How to do a practice for a Zoom Events webinar?

[SimplyAli]

I've set up a webinar via Zoom Events for next week. I would like to do a practice of the webinar without having to set up a whole new webinar to do it. In my Upcoming Events list next to the webinar I have a button that just says JOIN. Does it allow me to do a practice without starting the real webinar? I can see no reference to a practice session in my Event webinar settings, only in my Personal webinar settings where I can't set up a webinar. The ability to easily do practices is one reason we have recently switched to Zoom, however it is proving to be far more complicated than our previous system.

[Ray_Harwood]

Welcome to the Zoom Community, @SimplyAli.

Have you clicked Join? It’s that simple. 

If you have any problems, first consult this Zoom Support article:

https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206316975-Using-Webinar-practice-session

 if you still need help, come back here and I’ll see what I can help you with.  

[SimplyAli]

I hadn't dare click Join case it started the actual webinar! As there was no reference anywhere to a practice session I wasn't sure. But I've set up a new one as a test and clicked Join which then started Zoom giving a next option to start the webinar, so I guess if we don't click to start the webinar it is in practice mode. Thanks!

[Ray_Harwood · Accepted solution]

I know – the process takes some time to get used to, @SimplyAli

Keep in mind that the Host and any Co-Host can click the blue Start Webinar button – but it’s not available to Panelists Eco aren’t co-hosts. My advice: Don’t check the Alt-Host checkbox for speakers in Zoom Events unless they are seasoned, experienced Webinar hosts. I’ve had way too many cases where inexperienced speakers (with Alt-Host checked – which makes them a Co-Host) have thought, “Oh, I wonder what this button does?”, in spite of telling them many times during rehearsals/practice sessions, “Do NOT click the blue Start Webinar button!”

[SimplyAli]

Thanks for the advice Ray. I've taken the Co-Host option off all my speakers! I do see now that the Join button takes you to a lobby with a button to start practice. There should be a banner on the screen that says "practice mode" and the start webinar button should trigger a warning that says "are you sure you want to leave the practice and start the actual webinar?".

Are you able to help with my other query? https://community.zoom.com/t5/Events-and-Webinars/How-to-set-up-an-Events-Webinar-so-all-speakers-an... 

[Ray_Harwood]

Well, personally, I think it's more a terminology issue than anything.  Think about a physical venue.  You can meet for a "practice" session days or weeks before.  You can also have a quick practice just before your event.

Clicking the blue Start Webinar button is basically, "Let anyone out in the foyer come into the auditorium".  You're not really leaving the practice... you're just getting everyone quietly off stage (or maybe situated at the podium and at conference tables on either side), then you're letting people in.

Frankly, I'd like the "Start Webinar" button to read something like "Start Webinar for Attendees" or "Allow Attendees to Join Webinar".  We're already IN the Webinar.  Not the best terminology, but not my call either. 😎