As we’ve moved forward with our restructuring plans, I realize there have been a lot of uncertainties. But through it all, I’ve sent several constant messages, and one of them is that we will need to utilize technology to learn new ways to deliver programming.
Growing the Bioeconomy: Solutions for Sustainability can serve as a role model for such programming. More than 700 people from through the United States participated in this valuable one-day conference. Michigan State University Extension was one of nine partner institutions that hosted viewing platforms and supplied speakers. Here in Michigan, we had two sites where people could participate in the conference: Escanaba (thanks to Warren Schauer) and East Lansing.
Dennis Pennington estimates that participating in the conference saved Michigan residents more than $27,000 in fees alone. The previous conference, which was a traditional face-to-face meeting, included a $600 registration fee, and required attendees to travel outside the state to participate. This year’s virtual conference cost only $50.
More important, if it weren’t for this virtual opportunity, many of our clientele would not have an opportunity to even consider attending. Several of our partner organizations are no longer allowed to send employees out of state.
Virtual education is a good business practice that I hope we can continue to model.
Special thanks to Dennis, Warren, Mark Seamon and Luke Reese, the technology guide who kept things in order. And let’s not forget Megghan Honke, MSU Extension event coordinator who was willing to take on the challenge.
I attended the East Lansing site and it went very well. We listened to and interacted with national experts close to home for a resonable cost. Well done.