Dear [insert name)],

[Explain how attending will improve your job performance: list specific workshops, sessions, or keynotes that enable you to be a more valuable employee.]

I would like to attend the OLC Innovate 2020 Virtual conference, which takes place from June 15-26, 2020. This is the Online Learning Consortium’s and MERLOT’s annual conference for digital and online learning – and this year it is completely virtual and flexible for attendees. I can choose from a multitude of online sessions spanning a wide variety of topics and special interest areas, including EdTech, proctoring, accessibility, gamification, K-12, open educational resources, and many other online, and digital learning sessions. Specifically, I can attend the keynotes to learn new strategies for teaching today’s students, who present unique challenges for teaching. The program also includes four targeted summits – HBCU, Research, Community College and the Leadership Network. I would also attend [insert your selection of sessions] workshop to improve my online teaching and course development skills. 

[Explain how attending will benefit your institution and provide a competitive edge: list workshops and events that will provide information on current challenges faced by your institution.]

The conference is now 100% virtual due to the COVID-19 situation. Registration for the virtual conference includes live-stream and on-demand recordings (available for a year post-conference) of nearly 300 sessions, including keynotes, featured sessions, education sessions, and industry showcases. 

[List and describe networking opportunities that will empower your institution to learn and grow through peer support and shared solutions.]

There will also be opportunities to connect with peers through virtual social and networking activities. The Innovation Studio is just one of many networking opportunities to connect with online learning peers and leaders whom I might not meet through other channels. These virtual gatherings are all platforms to explore possible solutions to issues and challenges we face on our campus by discussing them with colleagues who have successfully addressed these same challenges.

[Describe your plan for collecting and sharing the valuable information and resources you acquire while attending the conference.]

Not only can I benefit greatly by attending this conference, there is also an opportunity for our entire university to attend and have access to all of the 300 recorded sessions for a full year after the event by purchasing an unlimited package for our institution. The cost for this is just $1695 ($1095, for OLC Institutional Members). This is an incredible professional development opportunity for all faculty and staff on our campus. An investment in professional development like this will enable me and my colleagues to learn, explore, and discuss new theories, research, tools, and technologies that can benefit us as individuals and as an institution. I plan to collect up-to-the-minute information, innovative resources, and new connections that will improve the quality and success of our faculty and our institution. I look forward to sharing the knowledge I gained from this conference with colleagues via a presentation with handouts and supporting materials.  

You can learn more about OLC Innovate at https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/attend-2020/innovate/.

Thank you for reviewing my request.  I hope you will share my enthusiasm for the opportunities this conference offers. 

Sincerely,

[Insert your name]