Webinar Hosting FAQs
Submit a Webinar RequestMRC Webinars Overview
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All MRC webinars are scheduled for Wednesdays; thus "Webinar Wednesdays" is used to refer to when MRC webinars are held. The MRC chose Wednesdays as the preferred day for webinars as the middle of the week tends to work well for a broad population of users, helping ensure as many as possible are able to attend.All MRC webinars are scheduled for Wednesdays; thus "Webinar Wednesdays" is used to refer to when MRC webinars are held. The MRC chose Wednesdays as the preferred day for webinars as the middle of the week tends to work well for a broad population of users, helping ensure as many as possible are able to attend.
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Webinars provide a terrific venue for MRC members to gain knowledge about fraud and risk mitigation, payments acceptance and optimization, and new products and solutions in the industry outside of the MRC's four annual conferences and periodic Community and Affinity Group meetings. Presenters benefit by sharing their expertise with the wider MRC community and sharpening their own knowledge and presentation skills. Solution providers also have the opportunity to reach a broad range of MRC members outside of MRC events.Webinars provide a terrific venue for MRC members to gain knowledge about fraud and risk mitigation, payments acceptance and optimization, and new products and solutions in the industry outside of the MRC's four annual conferences and periodic Community and Affinity Group meetings. Presenters benefit by sharing their expertise with the wider MRC community and sharpening their own knowledge and presentation skills. Solution providers also have the opportunity to reach a broad range of MRC members outside of MRC events.
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Current MRC Merchant, Solution Provider, Law Enforcement, Issuer, and Ancillary Services members are welcome to present, in accordance with the number of webinars per annual membership term noted below. Non-member professionals in academia, government, or other fields may be invited by a current MRC member company/organization to co-present, subject to approval by the MRC Programs team.Current MRC Merchant, Solution Provider, Law Enforcement, Issuer, and Ancillary Services members are welcome to present, in accordance with the number of webinars per annual membership term noted below. Non-member professionals in academia, government, or other fields may be invited by a current MRC member company/organization to co-present, subject to approval by the MRC Programs team.
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Here are the limits, which vary by membership type:
- Solution providers may present up to two educational webinars per annual membership term.
- Issuers and Ancillary Services companies may present up to two educational webinars per annual membership term.
- Merchant companies and law enforcement agencies may present up to four educational webinars per annual membership term.
- No company or organization may present more than two webinars in a single quarter of a calendar year.
Exceptions to these limits may be made by the MRC for an educational webinar series.
Here are the limits, which vary by membership type:
- Solution providers may present up to two educational webinars per annual membership term.
- Issuers and Ancillary Services companies may present up to two educational webinars per annual membership term.
- Merchant companies and law enforcement agencies may present up to four educational webinars per annual membership term.
- No company or organization may present more than two webinars in a single quarter of a calendar year.
Exceptions to these limits may be made by the MRC for an educational webinar series.
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MRC webinars are a member benefit; beyond the annual membership rate corresponding to each membership type and level, there are no additional charges to host or attend.MRC webinars are a member benefit; beyond the annual membership rate corresponding to each membership type and level, there are no additional charges to host or attend.
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Each webinar includes three groups of participants: organizers, panelists, and registrants/attendees. The organizer is a member of the MRC Programs team who serves as the webinar administrator and facilitator, the panelist(s) is/are the individual(s) who present during the broadcast, and the registrants are the people who indicate their interest in attending the webinar.Each webinar includes three groups of participants: organizers, panelists, and registrants/attendees. The organizer is a member of the MRC Programs team who serves as the webinar administrator and facilitator, the panelist(s) is/are the individual(s) who present during the broadcast, and the registrants are the people who indicate their interest in attending the webinar.
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The MRC uses an industry-leading web-based platform for webinar registration and hosting. There is no need for the panelists to have an account or login; panelists simply need to use the unique link provided by the MRC to present.The MRC uses an industry-leading web-based platform for webinar registration and hosting. There is no need for the panelists to have an account or login; panelists simply need to use the unique link provided by the MRC to present.
