The document summarizes a virtual global conference on real-time collaboration that was held on May 9, 2009. Over 150 people registered for the conference from 30 countries. The conference used various web collaboration tools and allowed for both synchronous and asynchronous participation. Sessions focused on topics like collaborative workplaces and using social media in organizations. The summary concludes that virtual conferences can be run cost-effectively but facilitating meaningful discussions requires virtual collaboration skills.

1. Real-time Virtual Collaboration Global Conference May 9, 2009

3. © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World

4. © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World

5. Mind Map Links Activities Before, During and After © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World

7. Conference Flow © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World

9. Track 1 Sessions © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World Time Topic Tools Session1.1 (14.30 - 15.30) Collaborative Intelligence in the Workplace Yuuguu, Skype, Mindmeister Session 1.2 (14.30 - 15.30) Communication tools for the Manager 2.0 Skype, Etherpad, Bluekiwi Session 1.3 (14.30 - 15.30) Interdependence between collaboration and technology teamspeak and mindmeister Session 1.4 (14.30 - 15.30) OpenMoney: connecting social entrepreneurs with new currencies Twitter, Skype, if needed Session 1.5 (14.30 - 15.30) Global Skills Etherpad (meeting place) Session 1.6 (14.30 - 15.30) Introducing Social Media to large organisations Twitter (via TinyChat) --you do not need to have a twitter account to use it

10. Track 2 Sessions © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World Time Topic Tools Session 2.1 (15.45- 16.45) Community owned communications infrastructure Skype Session 2.2 (15.45 - 16.45) New Change Management Approach in 21st Century Dimdim Session 2.3 (15.45 - 16.45) Collective action vs. follow the leader vs. just hanging out together Twitter and TinyChat http://tinychat.com/bed7j#

11. Discussion Forums & Marketplace Before and During Conference : An online discussion forum served as a marketplace for conveners to post session descriptions, early reading and reference information. For participants the marketplace served as a place to connect and begin early conversations. Online Real-time Conference Programming: Google docs was used to a break-out table which listed sessions by track # and time. Post Conference: The same discussion forums continued to connect participants, extend conversations, and provided a place to outcomes on the sessions as well as feedback on conference sessions and experience. © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World

12. Open Collaboration Platform Back Channel Skype Chat Team Speak Mind Meister Dimdim Tiny Chat Etherppad Team Speak Twitter © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World Opening & Closing Skype Chat Blue Kiwi Yuuguu

13. Collaboration Tool Features Used © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World Tools VOIP Chat White Board Mind Map Notes Blue Kiwi Enterprise Social Networking Dimdim ?? EtherPad Collaborative Note-taking MindMeister Visual Mapping Skype Monitor Chat Activity TeamSpeak TinyChat Twitter Real Time Micro Blogging YuuGuu Secure Screen Sharing

14. Preparing to Convene Prepare by Writing: This is especially important for session conveners, but important for participants as well. Questions, arguments etc. can be captured in advance of a session making interaction more effective and efficient during all sessions. Technology Orientation: Allow time in advance of the conference, as well as at the beginning of break-out sessions to familiarize participants with the tools being used. This is particularly important case when different sessions utilize different tools. © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World

16. Early Conclusions Run Multiple Channels: Operating in virtual space involves running parallel channels simultaneously, some are synchronous (real- time) and others are asynchronous. Facilitation and Virtual Skills: As in the physical world, skillful facilitation assists in communications, meaning-making and the ability to act and make progress. The virtual environment, new conventions and specific skills are needed to take advantage of online power to connect as well as skills needed to connect interest groups and cultures. Cost Effective: A lot can be done with free tools – one can run global real-time conferences effectively and efficiently. This conference was designed and implemented in 4 weeks. Initially, Content Discussions Can Be Limited: The learning curve associated with using virtual online technology varies by person. For those lacking experience and skill, the depth and breadth at which they can engage may be more limited than in real-world conferences. © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World

17. Early Conclusions continued Customization: Specific tool choice, conference/meeting design, skills training and logistics can be customized to meet the mission of event hosts and needs of participants. Fragmentation of Collaboration Tools Market: Provides many innovative opportunities for online collaboration, but dizzy array of choices can be overwhelming; need for multiple sign-ons are problematic. © 2009 Radical Inclusion Redefining Collaboration for Organizations and Communities in a Connected World