Here is the look ahead for the first workshops of 2026, so far, this list covers January and most of February. Of course, the agenda will continue to be updated as topics are added or requested.
Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026
Setting an Alarm Upon Creation of a Reminder
Wednesday, Jan 14, 2026
Perplexity (an AI powered search engine)
Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026
the Uber App
Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026
Apple Music
Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026
Copying Files Between Folders in the Finder on Mac
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026
Voiceover Rotor (Revisited)
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026
Outlook Tutorial
If you have any questions and or topic suggestions, please feel free to reach out to us at, support@techstravaganza.ca.
Ali demonstrated various meeting controls and features available during a Zoom meeting
Details
Ali: Showed how to start a scheduled meeting and access the main meeting controls
Ali: Demonstrated the chat feature, including how to send messages to everyone
Ali: Showed the participants panel and how to view participant information
Ali: Demonstrated how to raise and lower hand
Ali: Explained that the raise hand button is now directly on the main screen, not in reactions or more menu
Amanda: Asked about the AI Companion feature
Conclusion
The iPhone interface provides access to all essential meeting controls
Some interface elements have been relocated in recent updates
AI Companion feature
Discussion about Zoom’s AI Companion feature and its capabilities
Details
Amanda: Asked what the AI Companion feature does
Ali: Explained that AI Companion provides meeting summaries after meetings end
Ali: Noted that it allows late joiners to ask questions about what happened earlier in the meeting
Ali: Mentioned that AI Companion requires at least a Pro account and is not available on basic accounts
Amanda: Asked about the cost of Pro accounts
Ali: Stated that a single Pro license costs around $25 Canadian per month including tax
Conclusion
AI Companion is a premium feature that provides useful meeting summaries
The feature requires a paid Zoom account (Pro level or higher)
Personal Meeting ID vs. scheduled meetings
Discussion about when to use personal meeting ID versus scheduling a meeting
Details
Amanda: Asked about when to use personal meeting ID versus creating a meeting
Ali: Explained that personal meeting ID is best for quick, impromptu meetings
Ali: Gave an example of wanting to meet with someone immediately rather than scheduling ahead
Ali: Cautioned that using personal meeting ID for all meetings could allow anyone with the link to join any meeting
Roueida: Asked if Zoom provides the personal meeting ID
Ali: Confirmed that Zoom provides the personal meeting ID
Conclusion
Personal meeting ID is best for quick, impromptu meetings
Scheduled meetings are more appropriate for planned events
Using personal meeting ID for all meetings poses security risks
Meeting duration and limits
Brief discussion about meeting duration limits
Details
Roueida: Asked what happens if a meeting scheduled for 15 minutes goes longer
Ali: Explained that on basic accounts, meetings are cut off after 40 minutes
Roueida: Confirmed understanding that meetings continue until the 40-minute limit
Conclusion
Basic Zoom accounts have a 40-minute limit regardless of scheduled duration
Pro accounts don’t have this limitation
Email BCC functionality (unrelated to Zoom)
Brief side question about Mac email functionality
Details
Roueida: Asked how to set BCC in email on a new Mac Pro 15
Ali: Suggested checking the view menu in the Mail app
Roueida: Acknowledged the suggestion and said she would try it
Conclusion
The BCC option is likely available in the view menu of the Mail app
A Brief Note About Upcoming Workshops
Today’s was the last workshop for 2025. Workshops will resume again on Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026. Please stay tuned to the newsletters, as the schedule of topics for January and February will be posted within the next day or 2.
Wishing all of you the happiest of Holidays, and all the best for 2026!
Only 15 minutes left to go until our Techstravaganza workshop, which will start promptly at 1:00 PM and will run until 3:00 PM Eastern!
Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
Join the workshop!
In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:
One tap mobile +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada
coming Up
On this week’s Techstravaganza, as per our annual tradition before the Holidays, we will take a look at the Zoom app for iPhone and iPad, and provide you with some useful tips and tricks on how to get the most out of it using VoiceOver. As I am currently under the weather, today’s tutorial will be hosted and lead by our very own Ali Moosa. It’s going to be an exciting workshop!
Also, we have many exciting tutorials to take us into 2026! Please check out our topic lineup for the rest of the year by visiting the following link:
I look forward to seeing you all in the new year. On behalf of the entire Techstravaganza crew, I wish you and yours a happy Holiday Season, and a very happy and prosperous New Year 2026!
This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza, which will take place tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday, December 17, 2025) from 1:00 to 3:00 PM Eastern.
Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
Join the workshop!
In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:
One tap mobile +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada
coming Up
On this week’s Techstravaganza, as per our anual tradition before the Holidays, we will take a look at the Zoom app for iPhone and iPad, and provide you with some useful tips and tricks on how to get the most out of it using VoiceOver. As I am currently under the weather, tomorrow’s tutorial will be hosted and lead by our very own Ali Moosa. It’s going to be an exciting workshop!
