booths navigation bar. Write a message in the chat box stating your name, time of your appointment, and who your appointment is with. Once the recruiter sees that you are there they will initiate a one-on-one chat with you.
Yes. When recruiters are in the chat room they will be able to see all online users that are currently visiting the booth. Next to each attendees name is a button that says “chat now.” This will open up a direct message chat with the recruiter and the attendee.
Recruiters will log in using the username and password that they created in Step 6 “Booth Rep Accounts” of the booth setup process
Yes. Recruiters have access to the conference.
We recommend you upload your resume/reel/portfolio to recruiters in advance of the event at nabjcareers.org, so they can get to know you. Attendees may also want to have a link to their resumes/reels to share with recruiters when they are in the chatrooms with the exhibitor’s booth.
Visit the networking lounge to chat with attendees and other representatives. To connect via chat with recruiters visit their booths in the exhibit hall. Sessions and other events will also have engagement and chat opportunities.

Meal and Reception/Luncheon Information

Log in to nabj21.vfairs.com. Click on workshops and sessions or go to the Networking Lounge and click on the receptions tab at the bottom. From there, you will be asked to enter your credentials in the Matchbox platform, then you will go to the daily drop-down menu and schedule. Click the tiles to access events.
Meals can be pre-ordered through GrubHub starting on August 16. Click here for the instructions. Meals were provided on a first-come, first-served basis and sent to those who RSVP’d in advance. Meals can only be delivered between August 18 and 21.
MyMobileLyfe is the vendor managing our meal delivery service. Click here for important delivery information and instructions. Please direct food delivery questions to dionne_battle@hotmail.com.

View Convention Tips and Training Tools below

11 Ways to Prep for the #NABJ21 Convention

  • Watch the training video here: https://youtu.be/PxmEUATFzGw  
  • Make sure your laptop or PC has up-to-date software that will allow you to participate in chatting and audio/visual functions. (Mobile devices are not recommended for the virtual experience.)
  • Make sure you have strong wifi and high-speed internet.
  • Make sure you have access to or download the most updated version of Chrome (this is the browser that is recommended for convention activities). Download Chrome here: https://www.google.com/intl/en_us/chrome/
  • Make sure you have access to or download the most up-to-date version of Zoom. Download Zoom here: https://zoom.us/download
  • Bookmark the convention website: nabj21.vfairs.com. Save the email you used to register with and the password provided by the NABJ registration team and keep it handy at all times. Check your email (including spam) often. And ensure these email addresses are in your safe contacts list: donotreply@nabj.org and registration@nabj.org.
  • If you misplaced your log-in info, contact registration@nabj.org for help beforehand. A reminder email will hit your inbox with access information on Sunday.
  • Disable popup blockers on your devices during the convention. Often parts of the platforms will open in new tabs or as new windows. Go to https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95472?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en to learn more about popup blockers on Chrome.
  • Outside of Zoom, most of our platforms are browser-based. No download is required. Please look out for alerts while in the system to allow your browsers to access your audio, video, and camera for chatting and speaking experiences. Go to https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2693767?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en to learn more about this on Chrome.
  • Be sure to check your email for detailed instructions you need to know about GrubHub and other delivery services from MyMobileLyfe. Emails will come from NABJ and GrubHub or the beverage provider. GrubHub meals can be pre-ordered for delivery starting Aug. 16, if you RSVP'd for meal events.
  • Make sure your resume is online and keep a digital copy handy. You never know whom you will meet. Follow the instructions below to ensure recruiters see your resume before the convention and during. Remember you can still pre-schedule recruiter appointments up until the convention starts by logging into vFairs. Navigate to the Exhibit Hall to reserve slots at the booths. The environment is open for pre-scheduling from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET daily. All appointments are ET.
  • Read our full list of convention tips here: https://conta.cc/37QX1Di