FAQ

Is this an in-person event?

Our 2020 was 100% virtual, and our 2021 event will be as well. We are committed to making the content from Sight Tech Global available at no charge to a global audience.

When is the event?

The dates for the next event are December 1-2, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 12 pm Pacific time. Register here.

Our first event was Dec. 2-3, 2020. The agenda and links to on-demand sessions are here.

Is the event accessible?

We do our best to make the event as accessible as possible, which is why we use a website with embedded YouTube and Zoom players to deliver the show. Apart from an initial registration in a Google Form, there are no log-ins or other complications. We send an email link via email just before the event so anyone can simply click the link to join. Read more about the development of our accessibility approach. Last year, our attendees using screen reader rated our accessibility 4.6 out of 5.

How do attendees participate?

Anyone can register for the event and stream it online via computer or mobile phone. Register here.

What if I miss a session? Will sessions be recorded?

Yes, all main stage sessions are recorded and available post event. Last year’s session’s are available on YouTube.

How much does it cost to attend the event?

Registration is FREE to watch the programming for the event as well as participate.

What is the format for Sight Tech Global?

The main part of the show is a video stream in which all the speaker sessions take place. Expert moderators run small panel discussions, demos or 1:1s lasting 20-30 minutes. Between each session, a host team discusses the show’s program. In addition, there are extended breakout sessions presented by the Sight Tech Global programming team as well as sponsors.

Who is organizing the event?

Ned Desmond is the founder of Sight Tech Global and executive producer. He is assisted by a number of volunteers with expertise in design, event and video production, and marketing.

Who programs the event?

Programming for the event is developed by an all-star programming team that includes Jim Fruchterman (Benetech / TechMatters), Larry Goldberg (Verizon Media), Matt King (Facebook), Professor Roberto Manduchi (UC Santa Cruz) and Will Butler (Be My Eyes).

Who is the owner of Sight Tech Global?

The Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is the owner of Sight Tech Global. Vista’s executive director, Karae Lisle, is the chair of Sight Tech Global event.

Does Sight Tech Global offer sponsorships?

Yes. We offer sponsorships to commercial and private donors. We have a wide range of sponsorship options and prices. Sponsors in 2021 included most of the world top tech companies (see list here) and many private donors.

Sponsors back the event for a variety of reasons. Sight Tech Global is unique in its focus on deep tech and accessibility: It convenes the world’s top technologists, and provides a forum to showcase emerging technologies and discuss the challenges and promises they pose for the future. In addition, all sponsorship funds go directly to support the nonprofit Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a 501 (c) (3) based in Silicon Valley that helps thousands of people with vision loss each year. For more information, please contact sponsors@sighttechglobal.com

Who is the recipient of the revenues from sponsorships and donations?

The non-profit Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a 501 (c) (3) is the beneficiary of all proceeds from the show.

Is is possible to support the work of the Vista Center directly?

Yes, Vista Center depends on contributions to provide  its services. Learn more here.