Also, we have many exciting tutorials to take us into 2026! Please check out our topic lineup for the rest of the year by visiting the following link:
Siena and Ali demonstrated the basic navigation of the Gmail app interface.
Details
Siena: Showed the navigation menu, compose button, and search field at the top of the screen
Siena: Explained that multiple email accounts can be added to the Gmail app
Siena: Pointed out the Gemini AI integration within the Gmail app
Ivy: Mentioned she has a different layout with compose and search at the bottom of her screen
Siena: Clarified that Ivy was likely using the native Mail app rather than the Gmail app
Conclusion
The Gmail app has a consistent layout with navigation menu, search field, and compose button at the top
The app supports multiple email accounts and includes Gemini AI integration
Reading emails in Gmail
The presenters demonstrated how to read individual emails in the Gmail app.
Details
Siena: Showed how to open an email by double-tapping on it
Siena: Demonstrated the email reading interface with options like close, archive, delete, and mark as unread at the top
Siena: Explained how to navigate through the email content by swiping right with one finger
Siena: Showed how to close an email using the close button at the top
Siena: Demonstrated using VoiceOver’s action menu to manage emails from the inbox view
Conclusion
The Gmail app provides a straightforward interface for reading emails
Users can easily navigate through email content using VoiceOver gestures
Email management actions are available both within the email and from the inbox view
Navigating conversation threads
A significant portion of the session focused on navigating conversation threads (email chains) in the Gmail app.
Details
Siena: Demonstrated how to identify and open conversation threads
Siena: Showed that Gmail displays the number of emails in a conversation
Siena: Explained that Gmail shows threads in chronological order (oldest first)
Ali: Demonstrated how to expand and collapse individual messages within a thread
Siena: Showed how to navigate between messages using headings or form controls in VoiceOver
Ivy: Asked about the difference between using headings and form controls for navigation
Conclusion
Gmail app displays conversation threads in chronological order (oldest first), unlike the Mail app
Users can expand or collapse individual messages within a thread
VoiceOver users can navigate between messages using either headings or form controls
Replying to emails
Ali demonstrated how to reply to specific messages within conversation threads.
Details
Ali: Showed how to select a specific message within a thread to reply to
Ali: Demonstrated that when the reply button is activated, it replies to the currently selected message
Ali: Compared this to the Mail app’s approach to replying to messages in threads
Siena: Noted that Gmail makes it clearer which message you’re replying to
Conclusion
The Gmail app makes it easier to identify which message you’re replying to within a thread
Users can select specific messages within a thread to reply to them directly
Composing emails
Ali demonstrated how to compose new emails in the Gmail app.
Details
Ali: Showed how to access the compose button
Ali: Demonstrated adding recipients in the To and CC fields
Ali: Showed how to add a subject and message body
Ali: Demonstrated using dictation for message composition
Ali: Showed options for discarding drafts and sending messages
Conclusion
The Gmail app provides a straightforward interface for composing new emails
Users can easily add recipients, subject, and message content
The app supports dictation for message composition
Gmail app settings and customization
The presenters explored various settings and customization options in the Gmail app.
Details
Ali: Demonstrated how to access settings through the navigation menu
Ali: Showed how to customize mail swipe actions
Ali: Explained signature settings and how they sync with web signatures
Siena: Noted that Gmail synchronizes signatures across devices, unlike the native Mail app
Ivy: Asked about how to establish and manage signatures
Conclusion
Gmail app offers various customization options through settings
Users can customize swipe actions to personalize email management
Signatures can be synchronized across devices when using the web signature option
Advantages of Gmail app over native Mail app
Throughout the session, several advantages of the Gmail app over the native Mail app were highlighted.
Details
Siena: Mentioned that Gmail delivers notifications more promptly than the native Mail app
Siena: Noted that Gmail integrates with Google Calendar for event invitations
Siena: Explained that Gmail’s thread navigation is more intuitive
Ali: Demonstrated that Gmail synchronizes signatures across devices
Siena: Pointed out that Gmail allows collapsing and expanding individual messages in threads
Conclusion
Gmail app offers better notification delivery and calendar integration
The app provides more intuitive thread navigation and management
Gmail synchronizes settings like signatures across devices
Next week is our annual Zoom tutorial, on Wednesday, Dec 17. Depending on what time allows, there will possibly be a follow up on the evening of Dec 18, more information nearer to the day.
This is a friendly heads up that there are only 15 minutes to go until this evening’s Techstravaganza 2.0 which will start promptly at 7:00 PM and run until 9:00 PM Eastern Time!