Webinar Scheduling and Timing
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The MRC recommends submitting a webinar request at least two months in advance of the desired webinar date. The Webinar Request Form shows the most current list of dates available. Webinar Wednesdays are filled on a first come, first served basis.The MRC recommends submitting a webinar request at least two months in advance of the desired webinar date. The Webinar Request Form shows the most current list of dates available. Webinar Wednesdays are filled on a first come, first served basis.
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To reserve a specific date, please submit the Webinar Request Form. Please note the MRC is unable to reserve a specific date without first receiving a submitted request form with a complete webinar title and description, as well as the name(s) and contact details for the presenter(s).To reserve a specific date, please submit the Webinar Request Form. Please note the MRC is unable to reserve a specific date without first receiving a submitted request form with a complete webinar title and description, as well as the name(s) and contact details for the presenter(s).
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As the MRC has members across the globe, we offer start times during the morning or afternoon for APAC, Europe, and North America. Webinars are scheduled in Singapore Time (SGT), Central European Summer Time (CEST)/Central European Time (CET), British Summer Time (BST)/Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)/Pacific Standard Time (PST). While the MRC will work to accommodate requested start times wherever possible, times may be adjusted based on other webinars already scheduled and/or based on MRC availability. To maximize attendance, the MRC recommends scheduling webinars to start at the top of an hour, versus on the half hour or another time.As the MRC has members across the globe, we offer start times during the morning or afternoon for APAC, Europe, and North America. Webinars are scheduled in Singapore Time (SGT), Central European Summer Time (CEST)/Central European Time (CET), British Summer Time (BST)/Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)/Pacific Standard Time (PST). While the MRC will work to accommodate requested start times wherever possible, times may be adjusted based on other webinars already scheduled and/or based on MRC availability. To maximize attendance, the MRC recommends scheduling webinars to start at the top of an hour, versus on the half hour or another time.
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Webinars will typically be 45-60 minutes total, with ~5-15 minutes reserved for Q&A. While webinars exceeding 60 minutes may be offered on more complex topics, a time limit of 60 minutes is recommended for maximum attendance.Webinars will typically be 45-60 minutes total, with ~5-15 minutes reserved for Q&A. While webinars exceeding 60 minutes may be offered on more complex topics, a time limit of 60 minutes is recommended for maximum attendance.
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While the number of presenters is at the discretion of the presenting company/organization, the MRC recommends no more than four panelists total per webinar. The Webinar Request Form includes relevant fields for both a presenter and co-presenter; simply list any additional co-presenters in the "Other Co-Presenters" field. Once the MRC has set up the webinar, an email will be sent with the specific link(s) the presenter(s) need to join the webinar as a panelist.While the number of presenters is at the discretion of the presenting company/organization, the MRC recommends no more than four panelists total per webinar. The Webinar Request Form includes relevant fields for both a presenter and co-presenter; simply list any additional co-presenters in the "Other Co-Presenters" field. Once the MRC has set up the webinar, an email will be sent with the specific link(s) the presenter(s) need to join the webinar as a panelist.
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Should you need to add one or more co-presenters to a webinar which has already been scheduled, please contact the MRC webinar organizer via email and provide the name and email address of the additional panelist(s). The organizer will make the necessary changes and send an email with the specific link needed to join the webinar as a panelist.Should you need to add one or more co-presenters to a webinar which has already been scheduled, please contact the MRC webinar organizer via email and provide the name and email address of the additional panelist(s). The organizer will make the necessary changes and send an email with the specific link needed to join the webinar as a panelist.
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Webinars will not be held on major holidays in APAC, Europe, or the U.S., or during the weeks of the MRC's major conferences. Other specific Wednesdays may not be available due to other MRC team commitments (an offsite event, for example). As noted above, the Webinar Request Form indicates the most current list of available dates.Webinars will not be held on major holidays in APAC, Europe, or the U.S., or during the weeks of the MRC's major conferences. Other specific Wednesdays may not be available due to other MRC team commitments (an offsite event, for example). As noted above, the Webinar Request Form indicates the most current list of available dates.
