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=iDigBio Workshop Planning - For Workshop Planners and Organizers=
[[Category:Workshop]]
iDigBio coordinates its outreach efforts through the support of workshops, symposia, and other events. Workshops are distinct meeting events, held virtually and/or onsite, that focus on producing clear deliverables and addressing clear objectives. Workshops are often supported by a [[IDigBio Working Groups|Working Group]]. In these cases, the Working Group executes the planning of the event and ensures carry-through on the outcomes and action items from the Workshop. In situations where a Working Group is not required to continue collaboration following the Workshop, a Planning Group should still be included in the application to coordinate, plan, and follow through on the Workshop.
[[Category:Planning]]


Every workshop planner should make themselves familiar with the process outlined below, especially with respect to the deliverables.
iDigBio coordinates its outreach efforts through the support of workshops, symposia, and other events ("workshops" is a term that is used to refer to any/all of these types of events). Workshops are distinct meeting events, held virtually and/or onsite, that focus on producing clear deliverables and addressing clear objectives. This guide aims to provide an overview of the moving pieces involved in a workshop. Every workshop planner should make themselves familiar with the process outlined here. If you are an iDigBio staff member and need specific details, please look at this [https://www.idigbio.org/redmine/projects/administration/wiki/Workshop_Planning_Checklist_and_Documentation Redmine wiki page].


If you are interested in attending a workshop, please review the [https://www.idigbio.org/content/idigbio-travel-policy iDigBio Travel Policy]. You can find upcoming workshops, symposia, and other events on the [https://www.idigbio.org/calendar iDigBio Calendar].
'''A workshop proposal is required for any workshop, symposia, or other event that will incur any project expenses or significantly utilize project resources.'''


==Step 1 Proposal Process==
If you are simply interested in attending a workshop, you can find upcoming workshops, symposia, and other events on the [https://www.idigbio.org/calendar iDigBio Calendar]. Information from all of our past workshops is on the [[IDigBio Workshops|iDigBio Workshop Summary page]].
*Conceive of an idea for a workshop with collaboration from colleagues and the biodiversity community.
*Check the [https://www.idigbio.org/calendar iDigBio Calendar] for your proposed dates.
*Review the summaries of previous [[IDigBio Workshops|iDigBio Workshops]].
*Write your proposal following the instructions provided in the [https://www.idigbio.org/content/idigbio-workshop-request-process-3 iDigBio Workshop Request Process document].
*Upload your proposal using [https://www.idigbio.org/content/workshop-proposal iDigBio’s Workshop Proposal Webform] for review by the iDigBio Steering Committee.


==Step 2 Planning the Workshop==
== It takes a village... ==
Once your proposal has been approved by the iDigBio Steering Committee, you should use the following list of deliverables to ensure that the workshop planning and execution proceeds without undue stress or missed deadlines for all staff involved. If you need a copy of the approved workshop proposal, contact the workshop organizer or the [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/David_Jennings iDigBio Project Manager].  


===Calendar Entry===
There are many people involved in a workshop at every stage:
* [https://www.idigbio.org/outreach-events-sidebar#overlay=node/add/outreach-event Create an Outreach Event] on the [https://www.idigbio.org/ iDigBio Website] with known meeting details, including: date, time, Adobe COnnect URL, agenda, instructions, etc.
* You may initially leave the outreach event as unpublished to reserve space on the calendar. Unpublished events are only visible to iDigBio staff when logged in to the website.
* Continue to update this page as more information becomes available.


