Kevin’s Unofficial Guide to the HAPS Annual Conference | 2020 Edition | TAPP Bonus Page

Kevin’s Tips for HAPS 20 Virtual Meetings

1. The virtual conference is open to all HAPS members.
   1. There is no extra fee.
   2. If you’re not a member, now’s a good time to join!
   3. If you’ve never been to a HAPS meeting, this is the time to try it!
2. The schedule and all the links are at the HAPS website at theAPprofessor.org/haps
   1. Log in to gain access to the links.
   2. Click the Events tab, then click on HAPS 2020 Virtual Conference.
   3. To avoid Zoombombing, do not share login links or credentials with ANYONE.
3. Before joining a virtual meeting/event restart your device.
   1. Don’t open an unnecessary programs, turn off background programs and sync operations, and tell your household members to play cards instead of video games for the next hour.
4. If possible, use your full name.
   1. Consider adding preferred pronouns. e.g., Kevin Patton he-him-his
   2. You may need to change this in your Google account (Google Hangouts Meet)
   3. It may not be possible in all systems, especially with call-in attendees.
5. Use a webcam.
   1. Using your phone or a computer without a webcam is fine.
   2. It’s just more fun if your webcam is on! Bring your face to the meeting!
6. Make sure your microphone is plugged in and working.
   1. Check to see that the mic you will be using is the mic selected.
   2. Test the volume of your mic before entering the meeting if possible.
   3. Stay muted until you are ready to speak, then mute yourself again after speaking.
7. Use earbuds or headphones for audio (not a regular speaker).
   1. This reduces echoing that you may not hear, but others will.
   2. Make sure that your earbuds/headphones are the selected “speaker.”
8. Be fully dressed. But casual.
   1. Consider wearing something that represents your institution, hometown, etc.
      1. I may be wearing my The A&P Professor T shirt.
   2. Consider wearing something from a previous HAPS conference.
      1. I may wear a T shirt from HAPS 95.
   3. Avoid controversial attire.
   4. Whatever you wear, put your The A&P Professor pin on it.
9. Snacks and beverages are welcome.
   1. See below for a list of suggested snacks.
   2. If you are drinking wine or whiskey from the bottle, considering stepping off-camera for each swig.
   3. Use a napkin if food starts dripping down your face.
      1. Unless you have a beard. That’s what beards are for.
      2. Even if you have a beard.
10. If you are in your home, office, or the outdoors, then it’s best to avoid wearing a mask during the meeting.
    1. Folks like me, who read lips to supplement our poor hearing, will understand you better.
       1. Unless you’re drinking whiskey from bottle (see previous item).
11. Even for events not being recorded by HAPS, somebody might be recording what you say and do. Be aware.
12. Pets are welcome.
    1. If your dog keeps barking, keep your audio muted.
       1. A dog whistle app can help with chronic barking when you do want to speak and unmute yourself.
       2. A spoon of peanut butter also works.
       3. A large plate of raw meat also works.
    2. If your pet is a python and it’s around your neck, please give regular thumbs up signals to let us know you’re okay.
    3. Lion, tigers, and other wild animals are NOT pets.
       1. But consider the advice above regarding a large plate of raw meat.
    4. Foul-mouthed parrots and other birds should be muted.
13. Puppets. Avoid them.
    1. Clown puppets are especially unwelcome.
    2. Stuffed animals are welcome, though.
       1. The plush kind, not so much the taxidermy kind.
14. I’ll give anyone ten bucks to successfully start a sing-along during networking time.

At the Welcome event on Friday, May 22, I’ll be welcoming folks in the First-Timers breakout session.

Even if you’re not a first-timer, stop by to say HI.

Check out the most recent episode of
The A&P Professor Podcast