CarpentryCon2022 Lightning Talk: Pre-Workshop Team Meetups: How to Set Up for Success

My lightning talk for CarpentryCon2022 is now available on YouTube (closed captions in English, French, Japanese, and Spanish): https://youtu.be/DQ3PfJrgo0Y

Abstract:
One essential pre-workshop checklist item involves organizing “a meetup with the instructors the day before the workshop if the workshop is in person, or sooner if the workshop is virtual.” These meetups are important for establishing rapport with the teaching team; for many instances, it is also the only instance when expectations get verbally communicated and agreed upon. The challenge of facilitating these meetups could involve: 1) working with new volunteers (either helpers or co-instructors) who are unfamiliar with how Carpentries workshops typically run; 2) making certain that no critical logistical matter is accidentally forgotten. This lightning talk aims to provide a quick overview of recommended agenda items and questions that ensure successful workshops. Tips and tricks related to running successful meetings will also be addressed. The intended audience for this lightning talk includes hosts and certified instructors, although anyone interested in learning more about the “behind the scenes” work for facilitating centrally and self-organized workshops are welcome. Lightning talk participants will: 1) appreciate the importance of pre-workshop meetups; 2) be able to apply best practices for planning, facilitating, and participating in pre-workshop meetups; 3) remember key agenda items that sets up learners, instructors, and helpers for success.