===Registration===
* '''Lead Workshop Organizer''' -- person ultimately responsible for planning and organizing the workshop
* Create a registration form using [https://www.idigbio.org/#overlay=node/add/webform Drupal], [https://docs.google.com/forms/create?usp=mkt_forms Google], or [https://ufl.qualtrics.com/ Qualtrics]. Collect at least '''first name''', '''last name''', '''institution''', '''email address''', and '''badge name'''.
* '''Workshop Organizers''' -- planning committee assembled to coordinate, plan, execute, and follow through on the Workshop outcomes; workshops are often supported by an [[IDigBio Working Groups|iDigBio Working Group]]
* Advertise your workshop using the [[IDigBio Listservs|iDigBio listservs] and other sources like NHCOLL-L to inform the community of the workshop. Be sure to include details about the agenda, place and time, and what support (if any) will be available, and what the qualifications are for support.
* '''Workshop Instructors/Facilitators''' -- staff or volunteers onsite at a workshop who present content or provide assistance with various aspects
* When the registration has been closed, decide who is on the approved list. There may be registrants who do not qualify for support. Follow up with the successful registrants to confirm their status. Give the contact information to [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Cathy%20Bester Cathy Bester]. This is important to make sure it is complete and accurate, as it is used by other staff to help keep project accounting for NSF. Cathy will coordinate travel for the approved registrants.
* '''Workshop Participants''' -- people who have come to participate and learn from the workshop
* Once the workshop is over, give the registration list to [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Molly_Phillips Molly Phillips] to update our participant accounting database and [https://www.idigbio.org/redmine/projects/administration/wiki/Sponsored_Workshop_Tracking Redmine] and to [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Joanna_McCaffrey Joanna McCaffrey] to update the [[IDigBio Listservs|listservs]. Supply the list to Joanna as a spreadsheet, email in column one and whole person name in column two.
* '''iDigBio Staff Support'''
* Make sure that all approved registrants receive a copy of the [https://www.idigbio.org/content/idigbio-travel-policy iDigBio Travel Policy].
** '''iDigBio Project Manager''' -- ensures your proposal gets on the agenda for the next Steering Committee meeting; communicates the approval status of your workshop proposal; tracks project-level expenditures and resource allocation
'''Set the deadline for registration and do not make exceptions.'''
** '''iDigBio IT Expert''' -- provides advice on audio, visual, remote broadcasting, and other technical considerations for your workshop; runs the audio/visual/technical aspects of your workshop
** '''iDigBio Project Evaluator''' -- prepares the pre- and post-workshop surveys to help you gauge the effectiveness of your workshop; coordinates with the UF Institutional Review Board if the workshop results will be used in publications or conference presentations
** '''iDigBio Project Assistant/Event Coordinator''' -- unsung heroes that do "everything else": coordinates hotel contracts, catering contracts, and transportation for your workshop; coordinates travel and reimbursements for workshop participants; coordinates other logistical aspects


===Pre-Workshop Activities===
== Submit your proposal ==
* Make sure the hotel has enough rooms available for the workshop.
* Determine catering needs and send the catering contact info to [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Cathy%20Bester Cathy].
* Determine audio/visual needs for the workshop venue and coordinate with [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Kevin_Love Kevin Love] for his availability.
* Work with [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Dr._Shari_Ellis Shari Ellis] to create and disseminate a pre-workshop evaluation to fine tune the details of your agenda. This would be a good time to start planning for your post-workshop survey too.


===Workshop Contents===
# Conceive of an idea for a workshop in collaboration with colleagues and the biodiversity community. Applicants may contact the [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/David_Jennings iDigBio Project Manager] for feedback on workshop ideas.
* Coordinate with workshop presenters to make sure they are in sync with the overall desired intent of the workshop.
# Review the summaries of previous [[IDigBio Workshops|iDigBio Workshops]] to ensure your topic has not already been covered. If so, you may provide justification in your proposal as to why the topic should be covered again.
# Check the [https://www.idigbio.org/calendar iDigBio Calendar] for your proposed dates.
# Write your proposal following the instructions provided in the [https://www.idigbio.org/content/idigbio-workshop-request-process iDigBio Workshop Request Process].
# Upload your proposal using [https://www.idigbio.org/content/workshop-proposal iDigBio’s Workshop Proposal Webform] for review by the iDigBio Steering Committee.


===Workshop Planning Timeline===
== Plan your workshop==
Use this timeline to make sure '''you''' have all necessary elements of the workshop '''complete''' for all parties involved in the in-house planning. The following outlines the workshop support processes for iDigBio Core Staff.


====90 Days Before Event====
Once your proposal has been approved by the iDigBio Steering Committee, you should use the following list of deliverables to ensure that the workshop planning and execution proceeds without undue stress or missed deadlines for all staff involved.  
* Make sure the workshop is '''Published''' on the [https://www.idigbio.org/calendar iDigBio Calendar].
* Make sure you know your total budget as presented in your workshop proposal.
* [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Cathy%20Bester Cathy] works with the workshop organizer and the [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/David_Jennings iDigBio Project Manager] to determine workshop dates, number of participants, number of facilitators, location, preferred hotel, etc.
* [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Cathy%20Bester Cathy] creates a workshop spreadsheet for participant and expense tracking.


