training event planning guide - harvard university...coordinates with event planning on catering and...
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Office of Strategic Initiatives Digital Preservation Outreach and Education
Training Event Planning Guide
Contents About the Guide.................................................................................................................. 1 Training Event Principles..................................................................................................... 2 Roles and Responsibilities................................................................................................ 3‐4 Organizing for the Event .................................................................................................. 5‐8 Managing the Event Schedule ............................................................................................ 9 Event Checklists............................................................................................. Attachment A This is version 1.0 of the DPOE Training Event Planning Guide. DPOE produced the original version in November 2011. It was last updated on 9 November 2011.
About the Guide DPOE promotes the expansion of digital preservation training and curation opportunities on a national scale. This objective is supported by the promotion of core training principles, by leveraging existing curricula, by developing a base of trainers through train‐the‐trainer programs, by maintaining the most comprehensive calendar of training events possible, and by raising awareness of the need for and availability of training. The DPOE Training Event Planning Guide supports individuals and organizations interested in delivering digital preservation training events. Users of this guide support the DPOE mission by:
Following DPOE principles in planning and delivering training events
Encouraging less experienced trainers and other interested parties to participate in the DPOE program
Providing feedback on this guide and other DPOE resources to improve their content and utility
Sharing successes, sample training materials, examples, exercises, lessons learned with the community
These related DPOE resources might also be of use in planning for an event:
For curriculum content: DPOE Modules V2
To publicize and document your event: DPOE Calendar
To understand training needs in your region or sector: DPOE Needs Assessment Version 1.0 of the DPOE Training Event Planning Guide was compiled with contributions from Nancy McGovern, George Coulbourne, Thomas Padilla, Kristopher Nelson, Ellen O’Donnell, and Mary Rhoads. DPOE welcomes feedback on the DPOE Training Event Planning Guide; please send feedback to [email protected].
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DPOE Training Event Principles DPOE Training Event Principles support an inclusive model of digital preservation and curation training that encourages program participants to embrace opportunities for collaboration and community‐oriented activities. All DPOE resources incorporate these principles. It is a hope and expectation that training providers who collaborate with DPOE or make use of DPOE resources will embrace the DPOE Training Event Principles. Following these principles will result in inclusive training events, based upon a constantly developing curriculum, offered to appropriate audiences by trained instructors. Audience
receives training targeted at a specific audience with intended outcomes identified
cuts across domains, communities, and sectors
applies and is accepted to specific training events when appropriate
is actively involved in training evaluation and impact assessment Content
is suited to the purpose, level, and topic of the offering
is made as available as possible for use by other community instructors
reflects prevailing community standards and practice
includes and shares as many practical examples and use cases as possible Trainers
have a level of knowledge, skills, and experience appropriate to the training
seek opportunities to expand and update their knowledge and skills
share their knowledge, approaches, and experiences as widely as possible Events
are publicized beyond provider perimeters to serve the wider community
are available to any participants who meet specific criteria and prerequisites
are made as affordable as possible while addressing provider costs
taking place online and onsite are designed to reach a range of relevant participants
NOTE: These principles are loosely modeled on the principles developed for NISO’s A Framework of Guidance for Building Good Digital Collections.
