Overview

Prerequisites

Before you sign in:

1. Ensure that you’ve completed your registration for the event.
   
2. Use a supported web browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari) on your computer.
   
3. Check that you have a stable internet connection.
   
4. If you’re using a mobile device, open the event through the mobile application provided by your event organizer or use the Zoho Backstage for Attendees app, available on Android and iOS.
   

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Join your session at least 5 minutes early.
   
2. Use a headset for better audio quality.
   
3. Ensure stable internet connectivity. 

The interface and available options in your event may vary based on the organizer’s configuration. Some themes, layouts, and features might differ or be disabled according to the event’s specific requirements and settings.

Signing In 

1. Open the event website from your event invitation or confirmation email.
   
2. Click SIGN IN at the top-right corner of the event homepage.
   
3. Enter your registered email address and click GET SIGN-IN EMAIL. 
   
4. Check your inbox for a One-Time Password (OTP) sent from Zoho Backstage.
   
5. Enter the OTP in the verification field.
   
6. Click VALIDATE OTP to complete the sign-in process.
   

If you don’t receive the OTP within a few minutes, check your spam or promotions folder. You can also click Resend OTP to generate a new one.

Accessing an OnAir Session

1. Click the Live banner at the top of the screen.
   
2. You’ll be redirected to the OnAir interface, where you can access event activities.
   
3. If a session is already live, you’ll automatically join it upon entering OnAir.

1. On the Home page of your event website, click ENTER EVENT.
2. You’ll be taken directly into the Zoho Backstage OnAir interface.
3. Once inside, you can browse the left panel to access Sessions, Lounges, Exhibitors, and My Meetings.
4. If you’re already signed in, clicking Enter Event will take you straight into OnAir without requiring re-authentication.

Joining a Live Session 

1. Go to the Agenda page on your event website.
2. Open the Live tab to view all ongoing sessions.
3. Click JOIN next to the session you want to attend.
4. You’ll be redirected to the OnAir interface, where you’ll directly join the session in progress.

The Join button becomes active only when the session goes live.

The Agenda page and session listings are configured by the event organizer. If your event does not include an Agenda section, this option may not be available.

Understanding the Interface 

Left Navigation Panel

1. Event Info: View the event overview, description, and social media links.
   
2. Sessions: Browse the session schedule, filter by tracks, and mark sessions as favorites.
   
3. Exhibitors: Explore exhibitor profiles, view their offerings, and book meetings.
   
4. Lounges: Join themed networking lounges to meet other attendees and speakers.
   
5. My Meetings: Manage your one-on-one meeting requests, availability, and confirmed schedules.
   

Bottom Panel

1. Request to Speak: Ask the host for permission to join the virtual stage and contribute to the discussion.
   
2. Reactions: Use emoji-based reactions to share feedback in real time.
   
3. Leave Session: Exit the live session safely. You’ll be asked to confirm before leaving.
   

Right Panel

1. Panelists: View the list of speakers and hosts currently on stage.
   
2. Participants: See who else has joined the session.
   
3. Polls: Participate in polls created by speakers or organizers and view poll results.
   
4. Questions: Submit questions for speakers, upvote others, or post anonymously.
   
5. Chat: Send messages in the session chat or chat privately with other participants.
   
6. Handouts: Access resources like PDFs, brochures, and presentation files shared by the session organizers.
   

The OnAir interface and available features may differ based on the organizer’s configuration and event settings.

Sessions

Finding Your Session

1. Open SESSIONS on the left navigation panel.
   
2. All sessions scheduled for the event will appear, grouped by day and time.
   
3. Each session card displays:
   
1. Title and description
   
2. Speaker names
3. Start time
   
4. Status of the session (Live)
   
5. Session duration
4. Use the Track filter at the top of the page to narrow sessions by track or theme (for example, Product Launches, Marketing, or Technology).
   

You can switch between event days using the Day Selector dropdown at the top of the session list.

Bookmarking a Session 

1. Open SESSIONS on the left navigation panel.
   
2. All sessions scheduled for the event will appear, grouped by day and time.
3. Hover over a session card.
4. Click the Heart icon next to the session title.
   