* Get hotel estimates - lodging, meeting space, audio/visual, transportation, food (breakfast, lunch, coffee, snacks), etc.
=== iDigBio Calendar ===
** Check on gaining early access to rooms prior to meeting to verify setup and any potential IT issues.
** Hotel Suggestions: 
*** The [http://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/gainesville/gnvuc/hoteldetail Holiday Inn] is within easy walking distance
*** The [http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/hilton-university-of-florida-conference-center-gainesville-GVNCCHF/index.html Hilton] is expensive but has great facilities
*** The [http://www.hamptoninnandsuitesgainesville.com/ Hampton Inn] is located downtown (a short ride from iDigBio HQ on the Route 5 bus)
*** DO NOT USE the [http://www.paramountplaza.com/ Paramount Plaza] because we have had poor experiences there


* Determine meeting space requirements (main meeting, break-out sessions, etc.).
* [https://www.idigbio.org/outreach-events-sidebar#overlay=node/add/outreach-event Create an Outreach Event] on the [https://www.idigbio.org/ iDigBio Website] with known meeting details, including: date, time, Adobe Connect URL, wiki page link, agenda, instructions, etc.
** If at iDigBio HQ, confirm the [[Conference Facilities|large conference room] is available on the workshop dates by checking the [http://mail.ufl.edu/owa/calendar/61bae459d8ba4aa08791e7d761c6df5a@ad.ufl.edu/b33e765cc8e344f3a4413085886b6d7e17046860072070003626/calendar.html checking web calendar] or Outlook (FLMNH-IDB Conference Room). If it is available, create a meeting request and invite flmnh-idb-cr@ad.ufl.edu as an attendee (not as a resource).
* You may initially leave the outreach event as unpublished to reserve space on the calendar. Unpublished events are only visible to iDigBio staff when they are logged in to the website.
** You may also want to consider other on-campus venues. [http://www.aa.ufl.edu/rental-facilities UF has many facilities available for rent]. Some suggested facilities are:
* Continue to update this page as more information becomes available.
*** [http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/events/rentals/host-your-event-with-us/ Powell Hall] also know as the "public" Florida Museum of Natural History
*** [https://www.union.ufl.edu/EventServices Reitz Union Auditorium] is in the middle of campus
*** [http://www.harn.ufl.edu/rentals/ Harn Museum of Art] located next door to Powell Hall
*** [http://eah.uff.ufl.edu/RoomCapacities.asp Emerson Hall] located about 1/2 mile down University Avenue from iDigBio HQ


* Secure the hotel room block
=== Registration ===


* For any new vendors, be sure to complete the [http://www.fa.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/fa-pds-ufva.pdf UF Vendor Application], [http://www.fa.ufl.edu/forms-and-publications/forms/#disbursement UF Vendor Tax Information Form], and a copy of the vendor's Direct Billing Application.
* Create a registration form using [https://www.idigbio.org/#overlay=node/add/webform Drupal], [https://docs.google.com/forms/create?usp=mkt_forms Google], or [https://ufl.qualtrics.com/ Qualtrics]. Collect at least '''first name''', '''last name''', '''institution''', '''email address''', and '''badge name'''.  
* Advertise your workshop using the [[IDigBio Listservs|iDigBio listservs]] and other sources like NHCOLL-L to inform the community of the workshop. Be sure to include details about the agenda, place and time, and what support (if any) will be available, and what the qualifications are for support. '''Set a deadline for registration and do not make exceptions.'''
* When the registration has been closed, decide who is on the approved list. There may be registrants who do not qualify for support. Follow up with the successful registrants to confirm their status, and give the contact information to the iDigBio Project Assistant. This is important to make sure it is complete and accurate, as it is used by other staff to coordinate travel for the approved registrants, keep project accounting for NSF, and for updating the [[IDigBio Listservs|listservs]].
* Make sure that all approved registrants receive a copy of the [https://www.idigbio.org/content/idigbio-travel-policy iDigBio Travel Policy].


* [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Cathy%20Bester Cathy] will get a contract or rooming agreement from the hotel.
=== Pre-Workshop Activities ===
** [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Cathy%20Bester Cathy] sends the contract to the workshop organizer for review.
** After review, [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Cathy%20Bester Cathy forwards the contract to Shuronna Wilson at FLMNH who will then send it for approval by UF Purchasing. Be sure to list the contractor as: '''University of Florida Board of Trustees on Behalf of its Florida Museum'''
** When contract is approved by UF Purchasing, [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Cathy%20Bester Cathy] returns the contract for signing by the hotel sales representative, then forwards the signed contract to Shuronna Wilson.


