An audio conference is like a large conference call, but in a more controlled, program-like environment. The entire "conference" is conducted via the telephone, and a speakerphone is the only equipment needed to participate in the conference as a listener.

An organization interested in participating in a specific conference needs to register for it using one of our 4 easy ordering methods. Registration includes:
- access to a 90-minute interactive call for as many people as can fit in a room with a speakerphone
- downloadable presentation handouts-which are made available 48 hours prior to the call
- an opportunity to participate in a live Q&A session following the presentation

Each Thompson Interactive audio conference runs for approximately 90 minutes. The expert speaker usually uses the first 60 minutes to share "how-to" tips and real world insights on a particular topic. During this speaker presentation portion of the conference, registrants are in a "listen-only" mode. After the presentation portion is concluded, the phones are "opened up" for a live interactive Q&A session, with conference attendees queuing up to ask questions of the presenters. This part of the conference usually lasts for 20-30 minutes.

If you're interested in information specific to a certain topic area, please visit us at thompsoninteractive.com and click on the appropriate area listed on the left menu bar.

There are four easy ways to register. You can order online at thompsoninteractive.com. You can download the registration form and fax it to us at 800-999-5661. You can call us toll-free at 800-677-3789, or you can mail in your completed registration to
Thompson Subscription Center
P.O. Box 41868
Austin, Texas 78704.

Thompson Interactive audio conferences typically run for 90 minutes: 60 minutes for the "presentation" of how-to tips and real world insights by our expert speaker and 30 minutes a live interactive question and answer session that conference attendees participate in. Most audio conferences are scheduled for 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

At any time before the audio conference begins, you can call 800-677-3789 and our Customer Service team will assist you in joining the call.

If you are not able to attend for any reason, please notify us as soon as possible. Conference cancellations received 24 hours prior to the start time of the audio conference are fully refundable. After that, cancellations are subject to a $25 processing fee. If you prefer, you may substitute an upcoming audio conference for the one you originally registered for and avoid the $25 processing fee. All refunds resulting from conference cancellations will be issued within 72 hours.

Yes, we would love to hear from you. If you have suggestions for audio conferences please call 240-235-0276 and let us know your audio conference topic suggestion.

Please feel free to contact our Producer at 240-235-0276 about making recommendations for new speakers or becoming part of our expert speaker network.

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The purpose of a cookie is to help Thompson Interactive analyze our web traffic overall and to identify when you visit a particular section of our site. By gathering and remembering information about your preferences, we can tailor our website to better meet your needs, likes and dislikes in the future.

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Accepting a cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any personal information about you, other than the data you chose to share. We strictly monitor and enforce this practice.

Additionally, you may set your web browser to notify you of cookie placement requests or decline cookies completely. You can delete the files that contain cookies. The files are stored as part of your internet browser.

Audio conferences are sponsored by Thompson Interactive, 1560 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 825, Arlington, VA 22209. Thompson Interactive reserves the right to substitute speakers and reschedule or cancel audio conferences due to unforeseen circumstances. Thompson Interactive is not responsible for any problems stemming from registrants' organization's hardware or telecommunications services. Recording of audio conferences is prohibited.

Recognizing the importance of continuing education, we are currently working with the appropriate accrediting bodies to obtain permission to offer this important service to our conference participants. For additional details on the status of our HRCI, CLE and CPE applications, please visit our continuing education center.

In order to obtain an official document confirming that you have attended an audio conference/webinar, you must complete the Thompson Interactive survey. After the audio conference/webinar, you will receive an email from the registrar with a link to the survey. Upon completing the entire survey, you can download a "Certificate of Completion". This certificate can be used for HRCI Credits and proof of attendance. Please note, HRCI Credit will only be given towards Human-Resource Related Audio Conferences/Webinars.

The handouts for each audio conference are typically available for downloading from our website 48 hours prior to the actual event. When the handouts become available, you will receive an e-mail from the registrar that includes a REGISTRATION CODE specific to your audio conference. To access your handouts, simply go to thompsoninteractive.com. Once there, key your registration code in the box located right under the "Get Your Handouts" title located in the upper right corner of the page. After downloading your handouts, you may make as many photocopies as necessary for all of the listeners at your registered site(s).

No, you do not need to download any plug-in software to set up your computer for a Thompson Interactive webinar.

The conference registrar will email you the information you need 24-48 hours prior to the start of the conference. The email will contain dial-in information for the audio component of the conference as well as the URL address and Conference ID number for connecting to the webinar portion. A link to download the presentation materials will also be provided; these materials can be printed out in advance for the purpose of note-taking. The virtual webinar room allows participants to view the materials as the slides are advanced by the speaker as well as ask questions via the "chat" functionality. Additionally, all participants can ask questions verbally during the Question and Answer session at the conclusion of the speaker's presentation.