Feb+2008+meeting


 * Members present:** Tim Devlin (AIU), David Piemme (Winchester-Thurston), Rebecca Morris (Deer Lakes SD), Jana Baxter (AIU), Kevin Conner (AIU), Norton Gusky (Fox Chapel Area SD) – recorder

Norton related that Justin Driscoll had decided to terminate his role as the operations coordinator for the conference. However, the Pittsburgh Technology Council still hoped to play a role in marketing and other aspects of the conference. Kevin Conner related that he had asked the AIU if Amy Cribbs could take over Justin’s role. Amy had been the operations coordinator a number of years ago when she worked at the Carnegie Science Center.

Wednesday, November 5 Thursday, November 6
 * Conference dates:**

1. Increase participation by 20%. Norton related that last year’s event dropped off possibly due to the move to the Learning Alliance and the increase in cost. The group agreed to target Ius and school districts to the north of the conference. David volunteered to promote the event to the independent schools. (The independent schools have a conference every two years. This is the off year.) 2. Increase sponsor/exhibitor participation by 20%. Last year there were 22 vendors at the conference. Norton suggested that the registration table could be moved to the entrance way providing 2-3 additional spaces for vendors. 3. Increase decision-maker participation. The committee discussed ideas including special sessions for principals at the pre-conference workshops. Kevin will contact the Principal’s Leadership Institute to see if there is a possibility of having their November event at TRETC.
 * Goals for Conference:**

The committee agreed to follow the time-line Norton shared for the 2008 conference. (see below) The AIU, Tech Council, and planning committee would share the responsibilities for the conference activities.
 * Conference organization and responsibilities**


 * **Activity** || **Time-frame** || **Responsibility** ||
 * Set Goals/Themes || 2/08-3/08 || Planning Committee ||
 * Identify keynote speaker || 3/08 – 5/08 || Planning Committee ||
 * Identify presenters || 3/08-6/08 || Planning Committee ||
 * Identify vendors || 3/08 – 6/08 || Planning Committee ||
 * Register presenters/vendors/ participants || 4/08 – 11/-08 || Tech Council ||
 * Arrange for equipment needs || 6/08 – 11/08 || AIU ||
 * Develop and distribute marketing materials || 3/08 – 10/08 || AIU/Tech Council ||
 * Arrange for food and necessary equipment || 6/08 – 11/08 || AIU ||
 * Pay bills || 6-08 – 11/08 || Tech Council ||
 * Provide food / necessary space / tech support || 11/08 || Learning Alliance ||

Two ideas were shared: • Building a Global Network for Learning • Imagine the Possibilities The group agreed that the 2008 TRETC should highlight global and online activities that would be possible with the Regional Wide Area Network under development. The group discussed having a Global Network Showcase that would highlight Internet2 type of events. The showcase would run the entire day on Thursday. Kevin mentioned that Diane Chessman at Wilkinsburg SD has promoted “Taking IT Global” with her staff. She may be willing to conduct a session. Tim mentioned the eMissions project as another group that would fit the theme.
 * Theme for Conference**

The committee agreed to keep the two-day framework, but came up with a variety of modifications to expand the conference. The committee agreed to try to include student involvement and to have the keynote and some of the sessions captured and streamed. Kevin, David and Karlton Chapman will form a sub-committee to investigate the idea of an online or virtual conference. Norton remarked that RPC Video was interested in sharing their technical expertise and a MediaSite unit for the streaming activities. Rebecca related how effective poster sessions were, especially preparing her to develop a more extensive presentation. The group agreed that there should be poster sessions on Thursday with student participation, if possible. Norton suggested that TRETC submit a grant proposal to the Grable and Heinz Endowments for this activity. The group also discussed a student round-table connected to Classrooms for the Future. The committee proposed a new structure for the half-day conference. Tim suggested that there was a need for more social networking a chance to celebrate. The group proposed: 4:00 - 5:00 Networking reception with vendors 5:00 - 7:00 Workshop 7:00 - 8:00 Keynote/Dinner Vendors would sponsor the networking reception and participants would have the option to check in early or show up just in time for the workshop.
 * Structure for Conference**

The Thursday session would mirror the 2007 schedule: 7:30AM - 8:30AM - Registration & Breakfast 8:30AM - 9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:35AM - 10:50AM - Session 1 10:55AM - 12:10PM - Session 2 12:15PM - 1:30PM - Lunch Dedicated vendor time, and business meeting for technology coordinators and library media coordinators 1:35PM - 2:50PM - Session 3 3:00 – 3:30 Raffle and end of conference evaluation

Tim thought there should be some type of culminating activity for the election project that may be part of the rollout of the RWAN. Norton proposed that the Math Science Collaborative could take the lead for the event, since they offered to coordinate the learning activities as part of an RWAN content committee meeting.
 * Possible Activities**

Jana asked about the tie-in of the conference with the Southwest PAECT. The group agreed that this should be considered and PAECT should have a booth at the conference.
 * Other Issues**

The committee agreed to invite other IUs to join the planning committee. Christian from IU1, Vince Hume from IU5, and Tim Hoffman from IU7 were suggested. Jana also suggested inviting Julie Tebbits from Shadyside Academy and Jerry Slamecka from Butler Area SD.
 * Committee Membership**

The group agreed to continue to meet on the first Monday of the month at 4:00 pm at the AIU. Norton suggested that we could have one or two of the meetings at the Learning Alliance to accommodate the targeted members from the more northern areas. Kevin will look into setting up a videoconference so people can join the meeting without driving to the AIU.
 * Next Meeting: March 3, 2008**