IAFF Virtual Convention: Viewing and Participation

Delegates will be viewing the Convention in a webpage window. Similar to watching TV, the larger the screen, the better the experience. The best option is a computer with a large monitor or additional monitor.

Having a device with a microphone and video camera will allow you to address the Convention, just as you would at an in-person Convention. When addressing the delegation, it is recommended to use headphones with a microphone built in to minimize audio issues. A device with a video camera is not required, but recommended.

The Convention can also be viewed on a phone or tablet, but it is the best to use the same device for the duration of the Convention. You can only log in on one device at any one time. If you change devices, you must log out of your first device before logging into the new device.

Use the following web browsers to view the virtual platform:

• Google Chrome (preferred)
• Safari
• FireFox

Mobile/tablet browsers: Google Chrome is suggested and available as an app on all mobile devices. Do not use Chrome Incognito mode.

Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge are NOT supported; you will not be able to view the Convention using these browsers.

For additional information for computers and mobile devices, see the System Requirements section.

Note that viewing the video window in Full Screen or Theater Mode will disable voting overlays. Please remember to return to standard viewing during general business sessions.                     

Internet Speed

For the best user experience, use a secured WiFi  or hard-line internet connection. If you do not have these, you can still view the Convention, but interaction with the system may be problematic.

8mbps upload and download speeds are the minimum requirement per device connected. Viewing is best when more bandwidth is available.

Test Your Connection

Testing your connection before the Convention begins is the best way to ensure a seamless experience once Convention begins. It’s very important to test your audio and video connection; this function will be available on Saturday, January 23 from 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. (EST) and Sunday, January 24 from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (EST).

Once you are logged in and the delegate seating process is completed, a Test Your Connection button (as shown below) will be available on the IAFF Virtual Convention website home page.

On this page, you will see a video window playing a video and audio on a loop. Confirm that you are both seeing video and hearing audio. If you can see an image in the video window and hear audio, congratulations, you are all set! If you are experiencing difficulties, such as a black video area or no sound, contact the Help Desk for assistance.

Live technical support will be available on Saturday, January 23 from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (EST)  and daily Sunday, January 24-Thursday, January 28 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  (or end of business daily).

Two ways to contact support:

1. Click the chat icon (shown above), located in the bottom right corner of every page to connect with the Help Desk team.
2. Contact us by phone at (888) 252-5937.

We are here to help! This is your best resource for credentials questions, assistance with convention badge ID numbers, technical issues or general Convention and union-related questions.

Open your browser to connect to IAFF Virtual Convention website.

The virtual platform home page is open beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 23. To be seated for Convention, delegates must log in and complete the credentialing process between 12:00 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, January 23, 2021, and 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Monday, January 25, 2021.

The first time you access the virtual platform, you will be taken to a welcome page. Click Enter to access the log in page.

Enter the email we have on file for you. If the first time logging in, use your one-time password from the email dated Friday, January 22 (or after, if you register/pay after this date) with the subject line “IAFF Convention Login Information.” Set your new password on the next page. Please note that your login credentials for the IAFF Virtual Convention are separate from your login credentials for the IAFF website, and that changing your password has no impact on your password for iaff.org.

Next, you will be prompted to create a unique password for the virtual Convention site and confirm it. This password must be a minimum of 8 characters. This is your password for the remainder of the Convention.

Next you will be prompted to confirm your home mailing address to ensure you receive your ballot for IAFF officer elections. If the information is correct, select My information as shown is correct and continue to complete the credentialing process.

If any information is inaccurate, select My information as shown is incorrect and you will be prompted to update this information. This information is sent to the IAFF membership department for confirmation. Membership will contact you if necessary. Once you are finished with updates, select Proceed to complete the process.

Returning users are greeted with a welcome page. Click Enter to log in. Enter your email address and password that you previously created. Click log in.

If you have forgotten your password, click Forgot My Password and password reset information will be emailed to you. This email will come from [email protected]. There is a 60-minute window to check your email and reset your password before this expires.

Welcome! You can now navigate the page. Convention documents, an IAFF Convention Zoom background and other information are available to download. If you accidentally close the page, simply navigate back to IAFF Virtual Convention website and follow the process as a returning user.

