Summary
Lou Rosenfeld from Rosenfeld Media inaugurates the Advancing Research 2023 conference by acknowledging the difficulties researchers face due to recent economic downturns, including widespread unemployment and increased scholarship applications. He stresses the vital role researchers play in helping organizations make data-informed decisions and encourages attendees not to give up on their profession. Lou introduces MC Bria, who brings energy and humor, including AI-generated dad jokes, to the event. The conference spans three days with themes curated by Victor Unawaya, Chris Geeson, and Jim Ahmed, focusing on research as a transformational force, researchers as change agents, and transforming research craft respectively. Lou highlights the importance of engaging in Slack for community interaction, questions, and support, and clarifies logistics such as time zones, breaks, and access to main and sponsor sessions, which are free and non-sales focused. Attendees are urged to explore digital swag bags and participate in social events like networking mixers hosted by Cozy Juicy Real. Special recognition is given to MJ Broadband, the house sketchnoter who captures sessions visually, allowing participants to stay present without note-taking stress. Finally, Lou reminds everyone to adhere to the conference code of conduct to maintain a respectful and supportive environment.
Key Insights
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Researchers face significant job insecurity during economic downturns, reflected in a high number of scholarship applications this year.
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Despite short-term challenges, the need for skilled researchers to inform organizational decisions is growing.
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The Advancing Research conference is structured into three curated thematic days addressing research impact, organizational influence, and craft development.
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Community engagement through Slack is essential for participation, Q&A, and support during the conference.
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Sponsor sessions run separately from main sessions and are free, high-quality content without sales pitches.
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Digital swag bags replace physical conference giveaways, accessible via QR codes and direct links.
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Social activities like a game networking event and a community mixer foster peer connection in a virtual setting.
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MJ Broadband’s live sketch notes capture complex presentations visually, enhancing accessibility and engagement.
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No note-taking is required for attendees thanks to comprehensive session notes and resources provided promptly.
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The conference enforces a strict code of conduct to ensure a safe, respectful environment encouraging community support.
Notable Quotes
"Researchers have really taken it on the chin during this latest economic downturn."
"The world really needs what researchers like you bring to the table."
"This is absolutely not the time for us to be throwing our hands up in the air and giving up on Research."
"Bria is the bringer of dad jokes and the glue of the conference."
"Sponsor sessions are not sales pitches. They offer really high content very similar to the main conference."
"You will not be missing out on much if you don’t snag the digital swag bag."
"Slack is where the real party is happening for this conference."
"There is no need to take notes over the next few days. We have dedicated sketch notes and session resources."
"MJ Broadband saves our fingers some pain and some stress because we don’t have to take notes."
"Even though we are virtual, we are still a community and obligated to treat each other with respect and kindness."
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