OEGlobal26 Presenters' Guide

OEGlobal 2026 Information Desk
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Congratulations, and thank you for presenting your Open Education work and discoveries at OEGlobal 2026!

Your session is one of 153 sessions, alongside four keynote conversations, shared by 263 presenters from 28 countries. At the OEGlobal Conference, every session is more than a presentation. It’s the start of a conversation that carries on in the room, online and on OEGlobal Connect long after your time slot ends.

This guide has everything you need to prepare, whether you’re presenting in Cambridge, online or in a hybrid session. It’s long, so take it one section at a time, and read the parts labelled for your format first.

Questions? Reply to this post, message the Help team on OEG Connect or email conference@oeglobal.org.

1. All Presenters: Start Here …

Here’s a checklist that applies to ALL PRESENTERS:

  • Please complete the media release form ahead of your presentation to ensure we can share your session with the wider OEGlobal community through our YouTube channel after the conference. All presenters in your session must sign the form for the recording to be published. If we do not receive a signed form from all presenters, the recording will not be published.

  • Check your session in Sched. Confirm the date, time, format, title, abstract and co-presenters (see below). All sessions will have a Zoom link in Sched, except Round Tables and Special Activities. Zoom links will be available at the beginning of each conference day.

  • Upload your slides using the OEGlobal 2026 Presentation Slides Upload Form before the conference. You may also add them to your session in Sched if you’d also like to share them directly with attendees.

  • Accept your OEGlobal Connect invitation and start a thread for your session in Session Conversations (see more below).

  • Read the OEGlobal26 Attendee Guide that gives vital information for both in-person and online attendees.

  • Review the Conference Code of Conduct.

  • Let your networks know that you’re presenting (see more below).

1.1 Session formats and timings

Most sessions are scheduled in 30-minute slots, with 5 minutes between slots so people can move between rooms (or Zoom links). If you allow for introductions, set-up and questions, plan for around 20 minutes of presentation time.

How you use that time is up to you; remember leaving room for conversations at the end is always worth it.

Please note:

  • Times are firm. Session hosts and facilitators will give you a reminder as the end of your time approaches, and they’ll keep to the schedule out of respect for the presenters who follow you. If you run out of time, the conversation can carry on in your OEG Connect thread.

  • Check your session again. We have recently made several final adjustments to the program, so even if you have reviewed your session previously, we encourage you to check the schedule again before making your final plans.

  • Some sessions are scheduled together in blocks, with no break between individual presentations. If your session is part of one of these blocks, please join the entire block rather than arriving only for your individual presentation. This will help ensure smooth transitions between sessions and create a more connected experience for presenters and participants.

Recording and publishing

  • Sessions will be recorded so they can be shared after the conference. Recordings will only be published once the presenters of each session have completed the media release form.

  • Round Tables and Special Activities are in person only and are not recorded.

  • All recordings will be available on the OEGlobal 2026 YouTube playlist by the end of October.

1.2 Get the best from the Sched platform

All presenters are registered attendees, so you can already log in at oeglobal2026.sched.com. The Sched welcome email will be sent to the email address you used at registration. If you haven’t received your Sched welcome email, let us know.

Find your session: On the schedule, look for the banner at your session’s time slot that reads “You’re speaking at this event! Manage & promote your session.” The link takes you to your session’s page, where you can:

  • see who has added your session to their schedule

  • upload your presentation file and any supporting documents

  • check that your title, abstract and all co-presenters are listed correctly, including anyone who won’t be there on the day

More:

  • Your session is automatically added to your personal schedule.

  • Time zones: use the sidebar to switch Sched to your local time zone. This is especially useful if you’re presenting online from outside North America. All conference times are EDT (Boston time, UTC−4).

  • Add a photo, a bio and your social and contact details to your Sched profile so attendees can find you.

  • Download the Sched app (Apple • Google Play) to keep the program with you wherever you are.

  • For ONLINE & HYBRID Presenters: the Zoom link for your session appears as a button on each session in Sched. Don’t panic if you cannot see it yet, it will become available at the beginning of the day of your session.

1.3 Preparing your presentation

Your slides

  • Use the OEGlobal 2026 slide template, available in the Visuals Kit. Using it is optional, but it helps the program feel connected.

  • Please add a Creative Commons licence on your slides so they can be shared and reused. It’s an Open Education conference, after all.

  • On your final slide, create a OEGlobal Connect session thread about your session and add the link to your slides so the oeglobal26 conversation can continue.

Make it accessible, in the room and online

  • Accessibility matters.

  • Describe your visuals out loud (“this chart shows…”), because online attendees may not be able to see all details on your slides.

  • Always use the microphone, even in a small room. It’s the only way online attendees can hear you, and when recording your session.

  • Repeat or summarise questions from the room before answering them.

  • Add alt text to images you share on OEGlobal Connect. Here’s how to do it.

  • If you’re showing a video, check it has and/or enable captions.

New to presenting?

That’s great, we love first-time presenters! Practice out loud at least once with a timer, and remember that the audience is on your side.

1.4 OEGlobal Connect Keeps the Conversation Flowing!

Every registered attendee has received an invitation to the OEGlobal 2026 space on OEGlobal Connect. Use this link to join if you are new to OEGlobal Connect, or sign into OEGlobal Connect. When you’re in, use the Hybrid Transit Map to find your way around.

Start a thread for your session in Session Conversations using the New Topic button (here’s an example). You can use it to:

  • post a welcome message and a link to your Sched session

  • share slides, additional readings, videos and project links

  • ask a question that invites people to respond before, during or after your session

  • follow up on questions that you didn’t have time for during the session.