* [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Cathy%20Bester Cathy] submits [https://intranet.flmnh.ufl.edu/forms/purchase_order_request.pdf P.O. Request] to Shuronna Wilson for the hotel.
* Coordinate with the iDigBio Project Assistant to:
** The P.O. Request must be signed by the [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/David_Jennings iDigBio Project Manager] or [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Dr._Larry_Page iDigBio Project Director].
** Select a potential venue and ensure the venue has adequate space for your meeting and breakout groups (if any).
** When the P.O. is generated via myUFmarket, it will be sent to the vendor at which time Shuronna Wilson will send [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Cathy%20Bester Cathy] an FYI email.
** Determine the availability and cost of hotels in the area.
** Determine catering needs.
** Determine the best local airport.
* Consult with the [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Kevin_Love iDigBio IT Expert] on audio, visual, remote broadcasting, and other technical considerations for your workshop and coordinate regarding availability.
* Consult with the [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Dr._Shari_Ellis iDigBio Project Evaluator] to develop an evaluation plan. This may include a pre-workshop survey to guide decisions regarding the workshop agenda, topics, organization, participants, etc., but the plan should always include a post-workshop evaluation. If you anticipate that you might ever use the results of either survey or other workshop activities in a publication or conference presentation, university policy requires that your protocol and evaluation instruments be reviewed by an Institutional Review Board. Normally, we use the services of the [http://irb.ufl.edu/irb02.html UF IRB]; however, workshop organizers with other institutional affiliations may opt to use their own Institutional Review Boards. At UF, the process can take up to one month; at other institutions, the process can take much longer. If the evaluation results are for internal use only (not research), IRB review is not required.


=====60 Days Before Event=====
=== Workshop Contents ===


* Catering estimate / Banquet Event Orders (BEO) for social event buffets/receptions/etc. - get estimate, seating arrangements, tables needed, alcohol, etc.
* Coordinate with workshop instructors to make sure they are in sync with the overall desired intent of the workshop.
** Send the estimate/BEO to the Workshop Organizer for review.
* Coordinate with workshop facilitators to make sure they know what their responsibilities are.
** After review, fill out a P.O. request and forward to "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu at FLMNH
*** Catering estimates (i.e., no contract) do not require UF Purchasing approval.  For local events, use "Celebrations Catering":http://celebrations-everything.com/catering/ .
*** BEOs are contracts and require approval by UF Purchasing via "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu.  Be sure the contractor is listed as: University of Florida Board of Trustees on Behalf of its Florida Museum
** When contract is approved by UF Purchasing, return for signing by the hotel sales representative, then forward signed contract to "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu .
** When the P.O. is generated via myufmarket, it will be sent to the vendor at which time "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu will send the Project Assistant an FYI email.


* If an event is held at Dickinson Hall and alcohol will be served, be sure to get an event alcohol approval form filled out and approved, be sure to have on-hand during the event.
== Workshop Planning Timeline ==


* Lunches and Snacks - vendors that can invoice us include "Tempo Bistro To Go":http://www.bistrotempo.com/ , "Panera Bread":https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html , and "Crispers":http://www.crispers.com/ . Contact as needed.
Use this general timeline to make sure '''you''' have all necessary elements of the workshop '''complete''' for all parties involved in the in-house planning. The following outlines the typical support processes required by iDigBio Staff to administer a workshop.


* Gather travel information for each participant (see list below) and complete a Travel Authorization Request (TAR) for each participant who will require any funds, reimbursement or otherwise.  UF and FSU employees who are participants will not have a TAR.
=== 90 Days Before Event ===
** Search through past workshop documentation to gather any travel information and/or UFIDs that we already have.  This eases the burden on both the participant and the museum administrative staff.
** If required, provide the traveler's name and DOB to "April Johnson":mailto:ajohnson@flmnh.ufl.edu and request a UFID Number for the participant’s TAR.
** If anyone wishes to stay longer, or has unusual flight requests, a cost comparison will be required and discussed with "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu prior to booking.
** If applicable, attach conference registration form showing details of registration fees and what is included with registration.
** Have the "Project Manager":mailto:djennings@flmnh.ufl.edu sign each TAR as the Department Head.
** Turn in the TAR for each participant to "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu .  Keep a copy for iDigBio records.
** "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu will add the UFIDs into the PeopleSoft system before the Project Assistant can purchase airfares.


