Virtual Engagement Platforms

• Zoom Free Basic Plan hosts up to 100 participants for 40 minute video conferencing.
  • To access the CAA Alumni Leaders Zoom account, please refer to the CAA Zoom Protocols.
• GoToMeeting 14-day free trial hosts up to 250 participants, plans start at $12/month
• Microsoft Teams 1 month free trial of Office 365 Home including Microsoft Teams, plans start at $9.99/month
• Google Meet Free video calls for up to 100 participants and grid view is available - read more here
• Slack The free subscription allows one-on-one calls and most other features are included. The standard plans start at $6.67/month and allows group video calls.
• Webinar Ninja 14-day free trial webinar service for up to 100 participants, plans start at $39/month
• Columbia Alumni Association site: Bringing Columbia to You
  • A new online curated collection of news, events, and updates for opportunities to network, learn, and connect with Columbians. 
• CVC help guide to virtual programs
  • Ryan MacCarrigan ‘08CC, one of the leaders of the Columbia Venture Community (CVC) Shared Interest Group, has created this presentation to help guide alumni leaders as they develop virtual programs for their respective alumni communities.
• Webinar Best Practices for Speakers (using Zoom)
• Zoom Webinar Checklists for Hosts
• From The New York Times: "How to Look Good on Camera, According to Tom Ford"

Columbia University Zoom Backgrounds!

Ideas for Virtual Events:

1. Host a New Virtual Event
   

   • Host a virtual social hour or informal virtual gathering

   • Select a book from the Alumni Bookshelf for a book club discussion 

   • Host a Virtual Wine Tasting - The CAA Wine Industry Network has winemakers lined up for you!

   • Identifying alumni in your club to participate in a webinar or panel to discuss topics of interest in their areas of expertise  

2. Leverage Existing Content

   • Promote virtual events from another CAA clubs or groups that are open to your alumni (listed above)

   • Share the CAA's Columbia at Home and other University virtual programs that are listed on the website Bringing Columbia to You. The curated content will be updated frequently

   • Highlight content from thought leaders of the schools at Columbia

   • Look at what local arts and cultural organizations are providing virtually and share them with your community. Example: NY Phil Plays On weekly Facebook Broadcast of past performances 

We hope to provide you with additional tools and resources to help you continue to engage your club members. Please contact your liaison or email us at [email protected] should you have any questions or would like to share your experiences with us.