At the close of every OLC conference, we ask our attendees to take a short survey so we can get their feedback, ideas and input for making our events even better. One of the key takeaways from the survey results has been how valuable and convenient our virtual attendee options have been! Participating in OLC Innovate from a home or office laptop seems like a no brainer when traveling isn’t possible, but don’t take my word for it, read on to hear what attendees had to say about virtual attendance.

Not surprisingly, our previous Virtual Attendees ranked budget or travel allowances/restrictions, convenience, and having access to session recordings for a full year after the conference as the top 3 reasons for participating in OLC Innovate virtually.

“I really like the idea that I can view the other sessions over the next year. I liked the idea of attending, but not having to use extra time or financial assistance for travel and lodging.”

The following responses take deciding on attending virtually a step further.

OLC asked, “What did you like most about this virtual conference?”

Attendees answered:

“Ability to pop-in a session and then pop into another session at the same time without doors slamming, interrupting others, etc.”

OLC: Not to mention having to navigate the conference venue for a different session when sessions have already started!

“Ability to attend from home (no travel). Presentations are easier to take notes on from my computer than sitting in an audience.”

OLC: In the comfort of your office, living room, or kitchen while eating lunch! You also have the ability to stop/start recordings and listen at the volume you choose.

“That we were able to ask questions of the speakers also.”

OLC: Without having to wait to be called on, and participate in larger conference discussions via our OLC Facebook Group!

Heading To Denver!

OLC Innovate 2019 is taking place onsite in Colorado from April 2 – 5, and it’s going to be bigger, more inspirational, and more fun than ever before. We hope to see you there, but if you can’t make it to Denver, you can still join us—virtually—and join in the fun from the comfort of your own space. Take a look at some of the engagement opportunities that will be available for both onsite and virtual attendees.

Our Group Virtual Attendee Package provides the best savings and is an opportunity for institutions to register an UNLIMITED number of faculty and staff to participate in the conference without traveling! Virtual attendance includes access to over 80 sessions live (or on-demand for one year post-conference) from the comfort of your desk while participating in chat discussions with your colleagues and peers from around the world. There are other virtual attendee options, too: individual registration, Buy 2 Get 1, and and large group package options are all available.  

Whatever your interests, OLC Innovate has session tracks to match:

• Teaching and Learning Practice
• Open Learning
• Leadership and Advocacy
• Experiential and Life-Long Learning
• Processes, Problems, and Practices
• Effective Tools, Toys and Technologies
• Research: Designs, Methods, and Findings

OLC Live! will help bring the conference to virtual attendees. One of the primary goals of the OLC Live! is to provide you with up-to-the minute information on the places and spaces where you can connect with the entire conference group via chat rooms and video! Check out the Virtual Hub for more information and updates as they come.

And if travel is an option for you, onsite registration is still available!  Register now to join your online education peers and colleagues—onsite or virtually!

Looking forward to our best Innovate conference yet – hope you can join us!!

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