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Roles and Responsibilities If you have the resources, you may convene a logistics team to handle operational issues and an instructional team to address curriculum content issues. However your event is structured, it is essential to assign roles with defined responsibilities to ensure that there are shared objectives for the training event. For smaller scale training events, look around for volunteers to help. It is challenging and not nearly as fun to organize and deliver workshops on your own. Training events also benefit from a variety of perspectives. You can see from the scope of the roles defined below that members of the logistics team do not have to know about digital preservation to help out. The time required for organizing and guiding volunteers should be factored into the timeline for organizing the training event. The roles and activities discussed here can be managed by smaller teams where one or two fill all of the roles. With a smaller team there will be overlap between some of these roles. The Trainer(s)
facilitate exercises, respond to questions from attendees, and contributes to the development of content
practice material to be presented and arrive prepared for assigned sessions
review training materials upon request
follow travel planning instructions and be responsive to requests The Lead Organizer
initiates and/or manages the event once it begins
determines dates for event (finalizes with Event Planning)
identifies and confirms trainers for event
defines requirements for event (catering, venue setup, audio‐visual, training materials)
sends welcome and thank you messages to participants (at minimum) The Project Manager
manages workshop logistics before, during and after event
coordinates with event planning on catering and anything that affects event schedule
coordinates with IT about equipment requirements and technical support
oversees registration and payment process (if applicable)
oversees training materials production for each workshop (e.g., set deadlines, coordinate printing)
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maintains event schedule and shares updated versions with team
coordinates with workshop participants from registration through updates just prior to event and any follow up after the event
communicates deadlines with instructors/trainers about their participation (e.g., deadlines, requirements)
The Event Planner(s)
provides advice/instructions for event (e.g., deadlines, setup, schedule timing)
organizes contracts/arrangements with event hotel
organizes hotel reservations and travel support for instructors/trainers (if applicable)
makes/confirms training room reservations
organizes catering, hospitality IT, Website, & Administrative Staff
assists with logistics before, during and after event
provides technical support for training event (IT)
updates web‐based and other information sources about events upon request (e.g., calendar entries, announcements, course descriptions, event details)
The Attendees
should be aware of training expectations and outcomes
complete homework and prerequisites prior to training event upon request
arrive prepared to participate in training and in follow up activities
provide informative feedback for events
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Organizing for the Event When organizing for the event it is helpful to consider the following questions. Who is the intended audience for the workshop?
All training events should have a target audience. Efforts to ensure that attendees match the target audience are a key to success. It may be tempting to accept anyone who expresses interest in a training event, but doing so means that the intent of the training event and the expectations of the attendees will be at odds. Create a future opportunity for would‐be attendees by letting them know about future training events that might be of interest, and/or point them to other training events that are a better fit for their interests and expectations.
Who will the trainers for the workshop be?
Confirm the availability of all trainers and make sure that you have an instruction team that is able to effectively present (become familiar with, develop, or adapt) the training content.
Who will fill the organizing roles for the training event?
People to fill roles may be readily available for a training event or may have to be found. Willing volunteers might be colleagues, friends, family, or acquaintances.
What are the desired outcomes for the training event?
Briefly state what attendees should know and be able to do after attending the training. For the DPOE modules, this might be: “Attendees should have a greater awareness of the scope of digital preservation activities and of some resources to learn more.”
What will attendees receive?
Examples for onsite events include printed name tags, training materials, certificates of completion or attendance, information about the host institution, and local information (transportation, restaurants, attractions and nightlife).
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If you are able to award credit for attending a training event, be clear that this option is available, how attendees will qualify for credits, and what documentation will be provided. DPOE does not have a continuing education credit system in place for the modules, but please notify the DPOE team ([email protected]) if that is of interest or if you have a mechanism for doing so that you would like to try.
What homework or prerequisites will be required of the attendees?
If there are prerequisites for training, make sure that the criteria are applied consistently for all attendees. If homework is required, make sure that attendees have enough time to complete it. The DPOE modules, which this guide supplements, do not have any prerequisites because the intended audience is not expected to have any familiarity with digital preservation, though organizers of training may identify some easy activities to prepare.
Where will the training event be held?
The room should be appropriate to the number of attendees (not too large and not too small), comfortable to be in for the duration of the training (comfortable chairs and tables situated for all to sit at and see well), and easy to use audiovisual equipment. Ideally, there is space in the room or nearby for breaks and/or lunches.
Where will the trainers and attendees stay during the training event? (If applicable)
If attendees and trainers need to travel to the event, identify options for the most convenient, affordable accommodations. Often, organizations have rate agreements with local hotels, etc. Arranging for a block of rooms for attendees should not require a commitment of money by the organizers.
When will the training event be held?
