Frequently Asked Questions

To save you time and help you get the most out of your webinar experience, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below.

Feel free to contact us if you cannot find a response to your query.
 

1. What is CPD?
2. What is a webinar?
3. What are the advantages of attending webinars?
4. What is the difference between a live webinar and a recorded webinar?
5. How do I register for a webinar?
   
6. How much does it cost to attend a webinar? 
7. What  methods of payment do you accept?
8. What about points for my CPD record?
9. I am not based in the UK. Can I attend your webinars?
10. Once I have registered and paid, how do I join a live webinar on the day?
11. What equipment do I need to attend a live webinar?
12. What about audio equipment?
13. Can I test the quality of my microphone and speakers before a webinar?
14. Can I dial in to a live webinar using my telephone?
15. I am having audio problems, What can I try?
    
16. Can I view a recording after the live webinar has finished?
17. What do I need to view a recorded webinar?
18. Why am I having problems viewing the webinar recordings on my Mac?
19. I want to register for a live webinar but it says registration is closed. What can I do?
20. How do I unsubscribe or update my details on your mailing list?
    
21. Can I have a copy of the slides?
22. Can I get a refund if I have paid but find I cannot attend?
23. I am going to be a speaker on one of your events. What do I need to know?
24. Can you help me run a webinar?
    

What is CPD?

CPD stands for "continuing professional development", also known as professional development, continuing education or lifelong learning. Watch our free introductory webinar to CPD here (50 minutes).

Over the years, every one of us learns new skills - word processing, computing, business skills, or perhaps new tools to help us in our work. But such informal training tends to be rather ad hoc and unstructured. Most professional bodies require their members to undergo a programme of formal CPD to ensure that practitioners are always up-to-date with the latest technology and legislation, and that they maintain their skills to the highest level in the their field of practice.

In attending a webinar you can listen to advice and tips given by experts, rather than trying to figure everything out for yourself - and possibly getting lost in the process. All our webinars can be added to your CPD record. We also provide proof of attendance for you to submit to your professional body, where required. All you need to do is register, pay where applicable and attend or listen to the recording.

Training of this type is flexible and affordable, and useful to those starting out on their careers as well as to those who wish to maintain their skills and expertise.

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What is a webinar?

A webinar is an online seminar delivered via the Internet direct to your home or office computer. To view or attend our webinars, all you need is a compatible computer, high-speed Internet, a standard browser and speakers/ headset. (For full technical details, see What equipment do I need to attend a live webinar?).

Watch a recording of a webinar for free to get an idea of the capabilities of this format.

As part of a programme of CPD (see What is CPD?), webinars are an innovative and extremely cost-effective way to learn new topics, acquire valuable business information, hone your skills and further your career, all from the comfort and convenience of your home or office.

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What are the advantages of attending webinars?

• You will gain insights and information from professionals knowledgeable in their fields. Webinar presenters are experienced and able to deliver information in a professional manner.
• You don't have to spend time and money travelling to and from a specific location. Each webinar is 60 - 90 minutes long and you will be in your own home or workplace. In no time at all, you are back to day-to-day activities. It will also reduce your carbon footprint!
• If you are not at home, you can log in from anywhere you like, assuming you have an internet connection.
• Webinars are interactive, so you can ask questions just as if you were attending a seminar in person.
• There is no complicated technology involved. All you need is a computer with a high-speed internet connection and speakers or a headset. Just log in and start learning!
• The entire process is easy. You register for the webinar on-line and you can pay on-line too or by cheque if you prefer (in the UK). Bank transfer is also an option. Before the webinar date, you will be emailed a link that allows you to join the session shortly before it begins.
• Webinars are recorded, so you need not worry if at the last minute you are unable to attend a webinar you registered for (although you will not be able to ask questions if you choose this option).
• Some people may find seminars intimidating. This isn't the case with webinars. Anonymity provides a level playing field undisturbed by bias caused by seating arrangement, gender, race and age. Attendees can also think longer about what they want to say and add their comments when ready. Much of the interaction is also by online "chat" so you don't even need to speak if you don't wish to.

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What is the difference between a live webinar and a recorded webinar?