=====30 Days Before Event=====
* Create a Wiki page for your workshop using the [[Workshop Wiki Template]]. Update the [[IDigBio Workshops|Workshop Summaries]] page accordingly. Continue to update your Wiki page as more information becomes available. Your Wiki page will contain links to your agenda, presentations, recordings, and workshop report.
* Make sure you know your total budget as presented in your workshop proposal.
* The iDigBio Project Assistant works with the workshop organizer to determine workshop dates, number of participants, number of facilitators/instructors, location, venue, preferred hotel, etc.
** Start getting estimates for lodging, meeting space, audio/visual, transportation, food (breakfast, lunch, coffee, snacks), etc.
** Determine meeting space requirements for your main meeting, break-out sessions, etc.
* The iDigBio Project Assistant creates a workshop spreadsheet for participant and expense tracking.
* The iDigBio Project Assistant secures the hotel room block and begins work on a contract or rooming agreement from the hotel.


* Turn in rooming list to hotel. Make a copy and give to "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu for her records. Always include the rooming list as a reference when paying the invoice at a later date.
=== 60 Days Before Event ===


* Find airfare, best schedule and rate, and then email participant for their final approval.
* Make sure the workshop is '''Published''' on the [https://www.idigbio.org/calendar iDigBio Calendar].
 
* The iDigBio Project Assistant gets a catering estimate and/or Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) for social event buffets, receptions, etc. The estimate should include cost, seating arrangements, tables needed, cash bar, etc.
* Once participant approves itinerary, book airfare with p-card online, turn in receipts to "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu . If for any reason there is a misspelling of someone's name on the airfare, call the airline so they can alert the TSA to avoid any issues.
* The iDigBio Project Assistant gathers travel information for each participant for the Travel Authorization Request (TAR).
 
* The iDigBio Project Assistant completes a TAR for each participant who will require any reimbursement. UF and FSU employees who are participants will not have a TAR. See the [https://www.idigbio.org/content/idigbio-travel-policy iDigBio Travel Policy] for additional details.
* If anyone requires a rental car, work with "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu to acquire a voucher to mail via the postal service to the participant to use at the counter when picking up the vehicle. Otherwise they will not receive the state rental rate and there may be issues with reimbursement procedures.
 
=====1 Week Before Event=====
 
* Create name tags and meeting folders - use FLMNH folders (if possible, see "Paul Ramey":mailto:pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu ) and include some tourism info (from downtown tourism office), an iDigBio brochure (see "Cathy Bester":mailto:cbester@flmnh.ufl.edu ), FLMNH brochure (see "Griffin Sheehy":mailto:gsheehy@flmnh.ufl.edu ), meeting info/agenda, and "Project Manager’s":mailto:djennings@flmnh.ufl.edu business card.  Check with workshop organizer regarding what information goes onto the name tags; be sure to use larger font size for participant names.  Be sure to include any helpful maps such as walking maps or local restaurant maps.  You may want to have iDigBio posters available for participants to take; you can also offer them to be mailed.  Ask the workshop organizer if they want to have the iDigBio trade show display set up.
 
* Plan for coffee and snack breaks - purchase food and drink from "Publix":http://www.publix.com/ .  DO NOT purchase Coke products as it violates university policy.  For local events, you can use "Pascal’s":http://www.pascalscoffee.com/ across the street for coffee breaks.
 
* Contact hotel to discuss any details. Ask for early access to the meeting space so that "Kevin Love":mailto:klove@flmnh.ufl.edu can test A/V equipment.
 
=====Day of Event / During Event=====
 
* Be present during participant check-in on the first workshop day to handout workshop folders and name badges.
 
* Work with the organizer to provide logistics and support as necessary.
 
=====Day After Event=====
 
* Immediately after the event, follow-up with participants regarding reimbursement procedures and have them submit their original receipts.  Turn in all receipts to "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu .  Afterwards, "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu will process the reimbursements and give checks to the Project Assistant for distribution.
 
* Make sure to turn in an agenda and meal plan to "Shuronna Wilson":mailto:swilson@flmnh.ufl.edu at the completion of all workshops so it is clear to her which meals participants get reimbursed for, meals that aren't included as workshop functions/events.


* Update the "Sponsored Workshop Tracking":https://www.idigbio.org/redmine/projects/website/wiki/Sponsored_Workshop_Tracking list with the workshop name, dates, and names/affiliations of all participants.
=== 30 Days Before Event ===


===Data Needed from Attendees to Book Travel===
*  Finalize your evaluation plan with the [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Dr._Shari_Ellis iDigBio Project Evaluator]. If you anticipate that you may use the results from the evaluation or other workshop activities in a publication or conference presentation, university policy requires that your protocol and evaluation instruments are reviewed by an Institutional Review Board. Normally, we use the services of the [http://irb.ufl.edu/irb02.html UF IRB]; however, workshop organizers with other institutional affiliations may opt to use their own Institutional Review Boards. At UF, the process can take up to 30 days; at other institutions, the process can take much longer.
* The iDigBio Project Assistant turns in the final rooming list to hotel and gives a copy to FLMNH Accounts Payable.
* The iDigBio Project Assistant submits the Purchase Order Request for the hotel.
* The iDigBio Project Assistant finds airfare, best schedule and rate, and then emails each participant for their final approval. Once participant approves itinerary, the iDigBio Project Assistant books the airfare and records the airfare amount on the workshop budget tracking spreadsheet.


