SPECIAL EVENTS NETWORK - FAQ

Q: What exactly is the SCN Special Events Network?

A: The SCN Special Events Network is an efficient way of getting together with audiences throughout our region, and potentially across North America! Satellite conferencing enables interaction - through televised broadcast and two-way audio, live and simultaneously - with a widely dispersed audience. An SCN satellite conference helps businesses and organizations save substantial time and money to accomplish their communications and/or training objectives.

Q: How does satellite conferencing work?

A: Satellite conferencing is essentially a 'point to multi-point' service. It is most effective when it's necessary to communicate with people spread across a number of locations at the same time. Combine video, graphics, guest speakers, telephone conversations, printed materials, panel discussions and more in a presentation. We already have equipped over 200 sites across the region, and are ready to expand further.

Q: Who uses the Special Events Network?

A: Since 1989, SCN has been delivering high school, post-secondary, and other distance education classes throughout the Prairies and the North. Because of our infrastructure, a number of corporations, professional associations, government departments and agencies are using SCN's satellite conferencing capabilities to provide information and training to their staff and stake holders.

Q: What sorts of "special events" are possible?

A: There are a number of uses for satellite conferencing. Rather than gathering everyone together in one place, a dispersed audience can be reached for:

• Training Seminars
• Staging an event, such as a guest speaker or celebrity.
• Holding a "town hall meeting," to inform the general public and interest groups, and to seek input.
• Assisting branch offices, franchises and local organizations by providing a "special event, live via satellite" in their communities.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: In planning a special event, there are four general budget areas to consider:

1. Transmission on the SCN Special Events Network: $750 per hour for satellite time.

2. Site Reception on the SCN Special Events Network: $75 for three hours per each receiving site (established) minimum charge. $25/hour/site after three hours.

Note: these rates include phone and fax charges from the receiving sites, satellite and uplink costs, and a local site attendant to open the site room and liaise with the client's site facilitator. Some non standard sites may have additional charges i.e. large capacity theatre vs classroom style.

3. Broadcast facility, network connection and production services. This cost will vary depending on the format of the presentation and the originating studio.

4. Promotion and administration of the event: Event facilitation, including site facilitator, program materials such as information packages, worksheets, and on air graphics, and other services such as lunch refreshments, etc.

Note that additional fees may be incurred for cancellations or changes after deadline dates. For example, a fee of $10 per site will be charged for sites that have been booked and are the canceled within 10 business days of the event. Changes to the schedule after the 10-day period, will incur a $50 administration fee.

Q: How far in advance do we need to start working with SCN to hold our event?

A: Here are some general tips about preparing for an event:

• Book the event at least three months in advance of its intended broadcast date.
• Allow a minimum of six to eight weeks to plan the event.
• Determine what information is to be presented and how: for example, will the event require presenters, on-air graphics, such as charts and illustrations, and handouts at the receive sites?
• Confirm the broadcast facility.
• Discuss arrangements with the broadcast facility.
• Determine receiving sites.
• Identify appropriate site facilitators who are familiar with the content.
• Decide how to publicize the event and confirm attendance.
• Ensure that presenters and materials are ready, and that all arrangements have been made and confirmed.
• Sites and approximate program times should be confirmed at least 6 - 8 weeks prior to the event.
• A detailed program agenda must be finalized at least 10 business days prior to the event. Changes after this deadline will incur a $50 administration fee.
• A $10 cancellation fee per receiving site will be charged if sites are canceled within 10 business days of the event.
• On-air times must be scheduled based on 15-minute intervals. Air time is billed at a minimum of 60 minutes, and then for every 15-minute segment thereafter.
• The client is responsible for additional arrangements including refreshments, lunch and flip charts.
• Local site facilitators are the responsibility of the client. A list of facilitators and their phone numbers should be provided to SCN at least three weeks prior to the event.