Live webinars are held on a specific date at a specific time.

Once you have registered and paid, you will receive an email with details on how to attend. You are free to pose questions and take part in any other interactive elements that the speaker has arranged as part of the live session. After the event, we will send you any handouts and a recording which you can view at your convenience for up to 90 days after the live event.

Please note that all our live events are listed under UK local times. Use this link to check the time where you live. Registrations for live events close 2 hours before the advertised start time.

See our programme of live webinars.

Recorded webinars are pre-recorded and are therefore available for you to view at a time and a date convenient to you.

Once you have registered and paid, you will receive an email with any handouts and instructions on how to access the recorded event, generally within one working day. You will be able to view the recording as often as you like for up to 60 days. You will not be able to ask questions or take part in other interactive elements, but you will be able to see and hear questions asked by other attendees.

See our programme of recorded webinars.

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How do I register for a webinar?

Once registration for a webinar is open – usually a few weeks ahead of the event – follow the links in the calendar of events.

If you are on our mailing list, you will automatically receive our newsletter of industry news, resources and articles. You will also be advised of forthcoming events and special offers, and sent an invitation to register.

To join our mailing list, please click here.

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How much does it cost to attend a webinar?

Prices vary according to the content and scope. But in general a virtual seat at a webinar, plus all the backup material (slides where available, and recording) costs less than a takeaway meal*.

*based on a meal recently ordered from the Bramber Dragon, Steyning, West Sussex!

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What methods of payment do you accept?

You can pay by Paypal, credit card (through the Paypal system), cheque or bank transfer. When you register for an event, you will be automatically directed to the relevant payment page for your chosen method of payment. Please contact us if you wish to pay by bank transfer.

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What about points for my CPD record?

You can use the follow-up email which you receive after attending a webinar to attach to your individual CPD record. Your professional institute or body may need to verify your points weighting for each event.

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I am not based in the UK. Can I attend your webinars?

Absolutely! We try to time our live webinars so that people can attend from as many timezones as possible, although you may have to get up a little early or stay up a little late. Remember you can also register for a live event even if you know you are likely to miss it, because you will be sent a recording and any handouts within 1 - 2 working days of the event. You can also watch our recorded webinars at any time.

Each listing for a live webinar contains a link to a handy time converter, so you can check the event time where you live.

Payment can be made in your local currency via your credit card or via PayPal. Look out for the Add to Cart or Buy Now button on the individual event page once registrations have opened.

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Once I have registered and paid. How do I join a live webinar on the day?

It is easy to join a live webinar. The best way is to connect using your computer via the link which you will receive in your confirmation email. Simply click on the link, or the one sent to you in the reminder emails, about 10 minutes before the webinar begins. Click "Yes" or "Always" (or "Trust" on a Mac) if prompted to accept a download.

Alternatively, you can connect to a live webinar using your computer by one of the following two methods:

• Go to http://www.gotowebinar.com. Type or paste in the Webinar ID in your confirmation email, enter your email address, then click "Yes" or "Always" (or "Trust" on a Mac) if prompted to accept the download.
• Click the "Join a Webinar" button at http://www.gotowebinar.com. Type or paste in the Webinar ID in your confirmation email, enter your email address, then click "Yes" or "Always" (or "Trust" on a Mac) if prompted to accept the download.

You can also dial in to a live webinar using your phone. See more about this here.

A user-friendly GoToWebinar Attendee Guide is available here (pdf).

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What equipment do I need to attend a live webinar? 

Generally, anyone with a reasonably up-to-date PC or Mac^®, speakers and a broadband internet connection can attend a live webinar.

As of November 2011, the technical requirements were as follows:

Alternatively you can dial into GoToWebinar support at +44 (0)800 404 9279. If you are not in the UK, you can use one of the numbers on this support page. You can also contact us in good time before the webinar.

A user-friendly GoToWebinar Attendee Guide is available here (pdf).

Check this link from our webinar platform for the most up-to-date technical configuration (see under Attending a webinar > What are the requirements for attending a webinar?).

You can also dial in to a webinar using your phone, although clearly you will miss the visual element of the webinar. See here for more details.

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What about audio equipment?

