Sight Tech Global FAQ

This is a new event, so there are likely lots of questions.
Here are some we’ve heard so far.

What is Sight Tech Global? 
It is a virtual, two-day event that explores how AI-related technologies are rapidly changing accessibility and assistive tech for people who are blind or visually disabled. The first event was held Dec. 2-3, 2020 and featured top experts in the field. The production is owned by the Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, a 501(c)(3) non-profit services agency based in Palo Alto, California.

Is this an in-person event?
This 2020 and 2021 events were 100% virtual. Planning for 2022 has just begun but the event will still be virtual, at least in part.
 
When is the event?
The dates for the next event are December 7-8, 2022.
 
How can I participate?
Anyone can register for the event and watch it online via computer or mobile phone.
 
What is the programming format for Sight Tech Global? The event has a single, virtual main stage plus breakout sessions. Our partners produce breakout sessions that run in parallel to the main stage.

Is the show accessible?
Yes. This site has been built to the best of our ability to work well with screen readers and for people with low vision.

During the event itself, attendees use two sections of this site, both linked from the site navigation. One is called “agenda” and contains descriptions of all the sessions, both main stage and breakout. Links to breakout sessions will go to live Zoom webinars provided by partners. 

Links to main stage sessions in the agenda take the user to the “Event” page, which is also be linked from the site navigation but goes live shortly before the event begins. The Event page will have an embedded YouTube player at the top that carries the live stream for the show. Above and below the player are links back to the agenda page. Also below the player is a written explanation of the current session playing as well as the one coming up. Beneath that is a list of sponsors.
 
Worth noting, all the sessions, both main stage and breakout, are structured as conversations between moderators and guests. There are no slides or other visually-oriented materials. 
 
There will be live, human-captioning during the breakouts as well as the main stage sessions. The on-demand version of the sessions will also be captioned.

Is there a networking or audience engagement feature to the event?
For the main stage, attendees have the ability to direct questions and comments to the event host.
 
Is it possible to prepare in advance so I understand better how to navigate the event and use the accessibility features?
Yes, registered users will be notified of a session in advance of the show where we stage a full simulation of the show and answer questions and accept feedback.
 
What if I miss a session? Will sessions be recorded?
Yes, all main stage sessions are recorded and available post event on our YouTube channel as well as the site. 

Are the sessions live or pre-recorded?
Most the main stage sessions are pre-recorded. The breakouts are all live. 

Who is organizing the event?
Ned Desmond is the founder of the event and executive producer. He is assisted by a number of volunteers with expertise in design, event and video production, and marketing. They include:

  • Cohere Studio, which designed and built this site.
  • Sunol Group Media, which is producing the main stage video content
  • Fable, which has assisted with accessibility testing
  • Clarity, which assisted with speaker and moderator training
  • Be My Eyes, which supplied customer support
  • Vitac, which provided live captioning
  • 3Play, which provided captioning for on-demand

Who is the owner of Sight Tech Global?
The Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is the owner of Sight Tech Global.

What is the value in a Sight Tech Global sponsorship?
We have designed a wide range of sponsorship options and prices. Sponsors support not only the development of an important new event in the accessibility world, but also the important work of a Palo Alto, California-based nonprofit, Vista Center, dedicated to assisting people who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, please contact sponsors@sighttechglobal.com

Who is the recipient of the revenues from sponsorships?
The non-profit Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired 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.