Accessing Convention During Business Sessions

Visit IAFF Virtual Convention website and log in as noted above.

Virtual doors will open to allow access to the live broadcast at approximately 12:00 pm (EST) each day (60 minutes prior the start of Convention).

Click Join the Convention to join the live broadcast. This button will not be visible before the virtual doors open.

Follow the steps above for desktop/laptop. Delegates will use the same page to access as on desktop and mobile. Please note that the appearance of the virtual platform may vary slightly based on device.

There is no difference between checking in to be credentialed/seated or accessing the Convention on a mobile or desktop device.

Speaking from the Floor

To access links, click the three lines located in the upper right corner. Note, this may appear differently based on device. This will open the link options.

To speak from the floor, click the link above the viewing window to open a Zoom room specifically for speaking on this topic. When prompted, click Open zoom.us App.

Similar to in-person conventions, all delegates must be credentialed to be seated for the Convention. Credentialing is open from 12:00 p.m. (EST) Saturday, January 23 through 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Monday, January 25. Once the initial log in process above is completed, you will see a message confirming that you are credentialed/seated.

Delegates who do not log in for the first time to be credentialed before 5:00 pm (EST) on January 25 will not be automatically seated. Late-arriving delegates can log into the virtual event platform but will not be permitted to view the Convention livestream until seated. Late-arriving delegates will need to contact their District Vice President. Contact information for your District Vice President is here.

Once late-arriving delegates have been seated by a vote from the Convention floor, the home page will automatically refresh to provide access to the live Convention.

Changing Credentials

To change credentials at any time with an alternate, contact the Change Credentials link on the home page. The IAFF Credentials Desk will contact you as soon as possible once the request is submitted.

To speak from the floor, delegates must click the Speak from the Floor link that appears on the top of your screen. Delegates will speak in the order in which they make the request.

Speak from the Floor is for delegates to speak in favor or against, offer an amendment, call the question and to take other appropriate actions.

Point of Order/Information is for delegates who have point of information, point of order or another procedural item to raise.

Speak from the Floor

 To speak from the floor, click the link above the viewing window to open a Zoom room specifically for speaking on this topic. When prompted, click Open zoom.us App.

If you have never previously signed into Zoom, you may be asked to enter as a guest or click on ACCEPT. While in the Zoom waiting room, a moderator will guide you through the process for speaking. Be sure to follow along as the moderator prompts you to mute your viewing platform audio. This will help alleviate feedback and other audio issues.

When speaking from the floor, you will be asked for your Assigned Convention Badge Number. This number is your identifier and will confirm your identity and allow the production team to properly display your name and local when speaking to the delegation. This number is on the home page in the My Badge section and is also displayed in the upper right side of the broadcast page. This is a 3- or 4-digit unique code and must be given in order to speak from the floor.

Voting is a voice-type vote; instead of a vocal response, you will be requested to click on an AYE/YES or NAY/NO button that appears on the Convention platform within the video window when the chair indicates voting is open. You will have 60 seconds to vote, and you may not change your vote once the button is clicked. A countdown timer in the right corner shows how much time remains in each vote.

The results will be displayed and announced a few seconds after the voting time has expired.  The results will include the number and percentage of votes for both AYE/YES and NAY/NO. Therefore, calling for a division of the house (counting of individual votes) will not be in order as the virtual platform has already performed this task.

In the event of a roll call vote, instructions will be given by the chair on the next steps as outlined in the Rules of Order. Upon the commencement of a roll call vote, the virtual platform will be locked and no delegates or alternates will be able to access the platform until the completion of the roll call vote. If you accidentally or involuntarily leave the platform, please immediately contact the Help Desk to be readmitted.

Voting on Mobile

Voting is a voice-type voice; instead of a vocal response, you will be requested to click on an AYE/YES or NAY/NO button that appears on the Convention platform within the video window when the chair indicates voting is now open. You will have 60 seconds to vote, and you may not change your vote once the button is clicked. A countdown timer in the right corner shows how much time remains in each vote.

When the vote is live, a prompt to ANSWER will appear below the video window. Tap ANSWER to open the voting pane.

This section will appear below the video window. When viewing the video in landscape mode, you will be promoted Please rotate your phone to allow this voting pane to appear. Make your selection. Once you have voted, votes cannot be changed.