Attending OLC Accelerate for the first time in November? Don’t miss out on the Field Guide program! Conferences can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers, but the Field Guide program is designed to help you navigate the event and ensure you get the most out of your experience. Whether it’s finding prime networking opportunities, locating sessions that match your interests, or simply feeling welcomed, the Field Guides are here to help. Here’s how you can take advantage of this program:

1. Personal Field Guide Want to get the most out of your first OLC Accelerate experience? Partner with your own personal Field Guide! These experienced professionals have attended OLC Accelerate for years and are well-versed in its sessions, networking events, and opportunities. Your Field Guide will help tailor your conference schedule to match your interests and goals, meet you for coffee during networking breaks, and introduce you to fellow attendees. It’s a great way to feel connected and make your first OLC Accelerate experience both meaningful and enjoyable.
2. Engagement Maps Not sure which sessions are the can’t-miss ones? The Engagement Maps, created by Track Chairs, highlight the most impactful presentations at the conference. These curated guides list the sessions along with dates, times, room locations, and descriptions, helping you prioritize your time. You can access these maps by visiting the Field Guide station near the conference registration desk at the Dolphin Hotel. Look for the QR codes to quickly access the Engagement Maps that match your interests.
3. Field Guide Station Stop by the Field Guide station when you arrive! Located next to the registration desk, this station is staffed by seasoned OLC attendees ready to answer your questions and offer guidance. The station is open Monday, November 18, from 3:00–6:00 pm and Tuesday, November 19,  from 7:30 am–12:00 pm. Outside of those hours, you can still access useful resources like the Engagement Maps to help guide your experience throughout the conference.
4. Conference Tours A great way to get familiar with the conference venue before it gets busy is by taking a guided tour led by a Field Guide. These tours will show you where sessions, coffee stations, vendors, and other key locations are, saving you time and helping you navigate the event smoothly. By knowing the layout, you’ll be able to make the most of your conference time—whether that’s catching your next session or grabbing a coffee on the way!
5. First-Time Attendee Welcome & Orientation After breakfast on Tuesday morning, head to Southern Hemisphere III at 8:30 am for the First-Time Attendee Welcome & Orientation. This session introduces you to some of the most exciting engagement opportunities at the conference, such as the Technology Test Kitchen, Meditation & Mindfulness sessions, the Once Upon A 5K Run/Walk, and more. You’ll also have the chance to meet the organizers of these activities and decide which ones are the best fit for you.
6. Social Networking Looking for a way to wind down and connect with fellow attendees? If you’re not heading to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, join us for an informal networking event on Wednesday evening, hosted by former OLC Accelerate Conference Chair, Dr. Sherri Restauri. This is a relaxed opportunity to meet new people, discuss ideas, or simply unwind and enjoy some casual conversation.*Please note, this is not an official conference event and won’t be listed in the program. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the hotel lobby bar.