When deciding what day(s) the event will be held it is important to consider how your choice will affect workshop attendance. Would you have a better turnout on a weekday evening or a weekend afternoon? How would it be for your desired audience to travel to your event, park, etc., on various days and at certain times? Consider the effect of proximate holidays or other major events.
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When will registration need to be announced and completed for the training event to be organized?
Consider how much time attendees will need to be able to make arrangements to attend the training event. That will determine the date by which the event should be announced and when registration (when applicable) should open and close. If there is cap on the number of attendees, be sure to make that known and to build that into the registration process.
When will the training materials need to be ready for the training event?
Organizers need to determine when training materials must be printed, posted, and/or copied onto flash drives or other media for distribution prior to the start of the event. The list of training materials to be provided to attendees should be identified and used as a checklist to make sure it is ready for the event.
Why is the training being conducted?
Organizers should be clear about the desired outcomes of each training event so that success can be measured and adjustments can be made for future events.
How will the training materials be made available to attendees?
Training materials may be made available to attendees in hard copy or digital format or a combination of the two. Digital materials may be provided online or copied onto a USB drive or other format that attendees receive. Materials in either format may be made available before (e.g., homework), during, or after attending a training event. Organizers typically consider cost, ease of use for attendees, and intellectual property rights when deciding how to make materials available to attendees. The DPOE modules should be cited appropriately, but otherwise the modules are not subject to intellectual property constraints.
How will you assess the success of the training event?
For the success of a training event to be determined, the outcomes need to be known and measurable. The DPOE modules include a sample evaluation form. You are encouraged to use it and share the results with the DPOE network to assist other organizers and help revise the modules.
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Evaluation forms may be provided in hard copy form or online, either during or just after the training event. It can be easier to get more responses from attendees if you encourage the completion of evaluation forms during training and it is common to link completing evaluation forms to receiving certificates of completion.
How will you follow up with attendees after the event?
It would be reasonable to follow up with attendees to check on their progress. You might follow up by email, a survey, or other means. If you decide to follow up, you should let attendees know what to expect after the event.
How much support will you provide for travel and accommodation? (If applicable)
Attendees need to know what to expect for travel support, e.g., information about the venue, travel options, accommodation options and/or available rates, and financial support (which is not common). Providing this information with an online description of the event as well as emailing registered attendees are effective in managing this information and avoiding confusion.
How much will you expect from trainers?
Managing expectations about level of effort and time commitment is important for a successful event and any instructions should be provided in written form.
How much will you charge for the training event? (If applicable)
Tuition that enables covering costs is common. A key decision for organizers is to balance the cost of delivering training against the amount potential attendees can and will afford to pay. If you decide to charge tuition, think through the best and easiest way to collect and document tuition payments. Remember that some portion of attendees will require a second or third copy of their receipt.
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Managing the Event Schedule The schedule for the training event is essential for delivering successful training events. These are some considerations for constructing your training event schedule.
Key information: Attendees need to know the start time and end time for the training event, in addition to break and lunch times should you choose to have them.
Arriving and leaving: If attendees will be driving or flying to attend, consider what beginning and end time will be most convenient.
Level of detail: Developing an internal schedule with very specific time slots for your team to follow (e.g., how long presentations will be, when an exercise should start and end) is helpful. A more general schedule should be provided to attendees because it allows you greater flexibility in structuring your event and adjusting as needed.
Test your timing: Be sure to walk through your session(s) and breaks to be familiar with delivering the material and to identify potential timing challenges.
Catering: If you are having breaks and lunch, coordinate with the caterers (if you have them) on when those will be and know how to work around their requirements.
Sequencing: Schedule something engaging at the start of your event and think about how to make sessions after lunch more interactive.
Consistency: If you are doing a sequence of sessions over a period of time, consider the best way to schedule those sessions. For example will sessions be at the same time on the same day for a number of weeks or each day for a week? Variations in scheduling needs to be carefully managed to avoid confusion.
Wrap‐up: Allow time during your event for evaluations if you expect those to be completed during the training. Also allow time for handing out certificates and discussion of next steps.
Punctuality: Start and end on time!