1. To remove it, click the Heart icon again.
   

Joining a Session From Within the OnAir Interface

1. Open SESSIONS on the left navigation panel.
   
2. All sessions scheduled for the event will appear, grouped by day and time.
3. Find the session you wish to attend.
4. Click JOIN next to the session title.
   
5. The session will open in a new OnAir window, displaying the live video feed and interactive panels (Polls, Questions, Chat, etc.).
   

The Join button appears only once the session goes live. If the session is upcoming, the button will be disabled until the scheduled start time.

Switching Between Sessions During the Event

1. Click All Sessions in the top navigation bar to return to the agenda view.
   
2. Select another session and click JOIN.
   
3. A confirmation message may appear asking if you want to leave the current session — click Leave Session to proceed.
   
   
   
   
4. You’ll be redirected to the new live session instantly.

Rejoining a Session

1. Go back to the SESSIONS tab from the left panel.
   
2. Locate the same session.
   
3. Click JOIN.
   

Event Information 

1. Open the EVENT INFO tab in the left panel.
   
2. The event overview page appears, showing:
   
1. Event Description – a summary of the event’s goals and highlights.
2. Start and End Dates – the scheduled event timeline.
   
3. Website and Social Links – quick access to external event resources.
   

Review this section before the event begins to familiarize yourself with the theme, key sessions, and featured speakers.

Panelists  

1. Open the Panelists tab on the right panel. 
2. A list of speakers and hosts appears with their names and roles.
   

Only panelists and hosts added by the event organizer appear in this list.

Participants  

1. Open the Participants tab on the right panel.
   
2. You’ll see a list of attendees currently checked in to the session.
   
3. You can scroll through to find specific attendees or use the search option.
   
4. Click an attendee’s name to view meeting options such as Send Message or Request Meeting (if enabled).
   

The participant count at the top of the tab shows how many attendees are present in the session at any given moment — helpful during networking-heavy sessions or panel discussions.

Polls 

Speakers or hosts can create live polls during sessions to gather attendee opinions or test audience knowledge. As an attendee, you can view and respond to these polls directly from the OnAir interface. To submit a poll response:

1. Open the Polls tab on the right panel.
2. You’ll see an active poll listed with a question and multiple options.
3. Select your preferred answer.
4. Click Submit to record your response.

Once submitted, your choice will be locked in, and you’ll no longer be able to change it.

1. Some polls may have time limits. Make sure to respond before the poll expires.
2. To change your poll options, click Modify and change your answers.
   

Viewing Poll Results

After submitting your vote, you can view the overall results shared by the host. These results help you see how the audience responded in real time.

1. Stay in the Polls tab after voting.
2. Results are displayed as percentage bars indicating how attendees voted.
3. If multiple polls are active during a session, scroll through the list to view each result individually.

If you join a session late, you can still view completed polls under the same tab once the host enables public results.

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Questions 

The Questions tab allows attendees to ask, upvote, and respond to session-related questions. This ensures that speakers can address the most relevant topics during or after their presentations. To post a question: 

1. Open the Questions tab in the right panel.
2. Type your question in the Type your question here field.
3. Click the Send icon to submit it.
   
4. Your question will appear in the list for everyone to view.
   

1. Event organizers have the option to moderate questions and can delete any that are deemed offensive or irrelevant. 
   
2. Use clear and concise language when submitting questions. 
   

To post the question anonymously, enable the Post Anonymously checkbox. Your question will appear without your name, allowing you to engage comfortably while maintaining privacy.

Sorting and Upvoting Questions

1. Use the Sort By dropdown to filter questions by:
   
1. Most Recent – shows the latest submissions.
2. Most Upvoted – highlights popular questions.
2. Click the Thumbs-Up icon (👍) next to any question to upvote it.
3. Upvoted questions are usually prioritized by hosts for live responses. 
   

Viewing Answered Questions

1. Once the speaker answers a question, it will be tagged as Answered in the list.
2. You can revisit the Questions tab anytime during the session to view both answered and pending ones.
3. Some sessions display answers in both text and video form (if the speaker responds verbally).
   

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Chat 

Sending Messages in the Session Chat 

1. Open the Chat tab in the right panel during a session.
   
2. Select Session to view and send messages visible to all participants and panelists.
   
3. Type your message in the Type your message field.
   
4. Press Enter / return or click the Send icon.
   
5. Your message will appear instantly in the live chat feed.
   

Messages sent in the Session Chat are visible to everyone in that session, including speakers and hosts.

