Using Zoom Webinars

In this article we'll provide best practices and resources for each Zoom Webinar role.

Before You Start 

You will need the following before you can complete this task: 

  • An invite to a Zoom Webinar
  • Students will need to contact their Program Office to moderate or host a webinar.
    • Undergraduate Students: Contact the Student Life office to get started.
    • MBA Students: If the event is part of a WGA initiative, contact the WGA for a budget code and then write to student support.  If it is not connected with WGA, contact the MBA program office to get started.

Aside from the meeting organizer, there are four roles used in Zoom Webinars. Each has their own set of privileges and a different experience for its users.

Person with star button icon.

Hosts + Co-hosts

Speaker icon.

Panelists

Audience icon.

Attendees

Hosts ensure the event goes smoothly by making sure everything is working ahead of time and managing the flow of the event.The panelists are the people the audience is there to see. They are speaking, sharing content, and answering questions.Attendees are view-only audience members of a Zoom Webinar.

For more details on the unique abilities of each type of Webinar role, see this Zoom support article.

Hosts + Co-hosts

Best Practices

Being a host is a big responsibility. You're in charge of running the event from behind the curtain. Here are some things you can do to ensure the event runs as smoothly as possible:

Tech Checklist

When each panelist enters the greenroom you'll be responsible for helping them test their technology. If you have more than one speaker, things could get a little messy and time is precious. This tech check should be performed during the dry run and before the live event. Click Read More to learn how best to manage the process and check each presenter's technology in a timely manner.

Managing a Webinar

Panelist

Best Practices

You've been invited to present at a virtual event, which can be a little unnerving. We've put together a list of best practices to ensure your presentation runs as smoothly as possible. 

Attendee

Learn how to join and participate in a webinar as an attendee.

Additional Assistance

Review our Getting Started with Virtual Events article to get started using the platform.

Visit the Zoom Help Center for more articles and videos on Webinars.

Contact your Wharton Computing Representative to request access to Zoom Webinars.

Request a consultation, training or ask additional questions by emailing class-tech@wharton.upenn.edu.