Q2.) What are the presentation requirements?

Ans 2.)

• Talks should not exceed 20 minutes plus 10 minutes for questions and answers.
• Panel discussion should include a talk on the basic principles plus 15 minutes for Q&A session.
• Submission deadlines and formats must be met in the prescribed manner.
• Longer time slots shall be considered if the organizers feel the topic demands it and the speaker requests for the same with supporting evidence.

Q3.) What are the submission dates and deadlines?

Ans 3.)

• All Papers must be submitted to the following e-mail: wzcongress2009@gmail.com.
• The deadline for submission will be 15th of May 2009.
  For further information and queries please feel free to mark the e-mail to the attention of Mr. Nowshir Engineer, Director of Events.

Q4.) What is the format for submission of papers?

Ans 4.)

• Paper submission should be around 4-5 pages and will be accepted in Word Format or PDF.
• The files should not be password-protected or contain other restrictions.
• Paper size should be A4 in Portrait orientation.
• All margins must be set to at least 2 cm (0.78 inches).
• Pictures should be grayscale and up to 300dpi.

Apart from that, Speaker is free to use any layout he/she wants.

Exceptions to the above specified format for submissions will be entertained on a case by case basis.

Q5.) What is the Evaluation criterion? Am I assured of a speaking slot?

Ans 5.) All submissions for presentations, discussions shall be reviewed in advance and assessment will be made on the basis of:

• Contribution to the knowledge of the profession/category
• Contains well developed ideas
• Interest to the delegates

Due to the existing schedule certain speaker requests may be declined due to time constraints, and this in no way should be construed as a negative judgment from the Committee on the quality of the topic, speaker profile, interest to delegates etc.

The decision of the panel of the Events Committee will be final and need not be disclosed by the committee.

Q 6.) Can my presentation be altered / modified?

Ans 6.) The Events Committee has the right to request the presenter if any item needs alteration/reconsideration in the presentation. The requested changes should be made and sent back to the committee for final approval.

Speakers need to understand that they must stay away from controversial statements, religious viewpoints, and as a speaker they have an obligation to remain neutral, non biased, and non conflictive in nature. This is in line with the Congress Theme of “Unity through the sands of time”.

Q7.) Will Speakers be paid?

Ans 7.) The Speakers at the Congress shall not be paid.
Speakers will have to register for the Congress and make their arrangements accordingly.

Q 8.) At the Congress – what is the format of the presentation and what infrastructure is available for the speaker?

Ans 8.)

• Confirmed speakers can prepare a power point presentation, flash presentation, audio video presentation etc and present their topic through such a methodology.
• All the conference rooms will be fitted with suitable infrastructure (Laptop, Projector, Screen, Microphone, Sound System). Windows Media Player will be de-facto loaded on the machines for playback of videos and Microsoft Vista will be the de-facto software operating system.
• Any extra requirements (equipment, software etc) from the speakers perspective will need to be mentioned at the time of paper submission and approved and arranged for by the Events Team technical committee of the Congress.
• Please note that the systems are configured for PC (Microsoft) and not Apple (Macintosh). If a presenter is using a Mac machine –he should inform the committee accordingly.
• Please check that the fonts being used are system standards. Speakers may have used fonts that are available on their PC but that are not available on the presentation PC, they should use and embed TrueType fonts.

Important note: The organizers recommend that Power Point format should be used. This shall be saved on the laptop or CD or USB memory stick and carried this as hand luggage. Carry 2 back- ups and check all linkages and files in advance. If possible the material can be sent in advance to wzcongress2009@gmail.com

Q 9.) What is the Procedure for Confirmed Speakers on the day of their Presentation at the World Zoroastrian Congress 2009?

Ans 9.)

• Speakers must check-in and leave their power-point presentation in the Speaker Ready Room at least one day prior to their scheduled presentation time or e-mailed in advance if possible.
• Speakers should be in the room at the beginning of their session and, to avoid delays, they shall be asked to sit in the first row of chairs.
• Finalized Date, Time and Room will be listed on the Program Overview
• Presentations must start and end on time, no exceptions being made. The Speaker of each session will be given instructions to strictly adhere to the time schedules
  

Q 10.) Any further tips for a speaker?

Ans 10.)

• Speakers/Presenters should rehearse their talk prior to coming to the meeting to be sure they do not exceed the allotted time.
• Make the presentation interesting and visually appealing to the delegates
• Ensure that delegates are engaged in the presentation and derive value

If further assistance is required they should write to wzcongress2009@gmail.com

Q 11.) What will be the role of ‘Moderators’?

Ans 11.) The moderators shall ensure that the program is progressing properly and peacefully and questions raised are interesting for the benefit of the delegates.
The moderator in the room will ensure that the speaker is in line with his presentation guidelines and the delegates are in line with the congress objectives and spirit.
He/ She may intervene when and if required.

Q 12.) What will be the role of ‘Time Keepers’?

Ans 12.) The ‘Time Keepers’ shall ensure that the program commences and ends on time to enable the delegates attend the next program. They will inform the speaker when their time is coming to an end to ensure timely commencement.

Q 13.) What about Food and Beverage at the Congress ? Meal Requests?

Ans 13.) A paid delegate is entitled to Food (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) at no extra cost at the Congress Venue.

Beverages (alcoholic and fresh fruit juices etc) are to paid directly by delegates on a consumption basis.

Q 14.) What about Transport to and From the Venue from our hotel?

Ans 14.) The Events Team will have shuttle bus services running at pre-determined times to and from the venue from the pre-approved hotel choices as suggested by the Congress Team. If you miss the shuttle service then you will have to take a taxi at your own cost to reach the Congress Venue.

If you are staying at alternate venues / friends / family / relatives – then the delegate will have to organize his own transport.

Q 15.) How can I pay for F&B, Other Activities?

Ans 15.) The currency of Dubai is Dirhams (Symbolized as AED or written as DHS after the figure). The conversion between Dirham to the US Dollar is pegged at US$ 1 = 3.65 dhs. All shopping outlets in Dubai accept major currencies, and Visa and Mastercard.

Q 16.) What happens if I Don’t want to attend a seminar / activity / trip / entertainment option?

Ans 16.) The choice of attending all the functions is upto the delegate themselves. If a delegate misses any seminar / activity / lunch / dinner etc then there will be no refund provided. Hence please ensure you maximize all the opportunities that the Congress provides to you.

Q 17.) How much does one have to spend for a taxi in case he does not take the transport provided by the Congress Organizers at designated hours?

Ans 17.) The taxi fare will range approx. AED 10 – AED 40/- between congress identified hotels and the congress venue.

Q 18.) Who should I contact if I have any questions relating to Events?

Ans 18.)