Starting a Private Chat with a Participant  

1. Open the Participants tab in the right panel.
   
2. Hover over the participant you want to chat with.
   
3. Click the Chat icon beside their name.
   
4. A direct chat window opens, allowing you to exchange private messages.
   

Direct messages are visible only between you and the selected participant.

Finding and Managing Direct Chats 

1. Click the Chat tab in the right panel.
   
2. Switch to the Direct Messages tab.
   
3. Click a participant’s name to open your ongoing chat.
   
4. Enter your message in the text box and press Enter/Return or click Send.
   

Best Practices

1. Keep messages relevant to the session topic.
   
2. Use emojis sparingly to maintain clarity.
   
3. Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information in public chat.
   

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Handouts 

Speakers and organizers can share resources like presentations, brochures, videos, or PDFs during a session. These are available under the Handouts tab in the right panel.

1. Open the Handouts tab in the right panel.
2. You’ll see a list of available files with their names and formats.
3. Click the Download icon to save a copy to your device.
   

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Reactions 

Reactions let you express feedback instantly using animated emojis during a live session. They appear briefly on the session screen for all participants to see. To add a reaction: 

1. Click the Reactions icon on the bottom toolbar.
2. Choose an emoji (e.g., 👍, 👏, 😂) to react.
3. Your emoji will briefly appear on the session video feed.
   

Reactions are lightweight and don’t interrupt the speaker — they’re a quick and fun way to engage during presentations or key moments.

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Requesting to Speak 

If you’d like to share your views, ask a question verbally, or interact directly with panelists, you can request to speak. Once approved by the host, you’ll be invited to the virtual stage.

1. Click Request to Speak on the bottom panel.
2. Wait for approval from the session host or moderator.
3. Once approved:
   
1. Your microphone and camera (optional) permissions will be requested. 
2. You’ll appear on the virtual stage alongside the panelists.
   

The host can mic and camera revoke access anytime if needed.

Use the Request to Speak option sparingly — it’s best suited for Q&A segments or moderated discussions where attendee input is encouraged.

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Lounges 

Lounges are virtual spaces designed for casual networking and discussions before, during, or after sessions. You can join any available lounge to interact with other attendees, speakers, or exhibitors in a relaxed, video-enabled environment. To access a lounge: 

1. Open LOUNGES on the left navigation panel.
2. The page will display all active and upcoming lounges for the event.
3. Each lounge card includes:
   
1. Lounge Name
   
2. Seat Availability
   

1. Check seat counts before joining — once a lounge reaches capacity, you’ll need to wait for another participant to leave.
   
2. Access to lounges and their participants depends on the event organizer’s configuration. Some lounges may be restricted or available only to specific attendee groups based on event settings.
   

If you’re currently in a session, Zoho Backstage will ask for confirmation before moving you to a lounge.

1. Click JOIN on the lounge card you wish to enter.
2. A confirmation message may appear asking if you want to leave the current session.
   
3. Click Leave Session to proceed.
   
   
   
   
4. You’ll be redirected to the lounge interface, where you can:
   
1. Turn on your camera and microphone.
2. Share your screen.
3. Start conversations using the in-lounge chat panel.

You can join only one lounge at a time. Leaving a session to join a lounge will disconnect you from the live session.

Switching Between Lounges 

You can freely move between lounges without leaving the OnAir interface.

1. Click All Lounges in the top navigation bar to return to the agenda view.
   
2. Select another lounge and click JOIN. 
   
3. A confirmation message may appear asking if you want to leave the current lounge.
   
4. Click Leave Lounge to proceed.
   
5. You’ll be redirected to the lounge instantly.

Leaving a Lounge and Returning to the Session  

1. When you’re done, click Leave Lounge at the bottom of the screen.
   
2. A confirmation message may appear asking if you want to leave the current lounge.
   
3. Click Leave Lounge to proceed.
   
4. You’ll return to the Live session's OnAir interface automatically.

Lounges are ideal for networking between sessions or during short breaks. Keep your audio on mute when not speaking to reduce background noise.

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