Delivered as part of Research Week 2014

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