Session types

Sessions are where people engage using video, audio, and screen sharing. They include live presentations, group breakout rooms, and private networking.

We group sessions into three categories. But you can rename them on your site so they’re relevant to your content.

Three types of sessions

The main difference between session types is: Who turns on their camera?

Main stage

One presenter turns on their camera, microphone, and shares their screen. An audience member can only be on-camera if they’re brought on stage using the raise hand feature. Everyone can interact by using engagement tools, such as chat.

How many audience members?
The maximum number of audience members depends on the streaming method. For example, the limit might be as low as 3,000 people or as high as 100,000 people when using JUNO’s OpenTok methods.

When to use it?
Keynote sessions and main attractions.

Open

Panel

Multiple presenters turn on their camera, microphone, and share their screen. Otherwise, panels work just like main stage sessions.

How many audience members?
The maximum number of audience members depends on the streaming method and the number of presenters. For example, the limit might be as low as 100 people or as high as 100,000 people when using JUNO’s OpenTok methods.

When to use it?
Whenever there are multiple presenters.

Open

Breakout

Everyone in these small group sessions can turn on their camera, microphone, and share their screen. They can also use engagement tools such as chat.

How many people?
We recommend setting a maximum of 40 people for the best video streaming experience. We also recommend including moderators who can disable the audio or video of anyone who’s causing a poor experience for others.

When to use it?
Small group discussions. Two or more people can also schedule private breakout sessions for networking.

Live and pre-recorded options

All session types can be live, pre-recorded, or use pre-roll video.

• Fully live: Presenters or participants broadcast live during the entire session. Live sessions are a great way for speakers to interact with the audience.

• Fully pre-recorded: A pre-recorded video plays during the entire session. Attendees can watch as if it’s live, or they can rewind and fast-forward.

• Pre-roll video + live (“Simulive“): A pre-recorded video plays when the session starts. We call this pre-roll. When the video is over, presenters or participants turn on their cameras and stream live for the rest of the session. This option is great for when you have pre-recorded content but also want audience engagement afterward, such as a live Q&A.