* Full name as it appears on travel documentation - driver's license or passport - may need additional documentation for international travelers
=== 1 Week Before Event ===


* DOB - month/day/year format
* The iDigBio Project Assistant creates name tags.
* The iDigBio Project Assistant creates meeting folders if desired:
** Use FLMNH folders if possible.
** Include maps, local tourism info, an [https://www.idigbio.org/content/idigbio-pamphlet-available iDigBio brochure], an FLMNH brochure (if held in Gainesville), meeting info/agenda, and an iDigBio business card.
* Ask the workshop organizer if they want to have the [[IDigBio 10' Display|iDigBio trade show display]] and/or the [[IDigBio Table Top Display|iDigBio table top display]] set up. Check availability in [https://www.idigbio.org/redmine/projects/idigbio-booth-schedule/issues/calendar Redmine].
* Plan for coffee and snack breaks.
* Contact the hotel to discuss any last minute details.
** If possible, request early access to the meeting space so that the iDigBio IT Expert can setup and test audio/visual/technical equipment.


* Dates of travel
=== Day of Event and During Event ===


* Name and three letter code of the airport the attendee will be departing from
* Workshop facilitators are present during participant check-in on the first workshop day to welcome attendees and handout workshop folders and name badges.
* Workshop facilitators work with the organizer to provide logistics and support as necessary.
* The [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Dr._Shari_Ellis iDigBio Project Evaluator] disseminates the post-workshop evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the workshop. It is best that the survey be delivered to the participants via email on the last day of the workshop.


* Name and three letter code of the airport the attendee will be flying into upon their return
=== Day After Event ===


* Send flight itinerary to attendee for approval prior to booking
* The iDigBio Project Assistant follows-up with participants regarding reimbursement procedures and haves them submit their original receipts.
* The iDigBio Project Assistant turns in an agenda and meal plan to FLMNH Accounts Payable so it is clear which meals participants get reimbursed for (i.e., those meals that were not included as part of the workshop functions).
* Update the [https://www.idigbio.org/redmine/projects/administration/wiki/Sponsored_Workshop_Tracking Sponsored Workshop Tracking] list with the workshop name, dates, and names/affiliations of all participants. Names should be put into the list in alphabetic order (by first name), and separate facilitators from participants and remotes.


=== Post-Workshop Activities ===


===Post-Workshop Activities===
* Work with the [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Dr._Shari_Ellis iDigBio Project Evaluator] to evaluate the survey results. Share with the team any interesting findings and/or items for improvement.
* Work with [https://www.idigbio.org/contact/Dr._Shari_Ellis Shari Ellis] to create and disseminate a post-workshop evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the workshop.
* Write a workshop report for posting on the [https://www.idigbio.org/ iDigBio website].
* Evaluate the results and share with the team any interesting findings, and discuss items for improvement.
* Update your Wiki page with links to the workshop presentations, recordings, photos, report, and evaluation.
* Update the [[IDigBio Workshops|Workshop Summaries]] page.
* Ensure that you use proper [[Content Style Guide and Workflow#Content_tagging_-_Keywords|tags/categories/keywords]] in your report, wiki, and biblio entries to enable discoverability.
* Ensure that any resulting publications acknowledge the National Science Foundation along with our grant number DBI-1547229.

Latest revision as of 10:08, 13 March 2019


iDigBio coordinates its outreach efforts through the support of workshops, symposia, and other events ("workshops" is a term that is used to refer to any/all of these types of events). Workshops are distinct meeting events, held virtually and/or onsite, that focus on producing clear deliverables and addressing clear objectives. This guide aims to provide an overview of the moving pieces involved in a workshop. Every workshop planner should make themselves familiar with the process outlined here. If you are an iDigBio staff member and need specific details, please look at this Redmine wiki page.

A workshop proposal is required for any workshop, symposia, or other event that will incur any project expenses or significantly utilize project resources.

If you are simply interested in attending a workshop, you can find upcoming workshops, symposia, and other events on the iDigBio Calendar. Information from all of our past workshops is on the iDigBio Workshop Summary page.