Most attendees find the free Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service is the most efficient way of receiving audio. You need a fast Internet connection and speakers.

If you wish to speak either in the Q & A session or as a presenter, you will need a microphone. A USB headset is recommended, but it doesn't have to be a high-tech one. In general, the microphone built in to your webcam, laptop or PC is not sufficient on its own to enable to you be clearly heard by other participants on our webinars.

Dialling in using the telephone:  If you prefer to dial in using the telephone (for which you will pay national rate) ensure that your audio option on the control panel is set to "Telephone". Then dial the number you were given in the confirmation email. This email also contains a list of numbers to dial from 17 other countries if you are dialling from outside the UK, so you do not have to pay for an international call. Once connected, enter the access code on your keypad when prompted (not the webinar ID number) followed by # and then, again when prompted, the PIN which is given on the Welcome screen as you join the webinar. It's best to join the webinar several minutes before the start time to ensure you don't miss the start.

If you are still having audio problems, contact GoToWebinar Global Customer Support. Click the contact options at the upper right of the Global Customer Support page for a list of international support numbers.

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Can I test the quality of my microphone and speaker setup before my webinar?

Yes. Just right-click the GoToMeeting system tray icon and select Preferences, then select Audio and choose the devices you want to test from the drop-down menus.

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I am having audio problems. What can I try?

If you cannot hear anything, or if your sound quality is very bad, check the following:

• Has the webinar started? Double-check you have the correct start date and time.
   
• Did you dial the correct number or follow the correct link? Try reconnecting to the webinar.
• Double-check your Attendee Panel to ensure you have the correct audio option selected under Audio. For example, you cannot use a microphone and speakers when you have "Use Telephone" selected in your control panel.
• In your Attendee Control Panel, go to File > Preferences or Audio on a Mac® (see menu at the top). Ensure the correct sound devices are selected.
• If your microphone has a mute/unmute button, is your microphone muted?
• Is your attendee's speaker volume set too low? 
• If using a microphone and speakers, is your Internet connection too slow? (We recommend a broadband Internet connection for VoIP transmissions.)
  

Dialling in using the telephone:  If you prefer to dial in using the telephone (for which you will pay national rate) ensure that your audio option on the control panel is set to "Telephone". Then dial the number you were given in the confirmation email. This email also contains a list of numbers to dial from 17 other countries if you are dialling from outside the UK, so you do not have to pay for an international call. Once connected, enter the access code on your keypad when prompted (not the webinar ID number) followed by # and then, again when prompted, the PIN which is given on the Welcome screen as you join the webinar. It's best to join the webinar several minutes before the start time to ensure you don't miss the start.

If you are still having audio problems, contact GoToWebinar Global Customer Support. Click the contact options at the upper right of the Global Customer Support page for a list of international support numbers.

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Can I dial in to a live webinar using my telephone?

Yes. Your confirmation email contains numbers in various geographic locations around the world. You are also given a PIN number to enter when you first dial in to the webinar. This service is not toll free, and the cost will vary depending on your phoneline provider. We therefore advise you to use the VOIP service which is completely free.

A user-friendly GoToWebinar Attendee Guide is available here (pdf).

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Can I view a recording after the live webinar has finished?

Your link to the webinar recording will be sent to you within 48 hours of the live webinar. The recording remains available for at least 90 days. Remember that the copyright is vested in the speaker and/or in eCPD Ltd and you may not use the information except for your own personal purposes.

If you have opted for a webinar from our programme of pre-recorded events, you can view the webinar for up to 60 days from payment.

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What do I need to view a recorded webinar?

Our webinars are recorded in Windows Media Player (.wmv) format, which can be played on both a PC and a Mac^® , generally through a browser.  

When you first access the recording, you will be asked to enter your email address and possibly further details too. Please go through the registration process and then press submit.

 The technical requirements are similar to those needed to attend a live webinar (see this question), plus one of the following:

On a PC:

• The latest version of Windows Media Player (download this for free)
  

On a Mac^®:

• The latest version of QuickTime (this comes free with your computer or can be downloaded here) and Windows Media Player Components for QuickTime (also free to download)
  

If you have difficulties with viewing the recording, we suggest you first try with a different browser, then check your security settings. Also, if you appear to have a black screen, the recording may be merely loading into your computer's memory (buffering, see top left corner).

