Thoughts will soon turn to planning for the Fall term (if not there already). As program chairs for the 25th anniversary celebration OLC Accelerate, we hope that this conference is part of your plans. If you have attended or considered attending this conference in previous years, you are no doubt familiar with the range of conference sessions and activities that are part of our program every year.  And while we all eagerly await the full program to be published (check the conference website for updates), we wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with a sneak peek of some of the special sessions and activities we have been planning. 

On Wednesday morning of the conference (November 20th), we have lined up an array of workshops and summits, all presented by leading experts in online and digital learning.  All of these in-depth sessions are three hours long and are included in your conference registration! Review the summit descriptions and workshop abstracts and decide which one you will attend. Given the variety of topics and speaker perspectives, this may be a difficult choice for you to make! 

You can hear more by leading researchers and practitioners in our featured sessions that take place throughout the conference. These sessions discuss a variety of challenges and opportunities facing online education–and given the array of topics covered, there is a little something for everyone! Like the Wednesday morning workshops and summits, these are also included with your registration. Since all of these sessions are streamed, they are also included as part of your registration as a virtual attendee. Like all streamed sessions, these are recorded and made available on the conference website for one year after the conference. On-site attendees will also have access to streamed session recordings, so you can view as many of these sessions as you like after the conference. 

Technology Test Kitchen

Exploring new technology for your classroom can be expensive and no matter how well designed it may be, you’ll still need to invest time into figuring out how to actually use it in your classroom. Fortunately, the Accelerate Conference provides all attendees with free access to its Technology Test Kitchen or TTK. The Technology Test Kitchen allows you to explore new technology in a fun and engaging way with plenty of expert chefs to help guide you. Watch your friends and colleagues battle it out to see who will become the supreme chef of the conference. 

Speed Networking Lounge

After exploring new technologies in the TTK, you might want to stop by the Speed Networking Lounge to increase your professional influence and expand your network. The Accelerate Conference attracts some of the most innovative and high achieving professionals in our field. (We know you’re one of them.) One of the best ways OLC can support new advances in the field of online education, is by helping you connect with other remarkable professionals who are just as dedicated as you are. The Speed Networking Lounge was designed specifically with this goal in mind. If you’re interested in advancing your career and enhancing your influence in the field, then you absolutely must stop by the Speed Networking Lounge. 

While all of the activities and events we’ve discussed above are included with your registration, there are a few activities available to you for additional fees. 

Tuesday Pre-Conference Workshops (fee-based)

The conference officially starts on Tuesday with several pre-conference workshops. If you’ve been following trends within higher education, then you know a main point of emphasis has been enhancing the quality of online programs. OLC has several three-hour workshops available that focus on evaluating quality, navigating accreditation, podcasting, and research. Be sure to look at the webpage for more information and pricing info for these events.

IDEA Luncheon (fee-based)

If you’re interested in learning more about Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy, then the IDEA luncheon is the event for you. While there is an additional charge to attend this luncheon, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from a fantastic speaker, brought in just for this event. More information can be found about this thrilling initiative through the Accelerate website. 

More to come…

We hope this post has given you a few insights into a few of the conference activities you may not have been aware of. If you are familiar with these activities and have participated in them in the past, thank you! OLC and the Steering Committee are putting in a tremendous amount of time and effort into ensuring you have an amazing experience at the 25th Anniversary. If you’re a seasoned attendee or this will be your first time at the conference, we hope you will join us in spreading the word on these incredible events. Be sure to check the website regularly for updates as we continue to finalize the program. 

We look forward to seeing you in Orlando!

	Doug Geier, Golden Gate University – OLC Accelerate 2019 Program Co-Chair
	Megan Kohler, The Pennsylvania State University – OLC Accelerate 2019 Program Co-Chair

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