General Information
- What is SolutionFest, and how is it structured?
- When is SolutionFest?
- Is SolutionFest unique to Learning Guild events?
- How is SolutionFest different from other project showcases?
Applying to Participate
- Why would I want to share a project?
- Do I have to give a formal presentation?
- Who can apply to participate?
- Can someone help me present my project?
- What types of projects can be submitted?
- What is NOT eligible for SolutionFest?
- Can vendors of learning products or custom development services participate?
- Are supplemental materials allowed to be displayed and/or distributed during SolutionFest?
- Can conference speakers participate?
- When can I submit my project? How do I submit?
- Can I submit multiple projects?
- What are the basic criteria for acceptance?
- How do I know if my project has been accepted?
- What technology do I need to present?
- Will you send me more information if I am accepted?
- What if I’m not sure whether my project is a fit for SolutionFest?
What is SolutionFest, and how is it structured?
SolutionFest is an interactive evening exhibition of real-world HR and L&D innovations. This science fair-like event allows attendees to casually move from table to table exploring different solutions in a lively and fun environment. As a demonstrator, you will have the opportunity to share a demo of a project or a display of a process on a large monitor, walk attendees through your solution, and answer their questions.
SolutionFest is not a conducive setting for detailed presentations. Here, you’ll captivate your audience with the impact of your solutions supported by graphic and interactive elements—a live demo of the solution itself or slides, diagrams, sample materials, or other elements that tell your story.
When is SolutionFest?
SolutionFest will be held Wednesday, April 24, 2023, from 5:00 – 6:30p.
Is SolutionFest unique to Learning Guild events?
Yes. This opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise, as well as learn from your industry peers, is unique to Learning Guild events.
How is SolutionFest different from other project showcases?
SolutionFest is a place to view real-world solutions demonstrated by the people who designed and built them. Unlike poster sessions at other conferences that usually contain cardboard and paper displays of a course’s features, SolutionFest instead offers you the opportunity to explore the insights and knowledge of fellow attendees. It’s also important to note that SolutionFest is NOT a vendor product showcase where solutions are sold to you. It’s instead an opportunity to explore what others in the industry are working on and learn from one another’s experiences.
Applying to Participate
Why would I want to share a project at SolutionFest?
SolutionFest is an opportunity to showcase your success stories, groundbreaking methods, and creative solutions. As a demonstrator, you will gain industry recognition, and feedback from fellow attendees. It’s a fun and collaborative environment that can help you expand your professional network and also help others in our field explore how to approach problems in new ways.
Do I have to give a formal presentation?
No. This is a more conversational event so there are NO formal presentations, handouts, or slides. You’ll have a table in SolutionFest to display any devices or visuals you bring to showcase your solution (such as a mobile device, infographic, laptop, slides, etc.). Throughout the event, you’ll simply demonstrate and discuss your solution and answer questions from attendees. That said, you may find it helpful to prepare short, impactful descriptions and narratives to share as attendees approach your table.
Also, if you’re able to share the solution itself, allowing attendees to try it for themselves is always appreciated! Where that’s not appropriate, feel free to bring along physical materials or samples used in your strategies or solutions.
Who can apply to participate?
Conference and Expo+ attendees, speakers, and Expo exhibitor staff are all eligible to apply to demonstrate or participate as a viewer.
Can someone help me present my project?
Yes! You may have one co-presenter at your table to assist in demonstrating your project. Because of the space constraints of this event, we only allow two presenters per table.
If you’d like to have a co-presenter, be sure to add their name and contact information on the submission form, as only the presenters on the original submission will be accepted as demonstrators. Please note that your SolutionFest co-presenter must also be a registered full-conference or Expo+ pass attendee of Learning & HR Tech Solutions.
What types of projects can be submitted?
We’re looking for a wide variety of innovative solutions to the challenges we face now and expect to face in the future of talent development. We are also looking for projects, solutions, strategies, or experiences that had a positive impact on an organization or team.
