Speed Networking Lounge
The OLC Speed Networking Lounge is an informal space that allows participants to connect with fellow attendees through lightweight, collaborative activities.
Overview | Schedule | Committee
What is Speed Networking?
The OLC Speed Networking Lounge is an informal space that allows participants to connect with fellow attendees through lightweight, collaborative activities. Arguably one of the best features of conference attendance is the ability to network with colleagues from across the world. But how do you make your time networking meaningful, especially if you are a person who finds it to be awkward or intimidating? Our goal is to create a safe space that makes it easy and stress-free to engage can by having fun, short activities to bring people together, give your brain a break, and meet some new colleagues.
Virtual Speed Networking at OLC Innovate
Make new connections using the Virtual Speed Networking lounge! You will be able to interact with other virtual attendees from the convenience of your digital device. There will be one Speed Networking session each day, offering informal opportunities to connect and discuss topics of interest. Attend one or all, and come as you are! Whether you prefer to lurk or lead the conversation, Speed Networking offers something for everyone.
Schedule
There are different activities set at different times, so take a look at the schedule (coming soon) to get a sense of when you might best engage in the OLC Innovate 2021 Virtual Conference Speed Networking Lounge.
Note: All scheduled times are listed in US Central Time Zone
| 11:00am - 11:30am | Virtual Speed Networking Lounge: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Welcome Monica Simonsen, Julie Evey |
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the core of our professional practice and organizational mission, but what does that mean to you? Join the DEI committee for a virtual coffee to hear about OLC’s new DEI initiatives, tools and resources, and to kick off the DEI Innovate Challenge! |
| 1:30pm - 2:00pm | Fill Your Cup: Setting Expectations for the Speed Networking Lounge Clea Mahoney, Lara Tompkins |
The OLC Speed Networking Lounge is all about casual conversation and connecting with colleagues. What might that look like for OLC Innovate 2021? Join this kick-off session to help session co-chairs, Clea and Lara, shape upcoming Speed Networking sessions to meet your needs and interests. |
| 11:00am - 11:30am | Choose Your Own Speed Networking Adventure: Breakout Bonanza Clea Mahoney, Lara Tompkins |
Join us in the Speed Networking Lounge for a “whatcha wanna talk about?” experiment where we leverage the power of Zoom breakout rooms to create casual, “mini speed networking lounges” based on common interests. We’ll determine interests and themes in the first 10 minutes, but hop in whenever you can and we’ll help you make some quick friendships before the 30 minutes are up! |
| 2:45pm - 3:15pm | Follow Me: Buddy Up Your Conference Sessions Clea Mahoney, Lara Tompkins |
Have you ever had that magical moment where you just “clicked” with a fellow conference attendee and ended up attending some conference sessions together just to keep the conversation going? This session is all about how we can make that happen in the virtual world! Join us for strategies, inspiration, and of course, the casual socialization you’ve come to expect (and love) from the Speed Networking Lounge. |
| 9:45am - 10:15am | Recharge Your Batteries with the Slow Networking Lounge Clea Mahoney, Lara Tompkins |
It’s been a wonderful week of conference sessions, and our brains are buzzing with new knowledge, inspiration, and hopefully, new friendships. Remember, though: your brain needs downtime, too! Join us in our final Speed...er, Slow Networking Lounge session for an open invitation to take a breath, take a walk, take a stretch, and take what you need to recharge your batteries. |
Committee Members
 |
|
Clea Mahoney: Speed Networking Co-Chair Clea (she/her/hers) is an instructional technologist and adjunct faculty at New York University, where she focuses on faculty development in using technology to support teaching and learning across all disciplines and course modalities. In addition to her Speed Networking Co-Chair duties with the amazing Lara Tompkins, Clea’s OLC work includes facilitating a 3-day workshop on Live, Online Sessions with Karen Costa. When she’s not glued to a computer screen, Clea is a proud cat mom to her two sweet babies, Icarus (12) and Zena (4). You’ll probably meet them if you spend any time online with Clea.
|
 |
|
Lara Tompkins: Speed Networking Co-Chair (she/her/hers) Lara (she/her/hers) is a visually impaired instructional technologist and underground digital accessibility evangelist at College of DuPage, a community college serving the western suburbs of Chicago. She consults with faculty and designs systems, resources, and professional development opportunities on various topics including accessibility, equity, and OER. Ever a cat lady like the fabulous Clea, Lara cares for an undisclosed number of second-hand felines. In her spare time, she engages in artsy fartsy pursuits and plays all the Animal Crossing. |
Sponsored by