Webinar Preparations and Communication
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The MRC offers two types of webinars: Educational and Solution Spotlight webinars.Educational webinars are designed to share knowledge with the MRC member base and typically cover a single topic or a small number of related topics/issues. These webinars may be presented as a one-off or in a series (e.g., a multi-part webinar focused on holiday preparedness). Those presenting an educational webinar are welcome to include two slides with company-specific information: a slide after the title slide providing a brief company overview, and a slide near the conclusion with relevant contact information. No sales or marketing of any kind or additional company information is permitted within educational webinars.Solution Spotlight webinars are sales- or marketing-oriented in nature and may cover one or more products or solutions offered by an MRC Solution Provider member. While no educational component is required in a Solution Spotlight webinar, you are welcome to share results from one or more case studies, surveys, etc. if desired. Note: Solution Spotlights are being phased out.The MRC offers two types of webinars: Educational and Solution Spotlight webinars.Educational webinars are designed to share knowledge with the MRC member base and typically cover a single topic or a small number of related topics/issues. These webinars may be presented as a one-off or in a series (e.g., a multi-part webinar focused on holiday preparedness). Those presenting an educational webinar are welcome to include two slides with company-specific information: a slide after the title slide providing a brief company overview, and a slide near the conclusion with relevant contact information. No sales or marketing of any kind or additional company information is permitted within educational webinars.Solution Spotlight webinars are sales- or marketing-oriented in nature and may cover one or more products or solutions offered by an MRC Solution Provider member. While no educational component is required in a Solution Spotlight webinar, you are welcome to share results from one or more case studies, surveys, etc. if desired. Note: Solution Spotlights are being phased out.
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The MRC has received NASBA accreditation which allows us to offer continuing professional education (CPE) credits for MRC webinars. This means that the audience for your webinar can earn continuing education credit by attending the broadcast. These CPE credits can be applied to many different professional certifications. The CPE credit standard has been widely adopted by many organizations for certifying continuing education, including but not limited to ACFE, ISACA, (ISC)2, and AICPA.
Here are a few certifications to which CPEs may be applied:
- Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE)
- Certified Information Security Managers (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP)
- Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
Opting to offer CPE credits requires little additional effort for the presenting company. Presenters need to ensure the presentation and Q&A lasts at least 50 minutes. Second, audience questions must be addressed during the presentation. You may answer questions from the audience as they arise during the webinar or via a Q&A slide in the middle and/or end of the webinar.
All other CPE requirements are handled by the MRC. Please note that CPE credit is only offered for educational webinars. There are no charges or fees of any kind to the presenting company or to registrants if CPE credit is offered for a webinar.
The MRC has received NASBA accreditation which allows us to offer continuing professional education (CPE) credits for MRC webinars. This means that the audience for your webinar can earn continuing education credit by attending the broadcast. These CPE credits can be applied to many different professional certifications. The CPE credit standard has been widely adopted by many organizations for certifying continuing education, including but not limited to ACFE, ISACA, (ISC)2, and AICPA.
Here are a few certifications to which CPEs may be applied:
- Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE)
- Certified Information Security Managers (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP)
- Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
Opting to offer CPE credits requires little additional effort for the presenting company. Presenters need to ensure the presentation and Q&A lasts at least 50 minutes. Second, audience questions must be addressed during the presentation. You may answer questions from the audience as they arise during the webinar or via a Q&A slide in the middle and/or end of the webinar.
All other CPE requirements are handled by the MRC. Please note that CPE credit is only offered for educational webinars. There are no charges or fees of any kind to the presenting company or to registrants if CPE credit is offered for a webinar.
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The presenter -- and, if applicable, co-presenter(s) -- are expected to prepare the slide deck used for the webinar. All panelists must also be familiar with the material they will be presenting during the broadcast.The presenter -- and, if applicable, co-presenter(s) -- are expected to prepare the slide deck used for the webinar. All panelists must also be familiar with the material they will be presenting during the broadcast.
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You are welcome to use the slide template of your choice; unlike with presentations at MRC conferences, there are no specific requirements for the layout or design of the slides.You are welcome to use the slide template of your choice; unlike with presentations at MRC conferences, there are no specific requirements for the layout or design of the slides.
