What to Expect at a Samvera Midwest Regional Meeting Unconference Day

With thanks to the Stanford University LCDX Unconference “How to Hack LDCX” guide

The unconference day is a chance to learn from and with other people in the Samvera Community. Based on the topic interest survey or on topics submitted ahead of time by attendees, the organizers will have some topics and facilitators already in a schedule. There will also be open slots for topics you would like to explore, especially topics that come up during the first afternoon of presentations and questions.

Things to know about the format:

• We will fill out the schedule of sessions in the afternoon of the first day. There are seven 30-35 minute session blocks, each with three breakout rooms. 

• We’ll ask attendees to suggest topics and “pitch” a session—give a few sentences on what it will cover and desired outcomes.  

• Any topics are welcome. If you think it’s interesting and relevant, chances are pretty good that someone else will too! Don’t assume people in the room know more, or less, than you do. You never know who is going to be interested in your session. 

• Every session will need a notetaker and a facilitator. The facilitator is not an expert or expected to have answers – they are responsible to “hold the space” for the session. You hold the space by leading a discussion, by posting a “first question,” or by sharing information about your program. 

• We’ll try to mix the schedule to avoid conflicting topics, but some scheduling conflicts are bound to happen. Be prepared to compromise on what you want to attend, and count on great notes and report outs to help catch up on action happening in other sessions.

• If you find a session doesn’t apply to you after all, you’re always welcome to go check out another session at any time.

• It’s okay to suggest a session like “Is there someone here who can do an intro to [topic] for beginners?  I need to learn more about [topic].”  You may find other folks who want to learn about the topic, or maybe it will turn into a one-on-one during a break or lunch.

• Make use of the breaks, meals and social times to talk about topics that interest you, especially if you have a session conflict or want to discuss something not on the schedule. Make sure to enjoy yourself socializing, too!

• The event is governed by the Samvera Community Guidelines and Code of Conduct, so please review these ahead of time. If at any time you feel these guidelines or the code are being violated, please talk to Heather Greer Klein or Jon Dunn, or email incident-responders@samvera.org . There is a procedure for working through problems, and we are committed to helping you.

• We’re hoping that by the end of the day, you will have successfully done some or all of the following:

  • discovered some work being done that is relevant to your work;

  • met some colleagues doing similar work;

  • deepened relationships with colleagues you already know;

  • got some help with a problem your institution faces;

  • heard about something you’d like to try;

  • shared your solution to a problem someone else is facing.