Site Scheduling

Call the METNET Video Conference Scheduling and Information Center at 444-6788 for general information on the State's Interactive Video Network, to check on site availability, to schedule a conference, for pricing information, or billing questions. For technical assistance or problem resolution during a conference, call the METNET HOTLINE at 444-9588. If you require direct assistance contact Penne Beto at 444-0707 or Carl Haller at 444-3102.

Video conference locations are listed on the "Locations" section of this site, however, since new sites are continually being added to the network, it is a good idea to call our information line at 6788 to see if there is a video site at a community or building you need to conference with. Conferences may be held simultaneously between any combination of two through 36 or more video locations (although it is not recommended to have more that 16 sites on a video conference, unless specific guidelines are met: call our scheduling line for more information on this!).

We ask that you try to schedule video conferences ten working days in advance, if possible, just to make sure that we can acquire off net locations and resources. However, we realize that certain situations come up that exclude the luxury of a several day lead time, so, if you have one of those "last minute conference requests", do NOT hesitate to call, we at METNET will try our best to attain your needs.

The minimum time a video conference or classroom instruction may be scheduled is one hour. After the first hour, the network can be scheduled and billed in ½ hour increments.

Notification confirming the video conference will be made by phone. Official written notification will be sent or faxed to the user within 2 working days of receiving the request.

Video conferences for incidental use customers (that is, those who do NOT have a Service Level Agreement for Interactive Video Services with ITSD) use a general billing amount of $52.50 per site per hour for a video conference. This cost will include use of the video site, network resources, and a site technician for METNET video sites. Non METNET sites, such as Vision Net, Telemedicine, or other privately owned venues may not have site technicians available, and will have separate charging schedules, so, PLEASE visit with us on the scheduling line, 444-6788, to get exact pricing and capability information.

If a cancellation or change is required prior to 24 hours before the conference, appropriate handling ($15) and committal charges may be assessed, as required. If a conference is cancelled within 24 business hours of scheduled start time, the full charge of the conference will be billed, including all related vendor charges.

METNET Top Ten Tips

  1. For site capability questions, call 406-444-6788! If you need to "Dry Run" a presentation, wish to see a demo, or have special needs (e.g. PC interface, hearing impaired participants, slides, panel presentation), let us know!
  2. DO NOT advertise your class or conference until you have received a METNET confirmation notice.
  3. Arrive 10 minutes prior to your conference, no earlier, unless okayed by the site coordinator. End your conference on time! If you need more time, let us know ASAP, at least 15 minutes before scheduled end time.
  4. You'll need your own facilitator to take attendance, accept course fees, or hand out materials. Video site specialists at each location CANNOT do these tasks.
  5. Adhere to room headcount limitations; DO NOT OVERLOAD the conference rooms! We need to know the expected attendance at each site so we can set it up.
  6. Do not rearrange furniture or electronic equipment in the conference room, or bring food and beverages without prior approval from the site coordinator.
  7. Parking is limited at the college/university sites. Please consider this, if you expect several participants. Call the local coordinator for recommendations.
  8. If you anticipate MEDIA for your conference, let the site know in advance! Some sites will NOT allow media (TV cameras, radio journalists, etc.) without prior approval.
  9. Most sites have video taping capabilities. If you need to show a tape, please let us check the tape FIRST to assure quality transmission. Some tapes will not work on the compressed video system. We can create a tape of a conference for you, but please bring your own quality VHS cassette(s). One tape for each two hours of conference.
  10. Use a "landscape" (TV Safe) format for graphic/overhead presentations. Seven to 10 lines per page, 35 characters per line limit. Remember, this will be shown on a TV format.

The State of Montana and these participating METNET sites make reasonable accommodations for disabilities which may interfere with a person's ability to participate in state government. Persons needing accommodations must contact the METNET site involved no later than seven working days prior to the meeting date to allow adequate time to make arrangements. If needed, documents can be provided in alternate format upon request.