K* Conference 2012 - Updates/FAQ

• UPDATE [April 4 2012]   The conference is three short weeks away! Please see this note [pdf] for some updates on the program and Green Paper as well as links to Case Study and Marketplace templates.

• 1. The Place and Mission
• 2. Who will be represented at the K*2012 Summit?
• 3. If I’ve not already registered can I still participate in the Conference?
• 4. How is the K* Conference Different?
• 5. Where is the meeting being held?
• 6. The Weather – what to expect?
• 7. What is being covered by the organizers?
• 8. What are participants responsible for?
• 9. Spectacular networking trip to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake
• 10. How to Get to Hamilton, Ontario?
• 11. What about visas etc?

For a PDF version of this information, please click here

The Place and Mission

The first-ever K* Summit takes place over the course of three days in Hamilton at the end of April. During the conference, apart from learning from one another, we’ll roll up our sleeves and establish a baseline understanding of the global K* community and the beginnings of a global learning network, along with the mechanisms to sustain it.

We’ll also continue and broaden the conversation through the development of “state of the art” wiki‐based green (and ultimately) white papers. We are keenly aware that what is being learned in some countries and sectors is not known about in others.  The summit will begin to identify some of the many ‘low hanging fruit’ with the ultimate outcome of achieving improved efficiency and accelerating the impact of initiatives as a result of these improved linkages.

A highlight for the 50-60 delegates attending is a special networking visit to spectacular Niagara Falls and the pretty town of Niagara on the Lake.

Who will be represented at the K*2012 Summit? Top of page

Confirmed participants include many of the world’s key K* actors in a variety of organizations and government departments, as well as academics working in the field.  Their collective expertise covers a broad range of sectors (e.g. social innovation, education, agriculture, health, sustainability) and roles (e.g. government, intermediary, end user, academia) across most of the globe.

Based on early survey results they are working about evenly, but not exclusively, on K* matters related to: civil society, industry, practitioners and government. Expected participants have pertinent, past or ongoing experience with the following organizations (right column).

If I’ve not already registered can I still participate in the Conference?Top of page

We welcome interest in participation in the K* conference which is deliberately being kept relatively small. Please note, however, remaining, available spaces are extremely limited and we are aiming to ensure maximum diversity of participants, by role, and organizationally, sectorally and geographically.

That said, we'd certainly be happy to put individuals on the wait list should a slot become available. Please contact us directly outlining your interests and work in K* and provide your contact information.

Because the K*2012 summit is a point of departure for the initiative as a whole, and a series of follow-on activities includes shaping online, by any and all interested parties, of the K* green and eventually white paper, we would be pleased to provide you with updates as the initiative develops so you can participate, at least virtually.

You can follow and participate in discussions at the K* conference remotely as we will be webcasting certain portions via WebEx and through social media. Please see our Follow and Particpate page for more information on webcasting registration and other links.

How is the K* Conference Different? Top of page

We have deliberately kept the number of participants’ small (50-60) to maximize the opportunity for meaningful networking and establishing of contacts across sectors and geography. We are gathering information via surveys to build foundation materials for the meeting.

Unlike PowerPoint-heavy conferences that offer little chance for interaction between the speaker and audience (we’ve all been to them), the K*2012 Summit has been designed as a series of facilitated conversations and open space sessions. In the former, small panels will first chat about their experiences using a case study approach, an intervener will offer observations and insights, and audience members then engage with the panel, all the while responding to key questions prepared by the organizers.

The Marketplace session will showcase some of our delegates work to this global audience in a high-paced and interactive fashion. An open space component will be driven by the interests of participants.

The Draft Conference Program is available on the conference website and full descriptions of the panels are coming soon.

PRACTICAL DETAILS

Where is the meeting being held? Top of page

The K* 2012 Conference will be held at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, in the heart of Hamilton. A block of conference rooms at a special group rate have been secured, please click here to access the booking page to reserve your room.

The Weather – what to expect? Top of page

Weather in southern Ontario (Niagara is at the same latitude as the South of France) at the end of April can be very pleasant with daily high temperatures of ~15°C.  Snow is very unlikely but temperatures can dip so you’d be wise to bring a sweater and a waterproof jacket, especially since we will be going to Niagara Falls!

What is being covered by the organizers? Top of page

With the generous support of the many organizations that are helping to make the K* initiative a reality we are able to cover the following items:

• - An opening reception and book launch on Tuesday April 24^th where a light supper will be available.
• - During the conference, all meals and coffee breaks for participants will been provided.
• - Three continental breakfasts (Weds – Fri),
• - Three lunches (Weds – Fri)
• - Dinner Wednesday night.
• - Dinner will be provided during the networking visit to Niagara (see below)
• - Free WIFI (extent of access to be confirmed)
• We are working on some other “goodies” that we hope will help enhance the experience for delegates. For example we hope to have a hospitality suite for informal gatherings available on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

What are participants responsible for? Top of page

Unless other arrangements have been agreed with the Chair of the Conference, all that participants will have to do, is book their accommodation at the Sheraton and get themselves to Hamilton (see local transportation information below).

We are also asking all participants to:

• - Complete a short online survey to be used in refining the conference panels and as input to the green paper. There may be a second short survey closer to the conference.
• - Consider presenting a snapshot of their work during the marketplace session
• - Be ready to roll up their sleeves in helping shape the green paper by actively engaging for the full three days of the meeting.
• - We may also be asking some individuals to prepare a two-page case study document and/or to participate in one of the eight panels as a panelist or commentator.

Spectacular networking trip to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake

Top of page

Our networking trip will take us to awe-inspiring Niagara Falls where we’ll stop so you can experience the true might of North America’s most powerful waterfall. We’ll then drive along the scenic Niagara Parkway and through historic Niagara-on-the-Lake to Strewn Winery and tour the facility where award-winning Niagara wines and icewines are produced. Those who wish can also indulge in a tasting (non-alcoholic grape juice will also be available) or browse in the on-site store for souvenirs.

The evening will conclude across the hall with dinner at Restaurant Terroir La Cachette where talented Chef Alain Levesque and his team will prepare a fine meal featuring the freshest of locally-sourced produce. (Note we will need participants to select their menu selections a week before the Summit and will be following up directly with you.)

How to Get to Hamilton, Ontario Top of page

We will be providing driving and shuttle service information from Toronto Pearson airport closer to the time of the conference.

What about visas etc? Top of page

If you need any assistance by way of a formal letter of invitation, or a Note Verbale from UNU-INWEH that you can attach to your visa application please let us know.

In case of questions:

Please contact Conference Chair Dr. Alex Bielak 905-667-5876 alex.bielak@unu.edu