During times of Zoom fatigue and plentiful virtual events, we want to be intentional about how our virtual Summit provides value for our members. One thing we've heard from you is that you miss the hallway conversations and personal connections that were a part of the in-person Summit and other in-person events.
With that in mind, this year we're launching OEN Summit Watch Parties! Our goal is to work with you to facilitate human connection, relationship building, and idea sharing.
This hybrid format also allows us to address the needs of those looking to deepen relationships with open education colleagues in person, as well as those for whom a virtual option is ideal for accessibility, financial, and social distancing purposes.
Ideas for Hosting an OEN Summit Watch Party
Hosting is completely voluntary and open to any OEN member.
If you represent an OEN institution:
- Invite your faculty and/or campus partners to watch sessions.
- Invite OEN member institutions located in your area. View a map of OEN member institutions to find out who's located nearby.
If you represent an OEN consortium or system:
- Host your member institutions at a centralized location.
- Invite your members to take the lead and host regional watch parties for other consortial members.
- Invite your members to host their local faculty and/or campus partners to watch sessions.
Why Host an OEN Summit Watch Party?
- Build momentum and visibility for open education initiatives on your campus or in your geographic area.
- Create connections and deepen relationships with open education colleagues on campus, within your consortium, and/or with fellow OEN members.
- There is flexibility to suit your context: host a single Summit session, a full day, or the entire week!
- Have fun!
How to host an OEN Summit Watch Party
As a Watch Party host, you will take the lead on planning all details for your in-person event, including:
- deciding who is invited, promoting the event and managing the registration process,
- confirming the room reservation and technology needed to stream the Summit session(s) that you plan to watch together,
- managing the in-person event, and
- reporting your registration numbers and sharing any great watch party photos or stories with the OEN.
The OEN will support your planning process with guidance and tools.
Ready to plan?
Step 1: Connect with us! Take 1-2 minutes to complete this interest form. An OEN staff member will connect with you to help guide you through the planning process.
Step 2: Leverage the 2022 OEN Summit Watch Party Hosting Toolkit for resources to help you plan your watch party.
Step 3: Brainstorm! This is the fun part. What would you like your watch party to look like? Who is invited? Where will it take place? Do you plan to facilitate session follow-up discussions or networking activities? We’re happy to chat through ideas with you, but remember - this is your event, and you’re welcome to host it as you please!
Step 4: Get planning. Once you’ve got your ideas together, it’s time to confirm the details of your event. This may include approval from your department, room reservations, ensuring that the correct technology and COVID-19 protocols are in place, assigning roles, managing the live event(s)and any follow-up.
Step 5: Get the word out. Once you’ve confirmed the basic details for your watch party, it’s time to promote the opportunity and invite your colleagues to register to attend!