Hospitality: If there will be any events scheduled in the evenings, make sure attendees know about those well in advance.
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A syllabus for the training is a good supplement for the agenda, so attendees can read a concise description of the objectives for the training. The DPOE modules include a sample syllabus to adapt for your training event. Attendees often request a schedule or syllabus in advance of a training event. Providing the complete versions in advance can be confusing (the content might not be clear enough to attendees or might seem overwhelming) or might prove challenging to your planning process if the schedule changes after you have shared it.
Audiovisual Needs
Scheduling the Venue
Selecting a Venue
Before the Event: Venue
Event Checklists
Select a venue with enough tables, chairs and breakout spaces to accommodate event activities.
Select a venue that is easy to get to by car and/or public transit.
Select a venue that will comfortably accommodate all attendees, staff, & observers.
Select a venue that will allow a seating configuration that suits your workshop design
Confirm whether or not proximate events will affect the training event.
Schedule venue audiovisual and technical support.
Schedule venue for time needed to set-up, instruct, and clean up.
Print clear signs to direct attendees to venue.
Request venue rules and regulations.
Recording and Photographing Event
Microphone(s) for trainers/presenters
Test speakers providing audio for presentation
Speakers to provide audio for presentation
Remote for advancing presentation slides
Computer to connect to projector
Projector(or other display device) for slides
Test microphone(s)
Plans to record event include
Staff with video expertise
Equipment & Lighting
Microphones for recording
Plans to photograph event include
Signed promotional permissions from all event participants and venue owner
Staff member to photograph event
Attachment A
Indicate if meals will be provided
Provide directions to event by car and public transit
List local attractions
Address whether internet access will be available
Address whether computers are required
Address whether computers will be provided
Describe registration process
Specify, if applicable, event participation cost
Trainers & Support Staff
Coordinate with staff tasked with IT & audiovisual support to confirm equipment and technical support.
Coordinate with staff tasked with event planning on catering and anything that affects event schedule.
Communicate deadlines and requirements to trainers.
Confirm start and end times for event
Before the Event: Communications
Letter of Confirmation:
Workshop Announcement:
Define purpose of event
Identify target audience(s)
Specify desired skill levels
State the number of possible attendees
Provide expected outcomes
Include method of event registration
Confirm participant registration
Provide communications expectations(e.g. logistics document forthcoming)
State date, place, and start and end times for event
Logistics Information
Attendees
Attachment A
Before the Event: Materials
Folders/notebooks for materials if applicable
Table Tents/Placards
Flips chart & flip chart markers
Nametags
Writing pads
Pens
Cups, plates, utensils, & napkins for refreshments if not provided by caterer
Contact information for trainers and attendees
Event agenda
Training evaluation form
DPOE module(s), slide(s), and resources
Information about local attractions
Travel information
Workshop
Training
Storage media for material dissemination if applicable: Flash drive(s), CDR, etc.
Attachment A
During the EventArrive early to ensure venue is ready
Layout nametags, training materials, sign-sheets.
Configure tables and chairs.
Test all IT & audiovisual equipment: projector, slides, audio + video segments, microphones, etc.
Load slides on presentation computer.
Place event signs in clearly visible locations .
Ensure team is prepared to answer questions about logistics.
Ensure team is prepared to organize technical support.
Ensure team is prepared to provide administrative support.
Allow brief period of time for trainer, team member, and attendee introductions.
Communicate changes in schedule if any.
Communicate time that all breaks will occur.
Communicate next steps during wrap-up.
Attachment A
Process evaluation forms in easy to understand format- e.g. quantitative summary + select comments.
Send thank you notes
After the Event
to trainers
to attendees
to IT support , A/V support, Event Planner, and any other parties who provided assistance
Share evaluation results with
trainer team
hosts
sponsors
DPOE network
Decide needs or wants to see feedback.
attendees
Conduct follow-up with attendees, trainers, and team members.
Hold immediate debrief with team to discuss what worked, did not work, how to improve.
Share what you learned and examples that might help other trainers.
Attachment A