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Yes, this is not only acceptable, it is encouraged! In educational webinars, the MRC recommends including a slide at or near the conclusion with relevant contact details for the presenter(s), or an appropriate alias or URL. In Solution Spotlight webinars, you are welcome to include contact information for your company's Sales or Business Development team, a URL prospective customers can use to request a product demonstration and additional information, etc.Yes, this is not only acceptable, it is encouraged! In educational webinars, the MRC recommends including a slide at or near the conclusion with relevant contact details for the presenter(s), or an appropriate alias or URL. In Solution Spotlight webinars, you are welcome to include contact information for your company's Sales or Business Development team, a URL prospective customers can use to request a product demonstration and additional information, etc.
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The MRC must receive the complete, final slide deck at least 24 hours before the webinar is held, unless prior arrangements are made with the MRC webinar organizer.
Note that if one or more presenters will be sharing their screen during the broadcast -- e.g., a product demonstration as part of a Solution Spotlight webinar -- there may be additional technical requirements. Please contact the MRC webinar organizer for additional details.
The MRC must receive the complete, final slide deck at least 24 hours before the webinar is held, unless prior arrangements are made with the MRC webinar organizer.
Note that if one or more presenters will be sharing their screen during the broadcast -- e.g., a product demonstration as part of a Solution Spotlight webinar -- there may be additional technical requirements. Please contact the MRC webinar organizer for additional details.
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The MRC will post the webinar on the Upcoming Webinars page on the MRC website, include the webinar in our monthly Upcoming Webinars email to MRC members, and and feature upcoming webinars on our LinkedIn page.
For further marketing information and recommendations, please download the MRC Webinar Wednesday Media Kit.The MRC will post the webinar on the Upcoming Webinars page on the MRC website, include the webinar in our monthly Upcoming Webinars email to MRC members, and and feature upcoming webinars on our LinkedIn page.
For further marketing information and recommendations, please download the MRC Webinar Wednesday Media Kit. -
Yes, as the presenting company/organization, you are welcome to share the registration link with your own customers, prospective customers, etc., provided you indicate that the webinar is being hosted by the Merchant Risk Council / MRC.Yes, as the presenting company/organization, you are welcome to share the registration link with your own customers, prospective customers, etc., provided you indicate that the webinar is being hosted by the Merchant Risk Council / MRC.
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Polls can be a great way to engage attendees to survey their experience, familiarity with specific issues, etc. Up to five poll questions may be asked during a broadcast. Each question may have up to five possible responses; each question may be configured to allow attendees to select only one response or to select multiple responses.
Any poll questions and response selections must be sent to the MRC webinar organizer at least 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar so that the poll questions and answers can be configured. Please also inform the webinar organizer before the webinar broadcast begins as to when each poll question should be activated. Note that when a poll question is activated for the audience to answer, the slide presentation will be paused until the webinar organizer closes the poll, at which point the slide content will resume. A maximum voting time of ~30 seconds is recommended to avoid excessive dead air.
Polls can be a great way to engage attendees to survey their experience, familiarity with specific issues, etc. Up to five poll questions may be asked during a broadcast. Each question may have up to five possible responses; each question may be configured to allow attendees to select only one response or to select multiple responses.
Any poll questions and response selections must be sent to the MRC webinar organizer at least 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar so that the poll questions and answers can be configured. Please also inform the webinar organizer before the webinar broadcast begins as to when each poll question should be activated. Note that when a poll question is activated for the audience to answer, the slide presentation will be paused until the webinar organizer closes the poll, at which point the slide content will resume. A maximum voting time of ~30 seconds is recommended to avoid excessive dead air.
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Yes, a maximum of five files may be distributed during the webinar. Files must be sent to the MRC webinar organizer at least 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar. Any file intended to be distributed as a "handout" is subject to review by the MRC. Note that any files associated with an educational webinar must be educational in nature; sales and marketing materials are not permitted.Yes, a maximum of five files may be distributed during the webinar. Files must be sent to the MRC webinar organizer at least 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar. Any file intended to be distributed as a "handout" is subject to review by the MRC. Note that any files associated with an educational webinar must be educational in nature; sales and marketing materials are not permitted.