We are inviting submissions on a range of topics, including but not limited to:
Learning Solutions
- Gamified Learning & Game Elements
- Microlearning
- Interactive Video
- Immersive Environments
- Mobile-first Approaches
- Social and Collaborative Platforms
- Blended Learning Solutions
HR Solutions
- Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
- Employee Engagement and Retention Techniques
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Performance Management and Improvement Systems
- Workplace Wellness Programs
- Data-driven Strategies
- Leadership Initiatives
What is NOT eligible for SolutionFest?
SolutionFest is an opportunity for people to share and discuss the projects they’re working on with others rather than a place to sell courses, software, or services. Because of this, the following types of presentations will not be accepted:
- Product demonstrations or features of products
- Products or applications in beta or other phases of development
- Proof-of-concept products or applications
- Courses or apps that are sold by the demonstrator’s company (however, if this course was built for a specific organization and is only used by that organization, then it can be submitted)
If you’re a vendor of learning or HR technologies and want an opportunity to demonstrate your products or services at Learning & HR Tech Solutions, please contact one of the representatives below.
Can vendors of learning/HR tech products or custom development services participate?
YES! Please refer to the question “Who can apply to participate?” above for requirements.
Note that SolutionFest is not intended as an opportunity to sell your products or services. Instead, it’s designed for peers to share the problems they face and the projects, processes, or solutions they use to solve them. Anyone who is actively marketing or selling during SolutionFest will be asked to leave.
If you have a client who has used your tools or services, you may want to encourage them to participate in SolutionFest, and by association, your product or services will be showcased. Your client must be a registered full-conference or Expo+ pass attendee to apply.
Are supplemental materials allowed to be displayed and/or distributed during DemoFest?
No. SolutionFest is a place to showcase the work of the Learning & HR Tech Solutions community. It is not a place to promote products and services. No materials are permitted other than the equipment or materials needed to effectively demonstrate your project or solution. All equipment and materials must be able to fit onto the demonstration table.
You may bring standard business cards with you (3.5”x 2”) and provide them to attendees if they ask for one.
When can I submit my project? How do I submit my project?
The submission deadline is February 9, 2024. Submit your project using our online form.
Can I submit multiple projects?
While a person can only present one solution, multiple solutions can be submitted for review.
A company is welcome to have multiple people within the organization submit different solutions for consideration.
What are the basic criteria for acceptance?
For your proposal to be considered for acceptance:
- It must be submitted by the due date (February 9)
- You need to meet the registration criteria listed above (as does your co-presenter if you choose to have one)
- It must not be marketing or selling a product or be a demonstration of tools or tool features
- Preference is given to sessions that feature innovative solutions, as well as demonstrated results
Beyond that, the final decision is made based on the number of proposals received, the mix of topics received, and the ease with which your solution can be explained in your proposal.
Note: If the number of SolutionFest submissions exceeds the available slots, companies may be limited to one accepted submission.
How do I know if my project has been accepted?
Shortly after submitting your project, you’ll receive an automated email confirming the receipt of your submission. After the submission deadline has passed, we will evaluate the proposals received and select the final solutions for SolutionFest. You can expect a final response to your proposal by March.
What technology do I need to present?
If you’re solution is tech-based, you’ll be expected to bring your own equipment to display your project (this is typically a laptop and/or mobile device). If sound is a primary component of your solution, we strongly recommend that you also bring external speakers or headphones, as the SolutionFest room can at times be loud enough to drown out onboard laptop speakers. Also, while wireless internet will be available, we encourage you to load your course or program onto your hard drive, a CD, or a USB drive, and be prepared to run it locally, just in case.
It’s important to note that your table may not be wired for power. Because of this, you’ll want to fully charge your presentation devices before SolutionFest and even consider bringing an external battery so you’ll be able to demonstrate for the full two hours of the event without running out of power.
Will you send me more information if I am accepted?
Absolutely! If your project is accepted, we’ll send you final instructions on set-up times, technical options, and more in advance of the event.
What if I’m not sure whether my project is a fit for SolutionFest?
If you’re unsure whether your project is a good fit for SolutionFest, or if you’d like to bounce your proposal ideas off of someone at the Learning Guild before you apply, we’re happy to help. Just contact us at programs@LearningGuild.com with your questions.
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