This is an archive page. For full details of this year’s Radio TechCon, please go to radiotechcon.com
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TechCon FAQs
What is (Radio) TechCon?
Radio TechCon is the UK radio and audio industry’s technical and engineering conference. It’s held annually and welcomes radio broadcast engineers, developers, technically-savvy producers, managers, radio industry suppliers and those working in related audio industries together to discuss the future of radio and audio and celebrate the achievements of the last year.
Are you no longer part of The Radio Academy?
TechCon has been run in many different ways over the last few years. Most recently, it was part of The Radio Academy’s Radio Festival. Unfortunately, as a charity, the Radio Academy has got limited resources and cannot run all the events it would like.
To save the event from being lost, some of the former TechCon committee team formed a company, TBC Media Ltd, so that (Radio) TechCon could continue. This new structure began in 2016.
Although it’s now an independent event, The Radio Academy is still very supportive. In 2016, the Managing Director, Roger Cutsforth, said, “Engineering and technology are vital to radio’s future and we are delighted to support TBC Media in this exciting new chapter for Radio TechCon. Whilst an independent event, Academy members will benefit from discounted ticket prices and we wish TBC Media the very best of luck.”
Who or what is TBC Media Ltd?
TBC Media Ltd. is the company which is now running Radio TechCon. It’s made up of former TechCon volunteers, Ann Charles and Aradhna Tayal, along with some helpers from across the industry who are giving their time to help make sure the event runs as well as it can! We had to form a company so that the event had the right legal structure to continue in its new form.
I don’t think I am very ‘technical’ – should I still attend?
You are more than welcome!
Although TechCon is primarily aimed at engineers and technical staff, we are delighted when producers, managers, and other interested people attend.
Remember, even among the engineers, nobody is an expert in everything – the sessions will vary across the day from more in-depth stuff to case-studies from real radio situations. We hope that everyone will find out something they didn’t know before.
We work very hard with our presenters to make sure they explain terminology and have a definition screen in to flag up technical terms which might be used as a reminder to the audience (not all of the definitions are that serious).
Radio and audio only work well when people with different experiences come together to share – we really do want you there, too!
Producers who have visited in the past have commented about how much more ‘in touch’ they feel after attending TechCon – we often discuss things 2-3 years ahead of the more mainstream conferences, so if you want to know where the worlds of radio and audio are heading, get yourself to TechCon and you’ll be among the first to know.
The greatest broadcasters are the ones who are curious, and really understand the technology they are using. Come to TechCon and you’ll be up there with the best!
(Oh, and if it all gets too much – we usually go to the bar afterwards…)
I don’t work in radio …am I still allowed to come?
Of course! 🙂
Anyone is welcome. If you work in audio, sound, electronics, IT, software/apps, or other areas of broadcasting, you might find it especially useful.
I would like to sponsor the event – how can I get involved?
Contact team@radiotechcon.com
We are grateful for all support, including sponsorship of the main event, certain sections of the event (e.g. meal breaks and breakout rooms) and also bursaries to subsidise tickets for groups who may otherwise not be able to attend.
I have a shiny new product that I’d love to show you – how can I get involved?
This year’s Trade Fair will be virtual and reserved for our sponsors who will be telling us about their products and showcasing their latest wares. Contact team@radiotechcon.com if you’d like to sponsor the event.
I have a great idea for a topic or speaker – who do I tell?
We’d love to hear your idea – contact team@radiotechcon.com
We are especially keen to hear proposals from women and speakers of diverse backgrounds. We have a team of producers who can help put talks together, so even if you don’t have a fully-formed idea, get in touch and we’ll see if it could be a good fit.
How else can I stay in touch?
Sign up for our e-mail newsletter. People on our e-mail list will always be the first to hear Radio TechCon news and ticket announcements (we won’t give your details to anyone else or add you to any other lists without your permission).
We also have a Facebook page, where we post links to useful radio technology news and you can ask for help if you have got stuck with something at your station.
On Twitter and Instagram, we’re @radtechcon and our hashtag is #radtechcon
Radio TechCon 2021 specific event FAQs
Radio TechCon 2021 will take place on Monday, 29th November 2021 as a virtual event.
How do I buy tickets?
All the details you need are on the Tickets page.
- Registration is done on Eventbrite.
- You don’t need a PayPal account to buy tickets.
- You may find it easier to log out of your own personal Eventbrite / PayPal accounts first if you are trying to buy tickets on behalf of your company.
How to buy Radio TechCon tickets: step-by-step guide to registering.
How will Radio TechCon 2021 work?
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Radio TechCon will be an interactive virtual event.
The presentations will happen on a virtual platform. Delegates will be given a login and will be able to watch the talks and then ask questions in-person or via a chat feature.
However, don’t worry – we don’t want you passively watching a screen all day!
We know that a lot of the magic of Radio TechCon is in having the chance to meet like-minded radio technology friends, so we have incorporated lots of interactivity during the day.
You’ll be able to meet small groups in virtual ‘breakout’ rooms so you can find friends during the breaks like you would at an in-person event.
We’ll also have virtual rooms so our sponsors can showcase their latest products and you can have meetings with your suppliers.
And we’ll send everyone in the UK who registers by the cut-off date (Friday, 19th November 12:00 UK time) a goody box with all the things you need to have a fun day of (virtual) conference-going.
We’ll even do a virtual pub afterwards – bring your own drinks!
What equipment do I need?
You’ll need a computer (ideal) or tablet or phone and an internet connection to take part in the event.
To get the most out of the networking, a microphone is needed, and a webcam is recommended. This is optional – nobody has to appear in-vision to attend – but you will have more fun if you are able to meet new people like you would at a normal conference.