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Yes, the MRC encourages presenters to draft 3-5 "seed questions" in advance of the webinar. This can help prompt attendees to submit their own questions, and allows the presenters/panelists to reiterate or highlight specific points from the discussion. Please provide any seed questions to the MRC webinar organizer prior to the start of the broadcast.Yes, the MRC encourages presenters to draft 3-5 "seed questions" in advance of the webinar. This can help prompt attendees to submit their own questions, and allows the presenters/panelists to reiterate or highlight specific points from the discussion. Please provide any seed questions to the MRC webinar organizer prior to the start of the broadcast.
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Yes, a test session/rehearsal/dry run is required before the broadcast. Test sessions are held on the Friday, Monday, or Tuesday preceding the webinar. Please select the preferred day for the test session under "Test Session/Dry Run Date" on the Webinar Request Form.Yes, a test session/rehearsal/dry run is required before the broadcast. Test sessions are held on the Friday, Monday, or Tuesday preceding the webinar. Please select the preferred day for the test session under "Test Session/Dry Run Date" on the Webinar Request Form.
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At this time, all MRC Webinar Wednesdays are live broadcasts. This is done to give attendees the opportunity to ask questions during the session.At this time, all MRC Webinar Wednesdays are live broadcasts. This is done to give attendees the opportunity to ask questions during the session.
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At this time, all MRC Webinar Wednesdays are presented in English.At this time, all MRC Webinar Wednesdays are presented in English.
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Yes, automated emails are sent to all panelists and registrants both 24 hours before and one hour before the webinar is scheduled to begin.Yes, automated emails are sent to all panelists and registrants both 24 hours before and one hour before the webinar is scheduled to begin.
During and After the Webinar
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The presenter(s) and the facilitator are requested to login to the webinar platform ~20-25 minutes prior to the start of the webinar to ensure there are no technical difficulties, as well as review any questions regarding the platform, any "seed" questions, any poll/survey questions or files/handouts (if applicable), or other aspects of the webinar. If a test session is conducted prior to the webinar broadcast, then logging in 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the webinar is sufficient.The presenter(s) and the facilitator are requested to login to the webinar platform ~20-25 minutes prior to the start of the webinar to ensure there are no technical difficulties, as well as review any questions regarding the platform, any "seed" questions, any poll/survey questions or files/handouts (if applicable), or other aspects of the webinar. If a test session is conducted prior to the webinar broadcast, then logging in 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the webinar is sufficient.
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The MRC will provide an introduction at the beginning of the broadcast, giving an overview of the MRC and sharing information about upcoming MRC events with attendees. Following the opening remarks, the MRC organizer will introduce the panelists.
During the broadcast, the organizer will collate any questions submitted by attendees, activate and deactivate any poll questions (if applicable), and share any handouts with attendees (if applicable).
The MRC will provide an introduction at the beginning of the broadcast, giving an overview of the MRC and sharing information about upcoming MRC events with attendees. Following the opening remarks, the MRC organizer will introduce the panelists.
During the broadcast, the organizer will collate any questions submitted by attendees, activate and deactivate any poll questions (if applicable), and share any handouts with attendees (if applicable).
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The organizer/facilitator from the MRC will collate any questions received during the broadcast and verbally communicate the questions to the presenter(s) at a pre-determined time, which is generally after all slides have been presented. If no questions are received from attendees, the organizer will conclude the webinar after asking any agreed-upon "seed" questions.The organizer/facilitator from the MRC will collate any questions received during the broadcast and verbally communicate the questions to the presenter(s) at a pre-determined time, which is generally after all slides have been presented. If no questions are received from attendees, the organizer will conclude the webinar after asking any agreed-upon "seed" questions.
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Yes, the MRC will record the broadcast, unless the webinar submitter has indicated "No" in response to the question "May the MRC record the webinar and archive any supporting materials?" on the Webinar Request Form, or one or more presenters has indicated to the MRC webinar organizer via email that they do not wish to have the webinar recorded. MRC webinars are normally recorded so that members may play the broadcast on demand via the Resource Center on the MRC website.Yes, the MRC will record the broadcast, unless the webinar submitter has indicated "No" in response to the question "May the MRC record the webinar and archive any supporting materials?" on the Webinar Request Form, or one or more presenters has indicated to the MRC webinar organizer via email that they do not wish to have the webinar recorded. MRC webinars are normally recorded so that members may play the broadcast on demand via the Resource Center on the MRC website.