It takes a village...

There are many people involved in a workshop at every stage:

  • Lead Workshop Organizer -- person ultimately responsible for planning and organizing the workshop
  • Workshop Organizers -- planning committee assembled to coordinate, plan, execute, and follow through on the Workshop outcomes; workshops are often supported by an iDigBio Working Group
  • Workshop Instructors/Facilitators -- staff or volunteers onsite at a workshop who present content or provide assistance with various aspects
  • Workshop Participants -- people who have come to participate and learn from the workshop
  • iDigBio Staff Support
    • iDigBio Project Manager -- ensures your proposal gets on the agenda for the next Steering Committee meeting; communicates the approval status of your workshop proposal; tracks project-level expenditures and resource allocation
    • iDigBio IT Expert -- provides advice on audio, visual, remote broadcasting, and other technical considerations for your workshop; runs the audio/visual/technical aspects of your workshop
    • iDigBio Project Evaluator -- prepares the pre- and post-workshop surveys to help you gauge the effectiveness of your workshop; coordinates with the UF Institutional Review Board if the workshop results will be used in publications or conference presentations
    • iDigBio Project Assistant/Event Coordinator -- unsung heroes that do "everything else": coordinates hotel contracts, catering contracts, and transportation for your workshop; coordinates travel and reimbursements for workshop participants; coordinates other logistical aspects

Submit your proposal

  1. Conceive of an idea for a workshop in collaboration with colleagues and the biodiversity community. Applicants may contact the iDigBio Project Manager for feedback on workshop ideas.
  2. Review the summaries of previous iDigBio Workshops to ensure your topic has not already been covered. If so, you may provide justification in your proposal as to why the topic should be covered again.
  3. Check the iDigBio Calendar for your proposed dates.
  4. Write your proposal following the instructions provided in the iDigBio Workshop Request Process.
  5. Upload your proposal using iDigBio’s Workshop Proposal Webform for review by the iDigBio Steering Committee.

Plan your workshop

Once your proposal has been approved by the iDigBio Steering Committee, you should use the following list of deliverables to ensure that the workshop planning and execution proceeds without undue stress or missed deadlines for all staff involved.

iDigBio Calendar

  • Create an Outreach Event on the iDigBio Website with known meeting details, including: date, time, Adobe Connect URL, wiki page link, agenda, instructions, etc.
  • You may initially leave the outreach event as unpublished to reserve space on the calendar. Unpublished events are only visible to iDigBio staff when they are logged in to the website.
  • Continue to update this page as more information becomes available.

Registration

  • Create a registration form using Drupal, Google, or Qualtrics. Collect at least first name, last name, institution, email address, and badge name.
  • Advertise your workshop using the iDigBio listservs and other sources like NHCOLL-L to inform the community of the workshop. Be sure to include details about the agenda, place and time, and what support (if any) will be available, and what the qualifications are for support. Set a deadline for registration and do not make exceptions.
  • When the registration has been closed, decide who is on the approved list. There may be registrants who do not qualify for support. Follow up with the successful registrants to confirm their status, and give the contact information to the iDigBio Project Assistant. This is important to make sure it is complete and accurate, as it is used by other staff to coordinate travel for the approved registrants, keep project accounting for NSF, and for updating the listservs.
  • Make sure that all approved registrants receive a copy of the iDigBio Travel Policy.

Pre-Workshop Activities

  • Coordinate with the iDigBio Project Assistant to:
    • Select a potential venue and ensure the venue has adequate space for your meeting and breakout groups (if any).
    • Determine the availability and cost of hotels in the area.
    • Determine catering needs.
    • Determine the best local airport.
  • Consult with the iDigBio IT Expert on audio, visual, remote broadcasting, and other technical considerations for your workshop and coordinate regarding availability.
  • Consult with the iDigBio Project Evaluator to develop an evaluation plan. This may include a pre-workshop survey to guide decisions regarding the workshop agenda, topics, organization, participants, etc., but the plan should always include a post-workshop evaluation. If you anticipate that you might ever use the results of either survey or other workshop activities in a publication or conference presentation, university policy requires that your protocol and evaluation instruments be reviewed by an Institutional Review Board. Normally, we use the services of the UF IRB; however, workshop organizers with other institutional affiliations may opt to use their own Institutional Review Boards. At UF, the process can take up to one month; at other institutions, the process can take much longer. If the evaluation results are for internal use only (not research), IRB review is not required.

