Opening Remarks
Summary
The talk, introducing the theme of researchers thriving in the organization led by Steve Portico, focuses primarily on important logistical information for attendees of the Advancing Research conference. The speaker explains the conference schedule, including breaks and time zone settings on Rosenfeld Media’s website, and highlights the comprehensive programming including both main sessions and sponsor sessions from companies like Compass, Salesforce, Enjoy HQ, User Interviews, Dovetail, and Fable. Attendees are encouraged to join the conference Slack channels for networking and support, with dedicated spaces such as #ARgeneral for session discussions and #ARhelp for technical assistance. Twelve private cohort channels offer smaller group interactions. The session notes will be taken by a professional note-taker, freeing attendees from the need to take notes themselves. The talk closes with a reminder about the importance of maintaining respectful and kind community behavior aligned with the code of conduct, reinforcing the inclusive, supportive environment created by Steve Portico, Louis, and the Rosenfeld Media family throughout the event.
Key Insights
-
•
Steve Portico leads the theme of helping researchers thrive within organizations during this conference.
-
•
The conference offers extensive breaks of at least 10 minutes to help attendees absorb the content.
-
•
Time zone settings on the Rosenfeld Media website allow personalized viewing schedules for participants worldwide.
-
•
Sponsor sessions are high-quality, non-sales content that complement the main program without scheduling conflicts.
-
•
Sponsors include major companies like Compass, Salesforce, Enjoy HQ, User Interviews, Dovetail, and Fable.
-
•
A digital swag bag with special offers is accessible via QR code or conference Slack for attendees.
-
•
Slack is the primary platform for attendee interaction, with channels for general discussion, technical help, and cohort meetings.
-
•
Cohorts with over 140 people allow deeper collaboration and conversation after each session.
-
•
Professional note-taking is provided to alleviate the pressure on attendees to take their own notes.
-
•
The conference enforces a strict code of conduct promoting respect and kindness in the virtual community.
Notable Quotes
"Today's theme around researchers thriving in the organization is led by Steve Portico."
"We have at least 10 minutes of breaks between each session so you can take in everything."
"You can change the time zone on Rosenfeld Media’s website to reflect your local time."
"There is no overlap between the main program sessions and sponsor sessions."
"Our sponsors offer sessions with no sales pitches, just incredibly high-quality content."
"Use your phone camera to scan the QR code on screen and access the digital swag bag."
"The primary way to convene with other attendees is through our Slack channel."
"All speakers will be present in the #ARgeneral Slack channel to answer your questions."
"You don’t have to take notes because we have an incredible note taker capturing everything."
"Even though we're virtual, our code of conduct still applies and requires respect and kindness."
Or choose a question:
More Videos
"Inviting other teams into research sessions lets us triangulate findings by combining interviews, observations, and focus groups."
Joanna Vodopivec Prabhas PokharelOne Research Team for All - Influence Without Authority
March 9, 2022
"Don’t talk about delight or loyalty; trust is the single best framing to connect with stakeholders."
Louis Rosenfeld Lashanda Hodge Senongo Akpem Chris HodowanecBecoming a Civic Designer: Making the Move from Private to Public Sector
November 17, 2022
"Sponsor sessions are optional but incredibly high content and not sales pitches."
Bria AlexanderDay 3 Welcome
September 25, 2024
"Manuel Herrera is a visual thinker and illustrator whose energy always blows me away."
Uday Gajendar Louis RosenfeldDay 2 Welcome
June 5, 2024
"Frequent, bite-sized training is crucial so staff actually remember how to support customers with disabilities."
Sam ProulxOnline Shopping: Designing an Accessible Experience
June 7, 2023
"If you really care about success, you define it first and hire against performance, not just experience."
Russ UngerOnboarding: The Ecosystem, not the Afterthought
November 7, 2017
"We could impact the end-to-end customer service and customer experience through our most underutilized asset: our store employees."
Catherine DubutBridging Physical and Digital Spaces: Approaches to Retail Service Design
March 18, 2021
"Assistance interfaces combine open-ended dialogue with the ability to do tasks on your behalf."
Josh Clark Veronika KindredSentient Design: New Postures for AI-Mediated Experiences (2nd of 3 seminars)
January 29, 2025
"Ownership needs to be shared. The craft of making is similar to raising a child — it takes a village."
Dantley DavisLeadership & Diversity—A Fireside Chat with Dantley Davis
September 17, 2020
