[Sareena Hopkins]

Hmmm…so many to choose from! I’m struggling to think of just one, but I can say the “ingredients” that make for a great session in my view. I love sessions that provide enough context and meaty content to dig into. I really appreciate sessions that include opportunities for reflection, discussion, the exchange of ideas, and a focus on application. I look for sessions that make strong connections to the realities within our sector (whether it’s service delivery, policy, or further research) and to real-life (broader issues such as poverty reduction, intersectionality, etc). Finally, I think even the most serious content can be facilitated in ways that are fun, active, include movement, laughter, and some silliness.

[Heather Powell]

I agree!

I think it is important to incorporate appropriate humor and some level of participation into conference sessions. We have all felt the “conference burnout” before and this can be lessened by incorporating appropriate humor and participation.

[Heather Powell]

I believe that the most effective conference sessions are the ones that encourage small-group discussion.

When I last attended Cannexus (back in 2017), I remember that almost all of the sessions that I attended included a small group discussion and then an opportunity to bring the information back to the large discussion.

I appreciate this format because it follows important adult learning principles such as experiential learning by sharing their own experiences and applying them to the topic being discussed. It can also lead to mentorship opportunities because, for lack of a better term, forces people to talk to each other. I find that people can be nervous about speaking to others at conferences for a variety of reasons and when a topic is provided to guide the interaction, it can set the stage for some effective networking opportunities.

[Sarah Taylor]

I have also really enjoyed sessions that include break out groups or the opportunity for smaller discussions to discuss and digest the learning. It allows those in the session who are not comfortable piping up in a larger group to contribute in a way that may be more comfortable to them.

[Pamela Daoust]

When I found out that we are planning a fishbowl session at our annual ASPECT BC conference, I was glad to see sessions designed with alternative methodologies in our programming. The “conference burnout” that Heather mentions often results from classic conference agendas that offer little participation with mostly presentations and panel discussions. Also, I find that a conference’s networking activities are as important as the sessions.

[Gabrielle St-Cyr]

I had to google what a “fishbowl session” is, but I love that idea! I also agree that networking activities are sooo important!

One of the workshops that made the biggest impression on me was at an ASPECT BC conference. It wasn’t so much the content (how to create live visual support on a whiteboard for your workshops/presentations) that stood out for me (although it was absolutely brilliant), but rather the dynamism of the two speakers, their mastery of the subject, and their invitation to try out different techniques with them.

[Pamela Daoust]

Wonderful, I’m glad to hear that! I’m curious, was it with digital whiteboards like Miro or smart digital whiteboards? Such as these https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-digital-whiteboard

digitalcameraworld.com

The best digital whiteboard in 2023

Present to colleagues, collaborate with clients or get students involved in classes, with the best interactive whiteboards

[Heather Powell]

The first time I used a digital whiteboard was at the University of Guelph. Once I got passed my fear of using a permanent marker, by mistake, I found it very engaging and that it keep participants engaged in the conversations that we were having in regard to the training session.

I found that effective use of images and having the ability to switch to new information helps the flow of my presentations. I have also found that using tools like Kahoot! can help keep people engaged in the topic that is being discussed.

[Gabrielle St-Cyr]

Not even – just whiteboards and markers! That was probably 8-10 years ago, before the introduction of these smart boards. 😉

[Heather Powell]

We still have a mix of whiteboards and smartboards at the University of Guelph! We still have chalkboards in some of the classrooms. Talk about a blend of technologies lol.

I can remember in my previous agency, I heard of a story where someone used a permanent marker on a digital board of some kind and, while you can guess what happened…

I am grateful for the tech resources that are being shared in this community. It provides me with a whole new set of tools! 😃