SESSION PROPOSAL INFORMATION

November 12-14, 2008

Sheraton Four Points, Los Angeles, CA

 

 

 

This page provides instructions for individuals wishing to contribute a session to the 18th Community Technology Conference. For information about the conference, visit www.ctcnet.org. For additional information about presenting, email sgagne@ctcnet.org. Please read all of the following instructions before proceeding to the online form.

The deadline for submitting a session is August 15, 2008.

 

1. Introduction

2. Criteria & Guidelines

3. A/V & Technology

4. Registration & Accommodations

5. Conference Theme & Tracks

6. Link to Online Form

 

Introduction

CTCNet is seeking proposals for sessions to be presented at the 2008 Community Technology Conference, November 13 and 14, 2008. Individuals wishing to design and present a session should submit a proposal via the online form linked at the bottom of this page. Please note the following terms and conditions.

• All presenters selected to participate will receive a discount of $100 off the $285 CTCNet member registration rate. Presenters are responsible for covering travel, lodging and the discounted registration costs.

• Presentations may not promote a product, service, or organization in which presenters have a financial interest. Those wishing to do so should contact Stephanie Gagné for information about exhibits, sponsored presentations and advertising opportunities.

• CTCNet has partnered with the Alliance for Technology Access to ensure that session materials are accessible to persons with disabilities, and that, where applicable; session content addresses inclusion of all people in CTC programming. Guidelines and resources will be provided to accepted presenters to support the development of their sessions and materials

• By submitting a proposal, the applicant agrees to serve as the session designer and is responsible for developing the session as described if selected by CTCNet. Once selected, the session designer is responsible for recruiting co-presenters (if applicable) and providing all required information to CTCNet, including session summary, names and contact information of all other session presenters, and all materials to be used in the sessions (such as handouts, presentations, and web links).

Audience

Attendance is expected to be over 350, with 30-60 people attending each session. Our attendees are nonprofit executives, technology developers and instructors, community leaders and other educators, advocates, funders and public sector representatives.

We are seeking a balance of two session types:

Core Sessions are workshops designed to impart basic, intermediate and advanced skills to practitioners, and will cover all areas of program design, management, evaluation, fundraising and other organizational and program management topics.

Topical Sessions will cover emerging trends in CTC practices, developments in the broader nonprofit and political landscape that impact CTCs, and sessions that contribute discussion regarding the opportunities and challenges affecting the community technology field.

The majority of sessions selected for the conference will be designed to

1) build specific practitioner skills,

2) facilitate peer dialogue, and/or

3) present best practice case studies.

Priority will be given to sessions with clear and practical learning outcomes for participants.

Criteria & Guidelines

CTCNet seeks sessions that:

• Provide specific "take-aways", such as new skills or practical resources

• Are interactive in nature

• Are well-planned with regard to session format, facilitation/moderation, accessibility for participants with disabilities, and usage of time

• Have clear, practical learning outcomes

• Fit in with or relate to the theme of the conference

Proposals that do not provide all requested information will not be considered.
Required information includes:

• Session Designer Name, Contact Information and Background/Qualifications

• Track the Session Belongs in

• Session Title

• Session Description and Use of Time

• Format and Focus of Session

• Objectives/Learning Outcomes

• Additional Presenters (if known)

• Description of Resources/Supporting Materials

CTCNet reserves the right to:

• Select additional presenters and/or a moderator for your session

• Require inclusion of additional content

• Edit the title and session summary for clarity

• Move the session to a different track than proposed

Audio-Visual & Technology Support

Every breakout room will be equipped with LCD Projector and screen. . Internet access will not be generally available for sessions*. CTCNet cannot provide computers or any other additional equipment. Please plan your session with the available capabilities in mind. CTCNet cannot, however, guarantee that projectors will function without problems during your presentation, so be prepared with a back-up plan.

*If you would like to present a session that requires access to online materials, please note this in your proposal – Internet access can be arranged in special cases.

Registration & Accommodations

All accepted presenters must register for the conference, at the discounted presenters' rate of $185. Accepted applicants will receive a code to use when registering online, so it is highly recommended that applicants WAIT to register until they are notified whether or not their session has been selected.

The conference will be held November 13-14, 2008 in Los Angeles, California at the Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport. Room rates for conference attendees are $119 per night for reservations made by October 23, 2008. Please make your arrangements by contacting 1-800-529-4683 and indicating that you are attending the CTCNet Conference.

Theme & Session Tracks

The 2008 16th CTCNet Conference aims to highlight 18 years of changes and innovations in community technology field, while also anticipating the new alliances and efforts necessary to continue harnessing technology to meet human and social needs.

We seek to highlight CTCNet's role as a guide for new and existing organizations amid a changing landscape of policy, social, and economic challenges. We also wish to demonstrate the reach, capacity and potential of our membership network to meet today's social and economic needs. The CTCNet network is rooted in community-based efforts, supported by regional collaborations, and strengthened by innovation and effective practices across a range of disciplines.

Nearly fifty sessions and workshops will be held, organized into five tracks:

1) Operations and Management

This track will focus on effective management practices for CTC organizational sustainability and success. Examples of sessions relevant to this track include:

• Learning from the Past: How to Start a CTC

• How to Determine a Fee/Pricing Strategy for Your CTC

• Finding and Keeping Volunteers

• Successful Strategies and Tools for Client Tracking

2) Programs and Curricula

This track will focus on both well-established programmatic models as well as emerging and innovative programs. Examples of sessions relevant to this track include:

• Taking Training to the Next Level: A Crash Course in Instructional Design

• Using New Technologies in After-School Programs

• How to Increase Civic Engagement through CTC Programs

• Incorporating "Soft Skill" Training into CTC Workforce Development Programs

3) Community Outreach and Impact

This track will focus on ways for CTCs to expand their presence in their communities in order to become more vital community assets, and how to become more involved in community development issues. Examples of sessions relevant to this track include:

• How and Why to Establish a Relationship with Your Local Government

• Starting and Sustaining Effective Community Partnerships

• Strategies for Reaching New Populations

• Effective Models for Measuring Community Impact

4) Funding and Evaluation

This track will focus on best practices and emerging models for funding CTCs, and how to evaluate your work to attract funders. Examples of sessions relevant to this track include:

• Strategies for Diversification and Increasing Revenue

• How to Attract Corporate Funding

• Re-Framing Your Programs to Measure Non-Technical Outcomes

• Techniques for Low-Cost Research to Improve Services and Outcomes

5) Toward a Connected Future Track

This track will focus on visions for the future, emerging trends, and upcoming legislation and policy changes that may affect CTCs. Examples of sessions relevant to this track include:

• Trends in Workforce Development

• Should CTCs become Community ISPs? Arguments For and Against

• Why CTCs Should Care About Media Reform

• CTCs and Telemedicine -- A New Opportunity

• Lessons Learned from International CTCs

• Broadband and Connectivity

• Social Networking