Workshop Contents

  • Coordinate with workshop instructors to make sure they are in sync with the overall desired intent of the workshop.
  • Coordinate with workshop facilitators to make sure they know what their responsibilities are.

Workshop Planning Timeline

Use this general timeline to make sure you have all necessary elements of the workshop complete for all parties involved in the in-house planning. The following outlines the typical support processes required by iDigBio Staff to administer a workshop.

90 Days Before Event

  • Create a Wiki page for your workshop using the Workshop Wiki Template. Update the Workshop Summaries page accordingly. Continue to update your Wiki page as more information becomes available. Your Wiki page will contain links to your agenda, presentations, recordings, and workshop report.
  • Make sure you know your total budget as presented in your workshop proposal.
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant works with the workshop organizer to determine workshop dates, number of participants, number of facilitators/instructors, location, venue, preferred hotel, etc.
    • Start getting estimates for lodging, meeting space, audio/visual, transportation, food (breakfast, lunch, coffee, snacks), etc.
    • Determine meeting space requirements for your main meeting, break-out sessions, etc.
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant creates a workshop spreadsheet for participant and expense tracking.
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant secures the hotel room block and begins work on a contract or rooming agreement from the hotel.

60 Days Before Event

  • Make sure the workshop is Published on the iDigBio Calendar.
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant gets a catering estimate and/or Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) for social event buffets, receptions, etc. The estimate should include cost, seating arrangements, tables needed, cash bar, etc.
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant gathers travel information for each participant for the Travel Authorization Request (TAR).
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant completes a TAR for each participant who will require any reimbursement. UF and FSU employees who are participants will not have a TAR. See the iDigBio Travel Policy for additional details.

30 Days Before Event

  • Finalize your evaluation plan with the iDigBio Project Evaluator. If you anticipate that you may use the results from the evaluation or other workshop activities in a publication or conference presentation, university policy requires that your protocol and evaluation instruments are reviewed by an Institutional Review Board. Normally, we use the services of the UF IRB; however, workshop organizers with other institutional affiliations may opt to use their own Institutional Review Boards. At UF, the process can take up to 30 days; at other institutions, the process can take much longer.
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant turns in the final rooming list to hotel and gives a copy to FLMNH Accounts Payable.
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant submits the Purchase Order Request for the hotel.
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant finds airfare, best schedule and rate, and then emails each participant for their final approval. Once participant approves itinerary, the iDigBio Project Assistant books the airfare and records the airfare amount on the workshop budget tracking spreadsheet.

1 Week Before Event

  • The iDigBio Project Assistant creates name tags.
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant creates meeting folders if desired:
    • Use FLMNH folders if possible.
    • Include maps, local tourism info, an iDigBio brochure, an FLMNH brochure (if held in Gainesville), meeting info/agenda, and an iDigBio business card.
  • Ask the workshop organizer if they want to have the iDigBio trade show display and/or the iDigBio table top display set up. Check availability in Redmine.
  • Plan for coffee and snack breaks.
  • Contact the hotel to discuss any last minute details.
    • If possible, request early access to the meeting space so that the iDigBio IT Expert can setup and test audio/visual/technical equipment.

Day of Event and During Event

  • Workshop facilitators are present during participant check-in on the first workshop day to welcome attendees and handout workshop folders and name badges.
  • Workshop facilitators work with the organizer to provide logistics and support as necessary.
  • The iDigBio Project Evaluator disseminates the post-workshop evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the workshop. It is best that the survey be delivered to the participants via email on the last day of the workshop.

Day After Event

  • The iDigBio Project Assistant follows-up with participants regarding reimbursement procedures and haves them submit their original receipts.
  • The iDigBio Project Assistant turns in an agenda and meal plan to FLMNH Accounts Payable so it is clear which meals participants get reimbursed for (i.e., those meals that were not included as part of the workshop functions).
  • Update the Sponsored Workshop Tracking list with the workshop name, dates, and names/affiliations of all participants. Names should be put into the list in alphabetic order (by first name), and separate facilitators from participants and remotes.

Post-Workshop Activities

  • Work with the iDigBio Project Evaluator to evaluate the survey results. Share with the team any interesting findings and/or items for improvement.
  • Write a workshop report for posting on the iDigBio website.
  • Update your Wiki page with links to the workshop presentations, recordings, photos, report, and evaluation.
  • Update the Workshop Summaries page.
  • Ensure that you use proper tags/categories/keywords in your report, wiki, and biblio entries to enable discoverability.
  • Ensure that any resulting publications acknowledge the National Science Foundation along with our grant number DBI-1547229.