Here are the full technical specifications for our event platform. The Chrome browser (version 79 or later) is preferred if possible. There are known issues with Safari and VPNs, so avoid using those if you can (check the link above for more details or see the detailed information about VPNs and Firewalls if needed.) You won’t be able to use the networking features on a smartphone or tablet – these are desktop only.
Can I log on with more than one device?
Yes and no.
You will have a unique access link. This allows you to be logged in on one device at a time.
So if you need to switch devices, you will be logged out of your first device when you log in on the second.
Are there any discounts?
As this year has been a tough one for a lot of members of our industry, we have decided to discount the usual ticket price (£150 + VAT) for all delegates, meaning that tickets for Radio TechCon 2021 are just £99 + VAT.
Therefore, we aren’t offering additional discounts to members of industry organisations this year.
There are also a limited number of free tickets available via our bursary schemes.
When will I receive my log-on information?
You will receive an e-mail from Airmeet when you register for Radio TechCon. Please keep the link safe, as it’s unique to you!
If you can’t find it, please check your spam (and the promotions or updates tabs if you use GMail), and make sure you are checking the inbox linked to the e-mail address you used to register.
We will send a reminder of how to log in at 0900 on Friday, 26th November with a repeat at 0900 on Monday, 29th November.
We will also have a phone hotline available on the day in case of any issues accessing the platform.
What time is Radio TechCon 2021?
Radio TechCon 2020 takes place on Monday, 29th November 2021.
The event runs between 10:00 – 17:15.
We will open up the networking area from 0900 and there will be the chance for some more informal networking after the event (BYOB!).
There will be breaks throughout the day so you can meet with other delegates or have a screen break and a walk about as you wish.
I’m shy – is the networking mandatory?
No – you can choose to enter the networking rooms or networking roulette game if you wish but it’s not compulsory – you will be able to move through the virtual event into different ‘rooms’ as you wish throughout the day.
However, the TechCon audience is a friendly bunch, so we’d love to get to know you!
Networking roulette?
Our platform has a game which matches you to a delegate at random for a meeting of up to five minutes. It’s just like bumping into someone in a corridor at an in-person event.
There are also virtual tables that you can join to meet other delegates for as long as you wish.
The sponsor zone will also allow you to have conversations with vendors if you wish, and you can arrange 1:1 catch-ups with other delegates – great if you haven’t seen a friend or colleague for a while.
Plus, we’ll have a Welcome Room where our volunteers will be on hand to help you if you are new to the event, have got stuck or just want to say hi.
I bought a ticket but now I can’t come – what do I do?
Oh no! Sad times.
We’re sorry you can’t make it – we can’t refund your ticket but you are able to change the name of the person attending – e-mail team@radiotechcon.com and we’ll get you sorted.
Can I share my login with someone else?
No – just as at an in-person event, your ticket is for one person only, and one device at a time.
Can I organise a group watching session at my place of work?
If Covid-19 rules allow, you are welcome to organise a group watching session in a meeting room at your place of work. However, each person watching needs a ticket.
Radio TechCon is a tiny organisation run on love and biscuits. We’ve reduced ticket costs this year and have a reduced income as a result.
Please don’t steal from us.
What if I have an Accessibility requirement?
Let us know any requirements you may have when you book your ticket and/or contact team@radiotechcon.com so we can make sure the day is as easy as possible for you.
The platform that we are using is Airmeet. The team at Airmeet have confirmed that the system works Google Screen Reader.
If you need to have a second log on for Accessibility purposes, please contact us so we can ensure the right access permissions are granted.
Can children attend?
People under the age of 18 are welcome to attend, but remain the responsibility of their accompanying 18+ adult who should be in the same room as the young person when Radio TechCon is taking place.
There are some additional safeguarding procedures to consider with virtual events, so if you are buying a ticket on behalf of someone under 18, please select the correct boxes on the Eventbrite form and someone from the team will be in touch (or e-mail team@radiotechcon.com in advance to discuss).
Will there be lunch?
You’ll need to provide your own food this year but your goody box will contain all you need for engineers’ tea time in the afternoon 🙂
Will there be a trade fair?
We’ll have a virtual sponsor area, which means you can visit a virtual ‘room’ to meet representatives from each sponsor and see their latest offerings. It will be like wandering round the trade fair at Radio TechCon, but virtual.
If you would like to sponsor Radio TechCon 2021, please contact team@radiotechcon.com
How do I choose which sessions to attend?
Good news – you don’t have to! Radio TechCon is a one-room conference, so your ticket means you get access to everything. No ‘other room’ FOMO – yay!
Where can I get a beer/wine/gin/soft drink afterwards?
We’ll have a virtual informal networking session after the event – bring the beverage of your choice.
I am a speaker and I have a question about my session – who do I ask?
Contact your session producer in the first instance or e-mail team@radiotechcon.com.
Random / Misc. FAQs
What does ‘TBC Media’ stand for?
TBC Media Ltd. stands for creating amazing events that combine the technological and production parts of the radio engineering community so practitioners can come together to share experiences, learn new ideas and solve the industry’s challenges as part of a wider technical community.
No, I don’t want any of that corporate nonsense. What do the initials stand for?
That’d be telling. We might give you the answer if you buy us enough gin.
In the meantime, this is our favourite guess so far…
@sparkyannc Congrats on the new Radio TechCon event! Does TBC stand for The Bare Cogs? Transmitters, Batteries & Coils?
— Oliver Needham (@OliverNeedham) July 25, 2016
I want to know something else or I have a brilliant suggestion for you – what do I do?
Drop us an e-mail: team@radiotechcon.com
