In this article, we will cover the best practices to keep in mind before going live with your event as a host. We will explain the technical requirements needed, help you with your setup, and show you how to run a test event to check if everything is working correctly.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Technical Requirements
Here is a list of our best recommendations for technical requirements to ensure that your event runs smoothly as a host:
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- You can use a computer, mobile or tablet device, but to benefit from all of our features we suggest you use a computer.
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- We strongly recommend using Chrome although it is possible to use all major browsers.
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- Also, a minimum of 350kbs up and down is necessary to join the room. We personally recommend 5Mbps for optimal results. You can run a speed test to check your bandwidth.
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- Clearing your cookies is always a good idea too. To do so, right-click and select Inspect on your Livestorm dashboard. Under the Application section, you will be able to click on the Clear site data button.
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- Before going live, make sure to turn off all desktop notifications not to be disturbed. You can do that in your desktop settings on your Mac or PC. On Mac, you can also use an app such as Muzzle that will switch on as soon as you start screen sharing and that will snooze all your desktop notifications for you.
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- Make sure you have given permission to your camera and microphone when using Livestorm by clicking on the lock next to the URL bar.
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- You might have to set up a network configuration. It's sometimes the case for large companies using a firewall secured network. We invite you to read the "Firewall Settings" section in our "Technical Requirements to Use Livestorm" article to have all the information.
Your Setup
To host your event in optimal conditions, it is also very important to have a good setup. We suggest you follow these setup recommendations that will help improve your event experience.
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- We strongly recommend using wired earphones or headphones. Bluetooth headsets aren't reliable enough as they can sometimes get disconnected. If you are several people in the same room attending the event, everyone should be using earphones or headphones as well to prevent any sound disruption.
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- Having clear lighting and a clear background will definitely improve your audience's experience as well as using good quality equipment.
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- Having a second screen is the best setup for hosting an event, especially if you need to share your entire screen. You can have the event room on one screen and something else on the other one like your presentation, some notes, etc...
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- You should close any apps that you aren't using that may use up your CPU and bandwidth.
Run a Test Event
Now that everything is technically configured and that you are well installed, we strongly recommend that you run a test event to ensure that everything is working properly and to familiarize yourself with the product to avoid any stress during the live event.
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- You can add contributors to your event to run tests with. They will be able to enter the room before the start of the event. You can then make all the necessary tests together so they understand all of their options and abilities as contributors.
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- A good practice is also to duplicate your event as it will allow you to keep your previous event settings. You can then run all the tests you want from there.
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- Don't forget you can only be in one event room at a time!
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- Enter the room and click on the Participate button. Choose your audio and video devices. You can change them at any time during the event if necessary by clicking on the Audio/video settings button.
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- Verify that you can see yourself on the window and speak out loud to see if the green line is moving as long as you speak.
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- You can choose if you want your camera enabled/disabled and if you want your microphone muted/unmuted.
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- You can also choose a virtual background.
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- Running a quick connectivity test will allow you to make sure that everything is working properly.
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- After verifying that your audio and video settings are working correctly, let's test the screen sharing. You can either share your entire screen, a window, or a tab.
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- We strongly recommend uploading your PDF presentations or your mp4 videos in advance, as it might take a while depending on the size of the file. They will then be directly available to be shared during your event, as your bank of media is available for every event.
Livestorm Tip 👉 If you wish to publish polls during your event, you can prepare your polls in advance. You will need to do it in your event room directly before it starts. You can save the polls as a draft and publish them later during the event.
If you're encountering any issues during your test event, try the following procedure:
- Use a different browser: as a host, we suggest you use the latest version of Chrome.
- Try using the incognito mode: if it worked, you have a cookie problem or a conflict with an extension. Clean the cookies, remove blocking extensions, log out from Livestorm and log back in.
- Try switching networks: if it worked you probably have a network issue with a specific network.
- Try using a 4G/LTE network:. If it worked you probably have a global network issue please refer to the bandwidth section of this page.