Have you ever heard of an “unsession”?
Matt Baehr recently talked about this on his blog and I think this is a neat idea that can really extend the learning and networking possibilities of our delegates at Conference.
I can see us using unsessions as a unique way for each of you, the members, to hold your own sessions that either couldn’t make it into the Conference program…or a way to extend the learning from a session that was just held.
All we need are some tables, chairs, flip-charts, etc. and some great minds willing to share ideas with their colleagues.
Do you think we should consider setting up “unsession” areas at this year’s Conference?
I think “unsessions” would be wonderful to add to the conference. Great ideas can come from great conversation! And it would be a nice format change to the scheduled sessions.
I agree, I think it would be a great opportunity to gather even more information to take away with us.
Let’s give this a try. Does the organizer prime the pump, so to speak. Say have a list of topics that have been circulating? I like the idea a lot… and I’m not even a gen X’r. Arnie
Hi Arnie,
From what I’ve heard about unsessions is that they are not monitored, nor are they formally organized.
Think of it like this…say you went to a great session and time ran out but you still had a bunch of questions. 9 other people in the room had the same issue. Rather than forgetting about it and carrying on with your day, you would have the opportunity to meet-up and continue the conversation.
Now, you could probably do this over dinner or at the bar…but do you really travel in packs with those that attended the same sessions as you?
This would basically be a free-form, user-generated, town-hall, meet-up space (did I cover enough?) that is initiated and run by whomever is interested in the continuation of the discussion. But we would have a designated spot for this to happen, possibly with flip-charts and easels and stuff to make it more “educational”.
Personally, I’d love to see really niche groups use this “unsession” area as a place to network and hold their own sessions that may not have been “widely accepted” enough to gain acceptance into the general Conference program.
If there are people out there that want to continue their learning experiences at Conference, and I know there are, who are we to stop you? I say let’s help give you the tools to make your unsession more valuable and worthwhile.
Unsessions are out there being done…why not see if it’s something of benefit to the membership?
Why not? I agree, I was at national conference and it would have been nice to grabe 30 - 60 minutes after a great session to keep the discussion going. Sometimes it feels like you got the main course in the session and right when you’re getting to the desert the restaurant has to close…..
Let’s do it!
A great idea to take on, whether it’s an opportunity for locating ‘post session’ discussion; a space for someone to share ideas/successes and invite others to do so; and/or incorporates some planned/advance structure (like the poster presentations NRPA has used). The Golf Superintendents Association national conference sets up a small ‘room’ right in the exhibit hall, with plexiglas ‘walls’ and seating for maybe 30, and schedules short duration/specific topic presentations. Creates an interesting energy in that space.
Different formats and approaches for learning opportunities has to be a good thing. This could expand on the already incredible amount of information available at the conference, and allow for more individualized gains.
I really think the “unsessions concept” is very creative and innovative. It gives a whole new dimension to new and enhanced learning at a conference. How many times have we really looked forward to a session (omiting so many others that seemed interesting) and have only an hour to explore the topic? Can you imagine having two or even three hours to explore a topic in-depth with content experts? Once again IPRA and members lead the nation in creativity and innovative programs. Aren’t you the State that has the most Gold Medals?
-Joe Schultz from Santa Cruz, CA
Thanks for the link. I hope the idea has sparked some interest. Based on the comments, it looks like it has. If you do an unsession at your conference, I would love to hear about it. As a holder of a Masters in Sports Administration, I would love to hear the topics too!