Please note that Techstravaganza 2.0 is an ongoing monthly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:
This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza 2.0, which will take place this evening (Thursday, December 11, 2025) from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Eastern!
Please note that Techstravaganza 2.0 is an ongoing monthly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:
This is a friendly reminder of our upcoming Techstravaganza 2.0, which will take place tomorrow evening (Thursday, December 11, 2025) from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Eastern!
Please note that Techstravaganza 2.0 is an ongoing monthly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
In order to join in the workshop, please use the following conference information:
On this month’s Techstravaganza 2.0, we will explore how to navigate the Gmail app for iPhone and iPad using VoiceOver.
If you have any questions or topic suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the team:
Siena demonstrated the process of adding email accounts to the Mail app on an iPad, focusing on VoiceOver accessibility.
Details
Siena: Showed how to set up an iCloud email account as the first account
Siena: Demonstrated how to enable/disable iCloud Mail in Settings
Ali: Clarified that users don’t need an iCloud email account but might be prompted to create one for certain backup features
Jackie: Asked about setting up accounts without an iCloud email
Siena: Confirmed you can use any email address for your Apple ID
Conclusion
The Mail app guides users through initial setup when first opened
Users can enable or disable iCloud Mail through Settings > Apple Account > iCloud
Adding multiple email accounts
Siena demonstrated how to add Gmail and custom domain accounts to the Mail app.
Details
Siena: Showed how to add accounts through Settings > Mail > Accounts
Siena: Demonstrated the authentication process including two-factor authentication
Siena: Explained how to select which services to enable (Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes)
Siena: Showed how to customize account labels for easier identification
Conclusion
Multiple accounts from different providers can be added to the Mail app
The Mail app recognizes account types (Gmail, Exchange, etc.) automatically
Users can customize account labels to make them more recognizable
Navigating between email accounts
Siena demonstrated different methods for viewing and switching between email accounts.
Details
Siena: Showed how to use the sidebar on iPad to switch between accounts
Siena: Explained that on iPhone, users would use the “Mailboxes” back button
Siena: Demonstrated how to enable and use the “All Inboxes” feature
Ali: Mentioned he prefers using “All Inboxes” to avoid missing emails
Conclusion
Users can view individual account inboxes or combine them using “All Inboxes”
The iPad interface uses a two-column layout with message list and open message
VoiceOver users need to use the “containers” rotor setting on iPad to read messages
Email app preferences
Discussion about different email apps and their features.
Details
Ali: Mentioned he finds the Gmail app more reliable than the Mail app
Amanda: Shared that she prefers Outlook
Siena: Noted that Gmail app has better notifications and calendar integration
Ali: Discussed how Gmail app handles calendar invites directly in the email
Conclusion
Different email apps have various strengths and weaknesses
The Gmail app will be covered in a separate tutorial the following day
Calendar app discussion
A side discussion about calendar applications and subscriptions.
Details
Ali: Mentioned Fantastical’s features including live activities on lock screen
Amanda: Explained she stopped using Fantastical to avoid another subscription
Macara: Discussed conference call joining features in Fantastical
Ali: Noted he’s helped the Fantastical team improve accessibility
Conclusion
Fantastical offers useful features but requires a subscription
The group might do a tutorial on Fantastical in the future
Coming Up
Join us tomorrow evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM Eastern for Techstravaganza 2.0, where the Gmail app on iPhone and iPad will be explored. Next Wednesday, we will have the annual Zoom tutorial, which, depending on time on Wednesday, might have a followup on Thursday, Dec, 18, from 8:00 to 10:00 PM Eastern.
This is a quick heads up that our Techstravaganza workshop is starting in 15 minutes (at exactly 1:00 PM Eastern) and will run until 3:00 PM.
Please be advised that this is an ongoing weekly workshop. All workshops are recorded and posted immediately after the workshop for your reference. we recommend that you please join in 15 minutes prior to the workshop, in order to ensure that your setup is working correctly. Also, please be advised that the Zoom studio is setup so that everyone is muted upon entry, in order to prevent background noise when coming into the studio.
Join the workshop!
In order to join in in the workshop, please use the conference information below:
One tap mobile +17789072071,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada +17806660144,,87541152813#,,,,751106# Canada
coming Up
On this week’s Techstravaganza, we will take a look at how to add and view multiple email accounts on the iPhone and iPad, as per participants’ request.
Don’t forget that on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, we will be having our Techstravaganza 2.0 tutorial, in which we will take a look at how to use the Gmail app on the iPhone and iPad. Please stay tuned to this evening’s newsletter for details!
Also, we have many exciting tutorials to take us into 2026! Please check out our topic lineup for the rest of the year by visiting the following link:
Techstravaganza 