If you are on a Mac and still having problems, see the question below: Why am I having problems viewing the webinar recordings on my Mac^®?

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Why am I having problems viewing the webinar recordings on my  Mac^® ?

 Our webinars are recorded in Windows Media Player (.wmv) format. This is fully compatible with Mac^®'s which meet the requirements to attend a live webinar (see this question).   

However, we have found that certain browsers are more likely than others to cause issues when playing Windows Media Player files. For example, Safari and (intermittantly, for now) Firefox 4 for Mac^®.

There are many browsers and players which work for the numerous Mac^® users who attend our webinars. But if you are having issues viewing a recording on your Mac^®, we recommend trying the following configuration as a starting point:

Firefox 3.6.x with:

• QuickTime plugin 7.6.x
• Flip4Mac Windows Media Plugin 2.3.8.x

This browser and its plugins are completely free to download.

(Sarah uses a   Mac^® and this is the configuration which works for her without fail and which she has been able to fully test.)

If you continue to have issues after trying all these options, contact us and we will do our best to help.  Please include a detailed description of the issue, your browser version and operating system, as well as any troubleshooting measures you have tried.

Finally do bear in mind any issues are likely to be related to your individual setup, rather than the simple fact that you are using a Mac^® ! 

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I want to register for a live webinar, but it says registration is closed. What can I do?  

Places on our live webinars are strictly limited, and some of them sell out very fast. To secure your place on a live webinar, be sure to register in plenty of time before the event.

If a webinar is fully booked, contact us as soon as you realise. We may be able to add you to a waiting list in the event of cancellations (please note we can't guarantee this for every event).

You can also subscribe to our mailing list to make sure you are notified in advance of all our upcoming events.

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How do I unsubscrisubscribe or update my details on your mailing list?  

You can instantly unsubscribe or change your subscription options at anytime by following the "Unsubscribe" or "Update Profile" links in each of our mailings. Look for the following links in our mail-outs:

Header:

Footer:

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Can I have a copy of the slides?

Yes, if the speaker is willing to allow delegates to receive a copy, one will be made available shortly after the event. Remember that the copyright is vested in the speaker and you may not use the information except for your own personal purposes.

If the speaker is not willing to make their slides available, we will make this clear at the start of the webinar. You can still view the slides by watching the recording for as long as it is available to you (90 days after a live event, or 60 days after making payment for a recorded event).

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Can I get a refund if I have paid but find I cannot attend?

You cannot get a refund but you will be sent a link to the recording shortly after the webinar has taken place.

For further information, contact us.

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I am going to be a speaker on one of your events. What do I need to know?

INFO FOR SPEAKERS AND LINK TO OUR SPEAKERS GUIDE TO FOLLOW.

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Can you help me run a webinar? 

We would be happy to! We work with many businesses, professional bodies and colleagues to help them deliver outstanding webinars. See our page for corporate clients for more information, or contact us for full details of our services.

A webinar is essentially a seminar delivered to a computer screen to be viewed off-site by others, also on their computer screens. Your speaker will have to bear this in mind and may need to adapt any material prepared for an in-person audience. We provide full training and guidance for all speakers to make sure they are comfortable with our platform.

Speakers will require a reasonably modern PC or Mac with a broadband connection, and a headset with a microphone and earpieces (preferably USB). After that, most things they can run on their own computers can be broadcast via the webinar service, so webinars are a great way to demonstrate specialist software, websites, etc., in addition to running through slides or just delivering a talk.

In our experience, webinars generally need to be organised as stand-alone events, rather than as add-ons to on-site events. Unfortunately we don't offer a service to record and broadcast (or stream) offline events delivered to in-person audiences. This kind of service calls for a very different technical approach as it involves specialised equipment and expertise in on-location recording.
 
Finally, if you are a professional organisation and are not sure of the viability of running your own webinars, another option might be to tap into eCPD's existing webinar programme. Feel free to contact us for group or association discounts. We are always happy to offer advice and consider running locally-appropriate events.

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