Speaker Center
We're excited to have you join us!
Preparing for your session
Thank you for your willingness to work with us on an upcoming session!
Here are three things we ask that you to give thought to in advance of your session:
1 - CHECK-IN QUESTION
This is optional. We start with a casual discussion to help people ease into the session. Let us know if there is a question you would find interesting. We're happy to post a specific poll question or facilitate a discussion to take the pulse of the room, if it is helpful to you. Otherwise, we'll take care this.
2 - PRESENTATION
Most speakers create a short deck of slides, although it is not required. We do ask that you send us any materials in advance, so we can review and be ready to share. Remember, you only have 15-20 min., so keep your remarks scoped to the most important concepts that you want the full group to consider.
3 - CASE SCENARIO
Write a case study or discussion questions for small breakout groups to discuss. Using our principle of "all teach, all learn," presentations tend to ignite the group's thinking. We break into small groups to talk about the issue, and apply your framing and information to a real-world scenario.
Sample Agenda
If you have ideas on how you'd like to spend the hour, just let us know. We are flexible, and open to changing things up. However, our sessions tend to follow this general timeline:
12:15-12:30 Zoom Room Opens
- You can arrive early to check your camera, microphone, etc.
- Our facilitator will be there to help answer any questions.
12:30-12:35 The Check-in
- Our facilitator welcomes the room with a few minutes of check-in discussion before introducing you briefly.
12:35-12:55 Your Presentation
- You have 15-20 minutes to share your thoughts.
- Conclude your remarks by teeing up your case scenario.
12:55-1:10 Small Group Breakouts
- Our facilitator will put everyone in breakouts and pull us back.
1:10-1:20 Large Group Discussion
- Our facilitator will work with you to lead a discussion on what the groups talked about - offering you the chance to share more and to have the final word on the topic.
1:20-1:30 Hot Topics + Resources
- Our team will use any remaining time to cover timely topics.
1:30 Adjourn
You can email questions or materials to GeriatricsECHO@umn.edu or contact our facilitator, Adam Suomala at 651-271-3116 with any questions.
What to expect during your session
Below is a detailed outline of what you can expect as a guest speaker for the MN Geriatrics ECHO.
1 - CHECK IN
You can enter the room anytime after 12:15 p.m.
We start promptly at 12:30 p.m. Central Time.
Your session begins with our facilitator offering a check-in question for the room. In just five minutes, it helps people transition from their day-to-day work and begin thinking about the topic. Our facilitator will then start the recording and welcome you.
2 - INTRODUCTION
Our facilitator will offer a brief introduction and invite you to begin speaking. Our team stays in the room, advancing slides and helping to manage chat.
We don't typically read long bios, so feel free to start with more about your background, credentials, experience or employer if it is helpful orienting people to how you're viewing the topic.
3 - PRESENTATION
You have 15-20 minutes to share with the group.
Simply say "next slide" or we will do our best to intuit slide transitions. If you prefer to control your own slides, please let us know in advance.
Unless you tell us otherwise, we will record and post your presentation on our Archive page. You can also send any other links/handouts to post.
4 - BREAKOUT DISCUSSIONS
After you frame up the topic and present the case scenario, our facilitator will break the room into groups of 6-8 for about 15 minutes. Unless you prefer not to, we will place you in a breakout.
Don't feel like you need to lead here; we ask the room to step up with their contributions.
5 - LARGE GROUP DISCUSSION
When we come back from small groups, our facilitator will invite people to share their takeaways:
- What themes emerged in the discussion?
- What questions did they identify for the group?
- What lessons do they have to share?
We will give you the last word, if you want to offer up any final thoughts.
6 - CLOSING COMMENTS
With any remaining time, our team will wrap up the session by sharing a few logistics, such as related resources or hot topics emerging from regulatory or clinical corners as well as a QR code for continuing education credits and a preview of our next session.
We end promptly at 1:30 p.m. Central Time.
Who Attends?
In each session, you'll meet a diverse mix of leaders from across Minnesota's aging services field, with a focus on executive operations and clinical leadership, including:
- Assisted Living Directors
- Nurse Leaders
- Medical Directors
- Social Workers
- Nursing Home Administrators
We also welcome other geriatrics clinicians, administration students, academic faculty, recreation therapists, corporate leadership, and direct caregivers based on session topics.
Feel free to invite colleagues or people in your network to attend, though we do ask that all attendees be employed by an aging services organization.
Pro Tips
Over the years, we've learned a few bits of advice to help you think about your session:
- This is a very kind and supportive room that appreciates your time and expertise; there no need to be stressed.
- You can join the Zoom room anytime after 12:00 if you'd like to test your microphone, camera, or slides before we start at 12:30 p.m.
- We're ballparking you will take 15-20 minutes to present, but we can be flexibile if you go over or under.
- Try to avoid using acronyms (or be sure to explain them) especially given our interdisciplinary audience.
- Don't feel like you must know all things; if you get a challenging question, throw it back to the full room to respond.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Speaker Supports
Our team welcomes you to reach out to us if we can be of service. For personal assistance, contact our facilitator Adam at 651-271-3116.
