ATXpo 2015 Planning

 
Notes by Noah Wittman.
 
Background: Academic Technology Expo
Ken proposed this last year, so people who are practitioners — to improve collaborations across campus.
 
October 3. 144 registrants. slightly fewer attendees, around 100 attendees. 12 Exhibitors from across campus. IN the afternoon, we had breakout session. Goal today is to process feedback.
atexpo.stanford.edu there was a survey — overwhelmingly positive. 33 responses. 100% yes, most likely for attending again. 
 
Feedback:
Expo section was the most popular session. 
Considered other institutions. Its been a long time since we’ve talked, since 
 
80% staff, 10% instructors, 10% students
Having instructors attend is challenging but important. 
 
Registration process. Nominal fee for staff. Second option for grad students was free. 
 
Keynote speaker: Great speaker. Next time, we should be ground topic in higher education.
 
Careful with sponsorship and participation by outside vendors. We might consider having separate area, section for outside vendors. during lunch? 
 
What Educause does well is partner companies with institutions. Marketing pitch with case study. We probably do not want to go there. 
 
Small group activity went well. 
 
I like to have students there. This would be valuable. 
 
The CTL would also like to see students. 
 
You could have MBA second years presenting on past projects. 
 
Are we still focusing on a keynote? Yes, seems good. 
Possibility of going for outside keynote? Whoever can contribute to goal of event, has something relevant to say..
 
afternoon unconference? 
 
Barbara:Like the idea of an activity? 
Tiffany: How about talking about unsolved problems?
Paul: We want to be responsive to needs in terms of topic. 
What gets people excited is tension. Panel presentation could be effective here. 
 
Size is an issue: We couldn’t accommodate more than 100. We might need critical mass of participation for unconference. If we make it larger, more expense, planning, etc. Is it worth it to expand.
 
There may be a strategy of slightly overbooking, like an airline, to create a sense of buzz, activity. 
 
Were staff fees an issue? Unconference was huge success. Not a barrier for staff. Really easy for us. just click. For faculty, there should be no issues. Should be escape clause for faculty. Need to message this slightly better.
 
Noah Wittman (UC Berkeley) is happy to continue on with participation in planning. 
 
12 Exhibits. NMC Idea Lab. Advisory Board nominate best in show. 
 
Lathrop and Wallenberg. Simplify venue by using Wallenberg and Lathrop, saving screen expenses (?). 
 
Web Communications. Majority of people did not post descriptions prior to event. This will be in teaching commons soon.
 Next Steps
Planning Committee
Advisory Board — representing participating groups/units
Keep in touch with Noah
put out call for first planning committee meeting
Reseaching out to sponsors earlier in process
We should take photos from the expo to generate interest