When I think about the theme of this year’s OLC Accelerate, “The Next 30 Years,” I think about the moments that make you feel like you’re a part of something larger than yourself. From reflecting on the memories and lessons of the past to brainstorming innovations that push the boundaries of what online learning can be, it’s incredible and inspiring to connect with so many like-minded peers.
And honestly, I also think about cake. Because I have fond memories of celebrating my own 30th birthday at Disney, and let me tell you, nothing hits the spot quite like a giant slice of chocolate cake.
That’s what the Field Guide Program feels like too: a mix of guidance, connection, and a little magic sprinkled in.
Finding Your Way Without Getting Lost
Conferences are opportunities to connect with peers and bring ideas back to our home institutions, but honestly, they can also be a little overwhelming. Hundreds of sessions, hundreds of people, and your brain trying to remember if you wanted to go to a session on AI or online discussions or student engagement next.
Ensuring everyone feels welcomed and knows how to make the most of the conference experience is exactly why Field Guides exist. Think of us as your friendly navigators. We’ll help you figure out which sessions actually match your goals, introduce you to people who make you feel like you belong, and even give you a mini-orientation…so you don’t end up in the water swimming to Epcot outside the Dolphin Resort. Our goal is to make sure everyone feels supported and knows they are not alone.
Last year, I attended and presented at OLC Accelerate for the first time. I was the only person from my University attending, and I didn’t know anyone else who was going. I arrived feeling nervous but exhilarated, and I left feeling transformed, both personally and professionally.
The Field Guides were the facilitators to my OLC transformation. Field Guides orient newcomers to the conference and showcase how genuinely warm the OLC community is. I met friendly faces who were quick to share meals, ideas, and encouragement. Looking back at 2024, it was one of the most impactful experiences of the year for me (just ahead of finally getting to ride Tron at the Magic Kingdom).
Tips from a Former First-Timer
Stop by the Field Guide Station right at the entrance of the conference and ask for session suggestions. The Field Guides are full of great insights about where to start. Be sure to join the Engagement Sessions, which are wonderful opportunities to meet peers and build lasting connections. Everyone’s here with the same goal of improving online learning, so don’t hesitate to strike up conversations.
A few practical tips that made my experience even better:
- Bring a QR code to your LinkedIn profile on a business card. It’s an easy way to connect and keep conversations going after the conference.
- Use the OLC Accelerate app to bookmark sessions and download materials. Reviewing slides and resources later helped me bring ideas back to my team.
- Ask questions! Asking people where they’re from, what sessions they’ve enjoyed, or what they’re looking forward to are easy conversation starters.
- Take advantage of meal times. The food at OLC is fantastic, and sharing a meal is one of the easiest ways to form real connections.
- Visit the Sanctuary Room. The Sanctuary is a quiet, reflective space open during regular conference hours to rest and recharge. You can stop in anytime to decompress or join for early morning yoga on Tuesday and Thursday. There are also mindfulness sessions each day. It’s the perfect spot to pause, breathe, and reconnect mind and body before diving back into the conference buzz.
One of my favorite Field Guide moments is showing people around the beautiful Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort. You can join a Field Guide tour of the WDW Dolphin Convention Center on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning, which is a great way to get oriented and grounded before the conference fully kicks off. We’ll help you find your way through the space, catching all of the inspiring views, places to recharge, and, if you’re lucky, glimpses of Mickey himself.
And if you’re nervous about jumping in, don’t be. The Field Guides exist for exactly that reason: to help you feel confident, connected, and like you’re exactly where you’re meant to be (even if your brain is still processing all of the exciting insights from the day before.)
So here’s my invitation: come stop by the Field Guide Station. Ask questions, share what you’re curious about, and let us help you chart a path through the conference that actually supports your learning and growth. We’re here to make sure no one feels lost, intimidated, or like they missed the memo on how to get the most out of the conference.
Because the next 30 years start right here, right now, and there’s no better way to step into the future than with people who help you feel like you belong. (And maybe with a slice of cake somewhere in the mix.)