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Yes, within 24 hours of the live broadcast, the organizer/facilitator from the MRC will email an attendance report showing the names, email addresses, company names, job titles, and countries of all registrants who agreed to share their contact information when registering for the webinar. The report also indicates which of these registrants attended the webinar and which of these registrants missed the broadcast.
For registrants who did not agree to share their contact details, a list of corresponding company names will be provided. The MRC is unable to provide the names, email addresses, job titles, or countries of registrants who did not consent to sharing their contact information.
Yes, within 24 hours of the live broadcast, the organizer/facilitator from the MRC will email an attendance report showing the names, email addresses, company names, job titles, and countries of all registrants who agreed to share their contact information when registering for the webinar. The report also indicates which of these registrants attended the webinar and which of these registrants missed the broadcast.
For registrants who did not agree to share their contact details, a list of corresponding company names will be provided. The MRC is unable to provide the names, email addresses, job titles, or countries of registrants who did not consent to sharing their contact information.
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Yes, after the webinar concludes, the MRC will add the webinar recording and a PDF version of the slide deck to the MRC Resource Center. However, if the webinar submitter has indicated "No" in response to the question "May the MRC place the recording and any supporting materials in the member-only section of the website for on-demand access?" on the Webinar Request Form, the MRC will not post the recording and/or slides. Also, the materials will not be posted if one or more presenters has indicated to the MRC webinar organizer via email that they do not wish to have the recording and/or slides available for MRC members on the MRC website.
Note that you may edit the slide deck to remove any individual slides you do not want included in the downloadable copy of the deck, or simply email the MRC webinar organizer to indicate if any specific slides should be omitted prior to posting.
Yes, after the webinar concludes, the MRC will add the webinar recording and a PDF version of the slide deck to the MRC Resource Center. However, if the webinar submitter has indicated "No" in response to the question "May the MRC place the recording and any supporting materials in the member-only section of the website for on-demand access?" on the Webinar Request Form, the MRC will not post the recording and/or slides. Also, the materials will not be posted if one or more presenters has indicated to the MRC webinar organizer via email that they do not wish to have the recording and/or slides available for MRC members on the MRC website.
Note that you may edit the slide deck to remove any individual slides you do not want included in the downloadable copy of the deck, or simply email the MRC webinar organizer to indicate if any specific slides should be omitted prior to posting.
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Attendees are sent an email one day after the webinar to thank them for attending. A link to the MRC Upcoming Webinars page is included so attendees can quickly see which other MRC webinars are planned. For registrants who did not attend the webinar, a separate email is sent one to two days after the webinar to point MRC members to the MRC Resource Center to view a recording of the webinar. Both emails are configured to include a link to the presenting company/organization's home page.
Note that these emails may be customized upon request -- as an example, webinar attendees, registrants who did not attend the webinar, or both can be sent a link to visit a specific page or resource on the presenting company's website. Any information or links sent as follow up to an educational webinar, however, must be educational in nature; sales and marketing materials are not permitted. Any requests for customization must be sent to the MRC webinar organizer no later than the conclusion of the webinar broadcast.
Attendees are sent an email one day after the webinar to thank them for attending. A link to the MRC Upcoming Webinars page is included so attendees can quickly see which other MRC webinars are planned. For registrants who did not attend the webinar, a separate email is sent one to two days after the webinar to point MRC members to the MRC Resource Center to view a recording of the webinar. Both emails are configured to include a link to the presenting company/organization's home page.
Note that these emails may be customized upon request -- as an example, webinar attendees, registrants who did not attend the webinar, or both can be sent a link to visit a specific page or resource on the presenting company's website. Any information or links sent as follow up to an educational webinar, however, must be educational in nature; sales and marketing materials are not permitted. Any requests for customization must be sent to the MRC webinar organizer no later than the conclusion of the webinar broadcast.