Summary
At Advancing Research 2024, Lou Rosenfeld and Bria Alexander welcomed attendees to the fifth iteration of the conference, marking its first hybrid format with an in-person component. Lou emphasized the conference's mission to advance the research field through continuous professional dialogue, referencing early curator sessions with Jim Ahmed and Kris Easton that shaped the program and speaker selection. Bria outlined essential housekeeping details including note-taking support, a new Slack-based Q&A format to streamline questions, and the availability of session materials for both virtual and in-person attendees. They also highlighted the vital role of sponsors such as Sprig, Alita, and others in enabling the event. Attendees were invited to engage in community-building activities like hand-holding exercises and social gatherings, with specific logistics for virtual and physical swag bags and receptions shared. The emphasis throughout was on fostering ongoing conversations post-conference to meaningfully impact research practices and community connections.
Key Insights
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Advancing Research 2024 is the first hybrid iteration, incorporating both in-person and virtual attendees.
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Ongoing conversations throughout the year with curators Jim Ahmed and Kris Easton influenced the conference agenda and speakers.
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The conference promotes community engagement by encouraging attendees to bring conversations back into their workplaces and local groups.
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A new Q&A approach uses Slack threads instead of live audience questions to manage volume and inclusivity.
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Attendees receive comprehensive session resources including sketches, notes, slides, and recordings shortly after presentations.
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Sponsors play a critical role in enabling the conference experience, with multiple tiers from platinum to exhibitors.
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Bria Alexander's diverse roles at Adobe combine design program management, DEI consulting, speaking, and leadership in employee networks.
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In-person and virtual attendees both have tailored social activities, such as the rooftop reception and a virtual board game.
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Rosenfeld Media offers both physical and digital swag bags to enhance participant engagement.
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Support staff are visually identified with black hats to assist attendees during the in-person event.
Notable Quotes
"We literally want to advance this field through really good professional conversations."
"Our speakers prepare for three months leading up to the conference, so they’re really ready."
"If you want your question asked at the end, please put it in the Slack channel."
"You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show—we’ve got your notes, sketches, slides, and recordings covered."
"We want you to take these conversations back to your office and your community to keep advancing research."
"This is the first time we’ve had an in-person component since the conference started in 2020."
"Support staff are wearing little black hats so you know who to ask for help."
"Bria leads the San Jose side of the Black Employee Network and supports Adobe’s brand experience programs."
"Sprig is hosting tonight’s opening reception at the Lost in Paradise Rooftop Lounge."
"Our virtual attendees get to play Cozy Juicy Real, a fun board game session, at the same time."
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