The document provides information about planning conferences and events, including funding and resources. It discusses SSHRC Connection Grants that provide $7,000-$25,000 for events and up to $50,000 for outreach activities. Applicants must have 50% matching funds and can get assistance from departments and faculties. Communications, Public Affairs and Marketing (CPAM) at Laurier offers various services to promote events through media outreach and publications.

1. Conference Planning:
Processes, Funding,
Resources

2. • Supports:
• short-term targeted knowledge
mobilization activities (most often
conferences and workshops)
• outreach activities such as artistic
activities, development of
interactive technologies, media
events, adaptations, software
etc…
• emphasis is on connecting Post-
Secondary research and the
community
SSHRC Connection Grant

3. Value
• Connection grants range from $7,000 to $25,000 for
an event and up to $50,000 for an outreach activity

4. • There are four adjudications per year
• December, March, June, September
Deadlines

5. Eligibility
• There are Individual and Institutional versions of the
Connection grant
• Researchers should submit the Individual version
(even if the event involves a large team)
• The focus should be on mobilizing Canadian research,
especially if the event is outside Canada

6. Matching Funds
• Applicants must have 50%
matching funds (cash and/or in-
kind, excluding registration fees for
event)
• For example, if you are requesting
$15,000 from SSHRC, you must
have $7,500 from elsewhere
• The matching funds cannot be
from another SSHRC grant
(although you may use SSHRC
funds for the event provided there
is no duplication of support)

7. Matching Funds cont…
• Applicants should approach their departments and
faculties for financial assistance
• Applicants may have funds from another grant (other
than SSHRC)
• Some examples of relevant in-kind contributions
include:
• Conference space
• Administrative support
• Technical support
• Communications and Knowledge Mobilization support

8. Adjudication
• Challenge: 40%
• Feasibility: 30%
• Capability: 30%

9. Common errors
• Not following SSHRC’s instructions
about structure
• For example, in the “Detailed
Description,” often researchers will
copy and paste details from a
different application or from papers
written about the project
• Such a practice will lower your chances of
success

10. Detailed Description Structure
5 pages
• a description of the proposed event or
outreach activity;
• a statement regarding the overall goal
and specific objectives of the endeavour;
• a description of the research you will be
disseminating, transferring, exchanging
or mobilizing;
• a description of your main audience(s)
(e.g., scholars, practitioners, etc);
• an explanation as to why it is important
to connect with the specified
audience(s); and details on how all
activities can be undertaken within one
year

11. Common Errors
• Copying the start of detailed description as
your summary
• Burying project objectives
• Not selling the significance of your project
• Not aligning clearly with objectives of the
program
• Not clearly justifying your budget
• Not clearly detailing the training and
mentoring opportunities
• Not clearly outlining your Knowledge
Mobilization Plan with appropriate details
provided

12. KMB and Communications:
Pre-award
• In general, take an active approach (using –ing
phrases). Consider novel but proven techniques,
within realistic parameters (budget, spread)
• Emphasize interactivity, co-creation of
knowledge, and open access (including students!)
• When using traditional academic methods, think
“outside of the box” – alternative publications?
• Introduce and briefly summarize the primary
KMB activities, connecting them to stakeholders
and conceptual knowledge (hot words:
empowerment, engagement, participation,
leveraging, etc.)
• Identify KMB approaches with one paragraph
each (2-3 sentences about method; 1-2 sentences
connecting to anticipated outcomes)

13. KMB and Communications:
Pre-award
• Using jargon and/or complex descriptions of
KMB goals and approaches
• Using generic descriptions of activities,
objectives, outcomes
• Vague language about dissemination
strategies
• Using divisive or occlusive language
• Confusing/combining KMB plans with
expected outcomes
• Overlooking co-creation and participatory
approaches to developing/sharing knowledge
• Omitting elements of the application
identified elsewhere

14. KMB and Communications:
Post-award
• Plan ahead – critically identify components
that you can accomplish, that an RA can
accomplish, or that require specialized
assistance
• Develop an effective and timely
communication strategy – anticipate
windows of accessibility
• Provide advanced notice to the Office of
Research Services and Communications,
Public Affairs, and Marketing (CPAM) for
support
• Have technology in place and develop a
concrete KMB strategy
• Hold a “dry-run” at the event venue(s)
• Have dual redundancies!!!
• Plan for “day-after” activities – the press,
reporting, publishing, etc.

15. Tools
• WLU’s OneCard office is equipped to
create a registration page that can
accept payment
• Those payments can be deposited
using WLU index codes
• They charge a set-up fee and 4% of the
registration
• Contact Diane Litt for more
information

16. Tools
• EventBrite is an online platform
designed to facilitate event
promotion and registration
• Built in tools: Reg surveys, social
media integration, analytics, some
customization
• Free events = no cost; Paid events =
$0.99 + 2.5%, 3.5% for credit
processing (debit, credit, and
paypal)
• No tools for event management (i.e.
calendars, schedules, maps)

17. Other Tools
• Guidebook – customizable and simple mobile app for
event facilitation; includes calendars, directors, maps,
social network integration, etc. No website integration.
• Now syncs with EventBrite
• Free to 200 guests; $1750 for basic package
• Topquark – series of plugins and widgets for wordpress
websites; includes an app option (like guidebook)
• Simplifies web-based schedule, speaker information,
doesn’t have other tools (e.g. facebook, twitter)
• $39 for wordpress plugin; $399 for app (incl. plugin)

18. Technologies on campus
• Video conferencing (for small sessions) – ITS Employee
Technical Support will arrange. Rooms are fixed.
• Webcasting (WLU campuses) – No ITS support. Options
available via Centre for Teaching Innovation and
Excellence (CTIE) – Adobe Connect
• Webcasting (CIGI) – Available for all BSIA bookings; costs
$100/hr and includes archiving.
• DIY – Adobe connect account available; other services
like skype can be used without support. Equipment is a
must!

19. • Develops and delivers the university's key messages
• Provides information and advocacy on behalf of the university
• Positions Laurier in the post-secondary sector
• Handles all requests from the media
• Manages Laurier's official social media channels
• Publishes Laurier's alumni magazine, Campus, and internal
newspaper, insideLaurier
• Promotes research and events through news releases, social
media, media outreach, website articles and articles in Laurier
publications
• Manages Laurier’s brand & visual identity & produces
marketing materials
Communications, Public
Affairs, and Marketing (CPAM)

20. • General media training
• Preparing for an interview if you have been contacted by a
reporter
• Promoting your research or event to the media & external
community (through news releases, media pitches & social
media)
• Promoting an event or initiative to the Laurier community
• News-style coverage of an event (article, photo or video)
• Designing a marketing piece (e.g. poster, brochure or invitation)
wlu.ca/creativeservices
• Setting up a social media site for your department
CPAM Services

21. CPAM
• Who they are
• Services offered
• Contacts