So you’ve been asked to present at the art of mass gatherings…
… here’s what to expect!
What should I present?
The more interactive and participatory, the better. Focus on concrete skills, habits of mind, and processes that participants can use in their own careers to create more safe, accessible, sustainable, and community-driven events.
Meeting learners where they’re at. It’s helpful if you can focus on skills or methods which require minimal to no prior training/knowledge for participants to at least follow along. Still, you can definitely point them to specific classes or resources you’d recommend they take in order to really pursue this topic.
Think about your topic in an experiential way. How is it experienced in vivo at an event by crew or participants? What can people do, see, hear, touch, or smell that will help these lessons stick in their minds?
Who’s the audience?
A cross-section of current (and prospective) arts, culture, and event workers and emergency professionals.
Participants come from a wide variety of skill levels and specializations. Some of them might have expertise in your specific topic– invite them into the conversation if your session format permits! These events work best when everyone takes turns throughout the day as both teachers and learners.
How long do I have to present?
It depends on what kind of session you’ll be participating in. Your event contact will share details about your session format and length (though feel free to ask if you haven’t heard yet).
Most of our sessions are about 35 minutes long. However sometimes this time is shared by 2-3 learning stations that participants rotate through. Most program days also feature one 50-minute workshop. Some feature talks, lightning presentations, or other formats.
Talk to us if you’re excited about participating but are worried about presentation length or aren’t sure how long your idea will take. Our team includes teachers and curriculum designers who might be able to help!
Expected timeline
As soon as possible
Block the date in your calendar! You’ll get instructions via e-mail for how to register as a speaker.
2-4 weeks before the event
Send us a sentence description and/or the planned learning outcomes of your session. See examples later in this deck. Make sure you’ve let us know any materials you will be bringing and specific asks/needs from us so we can ensure we have everything ready for you.
With the hard part done, start inviting your network to join us for the event!
Week before the event
We’ll share details about arriving onsite, info about fellow presenters, and more. Start getting ready for a great day of learning & networking!
What’s available onsite?
Your event contact may have already shared specific details about your session. The following is available by advance request for learning stations and tours (indoors or outdoors):
Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any specific requests we can try to accommodate!
Presentational sessions (talks, panels, etc) take place in a room already equipped with amplification, tables and chairs for participants, and equipment for presenting slides.
LEARNING OUTCOME EXAMPLES
Example #1
Learning outcomes” for Matthew Kowal of Majestic Water Works: quick OUTDOOR session on: Festival Water Refill Stations to Reduce Plastics and Raise $ for Environmental Groups
Needs:
Materials Matthew will bring:
Time needed: 7 minutes
Location: Near water source. Will walk from theater to behind gazebo.
Learning outcomes:
Example #2
Learning outcomes” for Steve Adelman, Event Safety Alliance & Attorney, indoor presentation on “What Could Go Wrong [in Event Safety Planning]”
Needs:
Learning outcomes: