Summary
Maria Alexander guided attendees through the final day of Advancing Research 2023, reflecting on the conference's three core themes: research as a transportation force, researchers as organizational changemakers, and transforming the craft. She highlighted essential logistical details such as adjusting for local time zones, utilizing Slack for community interaction and support, and accessing both main and sponsor sessions without overlap. Maria thanked sponsors like Dovetail, Fable, Great Question, Medalia, and UserTesting for their valuable contributions, including free, high-quality sessions and digital swag bags accessible via QR codes or links. She also praised Lauren Cantor, the conference librarian, for organizing session resources to keep attendees focused. Maria emphasized the importance of kindness, respect, and adherence to the code of conduct to maintain a positive and safe virtual community experience.
Key Insights
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The conference emphasized three key themes over three days, culminating in transforming the research craft.
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Slack is the primary platform for community interaction, with designated channels for questions, sponsors, and cohort groups.
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Sponsor sessions are free, do not overlap with the main program, and offer high-value content without being sales pitches.
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Digital swag bags replace physical conference swag, accessible via QR codes or short URLs for a virtual experience.
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Session resources like sketch notes, videos, and slide decks are posted promptly after presentations, removing the need for note-taking.
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Lauren Cantor serves as the conference librarian, curating and organizing all session resources for easy access.
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Time zone customization on the conference platform is critical to avoid missing sessions.
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Cohorts are private, small group channels within Slack that encourage deeper community engagement.
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The conference team offers robust tech and non-tech support through Slack channels and email.
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A strong code of conduct ensures a respectful, safe environment for all virtual attendees.
Notable Quotes
"We are on our third and final day of Advancing Research 2023."
"Please be sure to make sure you change your conference itinerary to your local time zone."
"Sponsor sessions are optional but offer incredibly high content, and they are not sales pitches."
"If you want to participate in the conference’s general vibe and community, it is essential to join Slack."
"There is no need to take notes. Our session notes, resources, videos, and slide decks will all be shared on the website."
"Lauren Cantor keeps all those links and other resources so we don’t have to be googling while listening."
"If you have a question at the end of a presentation, please put that question in the thread associated with the talk."
"Cohorts are a super duper fun way to engage with more of our community."
"We’re obligated to treat each other with kindness and respect."
"If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe engaging in this community, we want to know about it."
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