  • Remember: conversations involve other people. Support your fellow presenters on OEGlobal Connect by engaging with their posts; ask questions, share relevant resources or research, and provide insight into your experience of their challenges.

This matters especially for online and hybrid audiences. For many people, your thread will be the easiest way to join in.

Two more places to be seen in OEGlobal Connect:

During the conference, share key moments in the OEG26 Session Chat.

If you are new to OEGlobal Connect? Start with this special Participant Guide.

1.5 Be Visible: Tell people you’re presenting!

  • Download your “I’m presenting at oeglobal26” badge from our Visuals Kit. Share it on social media!

  • Use the ready-to-adapt presenter posts for LinkedIn, Mastodon, BlueSky, Facebook, X and Instagram in the Communications Kit.

  • Include oeglobal26 and #OpenEducation, your Sched session link and your co-presenters’ handles.

  • Tag us on: BlueSky @oeglobal.bsky.social • Mastodon @oeglobal@social.fossdle.org • LinkedIn Open Education Global • Instagram & X @OpenEdGlobal • Facebook @OpenEducationGlobal

2. IN-PERSON & HYBRID: Presenting in Cambridge

2. 1 Before you travel

  • Create your slides using the OEGlobal 2026 slide template, available in the Visuals Kit.

  • Make sure your slides have been uploaded to the OEGlobal 2026 Presentation Slides Upload Form (only one presenter per session should submit the slides). Please make sure your final slides are submitted by the deadline. We will not be able to upload presentations to the room laptops at the last minute.

  • The venue: Samberg Conference Center, 6th and 7th floors, E52 Chang Building, 50 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139 (google maps • venue and floor plans). Travel and local tips are in the Attendee Guide.

  • In each room: there will be a presenter microphone, a large screen/projector, a room laptop (with your slides preloaded), internet access, and a Zoom/streaming set-up for online attendees.

  • Presentation computer: Presenters will use the in-room laptop provided by AV. Your slides will be ready on the laptop in your assigned room when you arrive, so there will be no need to connect your own laptop. You will be able to control and advance your own slides during your presentation.

  • Bring a backup: it’s best to be sure, bring a copy of your slides on a USB stick and a PDF version, in case of font or video issues.

  • Do you have any special requirements? If you need extra equipment or have an access requirement, contact conference@oeglobal.org by Monday, Oct 5 so we can look into it.

2.2 On the day

  1. Collect your badge from the welcome desk on arrival on Wednesday registration opens at 8:00am at the Venue.

  2. Arrive at your room during the break before your session. Introduce yourself to your session host and check your slides are loaded and displayed correctly, double check any video or audio.

  3. Technical support: Each room will have a dedicated tech team to help the speaker get connected to the in-room AV laptop and are on hand if anything goes wrong.

  4. You will be supported by a session host who will introduce the session, provide timing management and monitor any in-room questions. An Online Delegate will manage your interactions with the online audience.

  5. Be aware of the time. Careful time management is important throughout the conference, given our full conference program and the participation of our online audience. We ask presenters to please respect their scheduled presentation time so that sessions can begin and end as planned and transitions between presentations run smoothly.

  6. Where you can, stay for the whole session, and ideally for the rest of your track block. Your audience will appreciate it, and so will your fellow presenters.

  7. HYBRID SESSIONS:

  • Remote co-presenters join via each session’s dedicated Zoom link and should follow the online checklist below.
  • Agree with your co-presenters in advance as to who shares the screen and who will take responsibility for which portions of the presentation.
  • Be in the room early so you can connect with your co-presenter and check their connection.

2.3 All sessions are hybrid

  • All sessions will be watched by online attendees! Only workshops and round tables will not be available to online attendees.

  • Your audience is in two places. Look at the camera now and then, and address online attendees directly (“for those joining online…”).

  • Always use the mic, and repeat questions from the room.

  • The facilitator will bring online questions from the Zoom chat into the room. Leave time for them.

  • After your session, check for any questions on OEGlobal Connect relating to what you presented and engage with that audience.

3. Online Presenters

3.1 Presenting online via Zoom

Before the day

  • Create your slides using the OEGlobal 2026 slide template, available in the Visuals Kit.

  • Make sure your slides have been uploaded to the OEGlobal 2026 Presentation Slides Upload Form (only one presenter per session should submit the slides). Please make sure your final slides are submitted by the deadline. We will not be able to upload presentations to the room laptops at the last minute.

  • Update Zoom. A few days before your session, open the Zoom app on the computer you’ll be presenting from and install any updates it asks for - this is so it doesn’t demand an update five minutes before you start. You can try the Zoom test meeting to check your camera, microphone and screen sharing.

  • Check your connection. You’ll want at least 3 Mbps upload speed. You can test it at librespeed.org. A wired connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi if you have the option.

  • Set up your space: make sure you have good light in front of you (not behind!), a quiet room, and headphones or earbuds to prevent echo. An external microphone helps if you have one.

  • Virtual background: chose one of the OEGlobal 2026 backgrounds in the Visuals Kit.

  • Practise sharing your screen with your slides in presenter mode.

On the day

  1. Before you start, cue any video or additional links you might need, close any applications you don’t need and silence notifications.

  2. Join at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time, using the Zoom button on your session in Sched.

  3. A previous session may still be running. Post in the Zoom chat that you’re there for the next session so the moderators know you’ve arrived.

  4. A technical support person and a facilitator will be in the Zoom room. The facilitator will introduce you, give you a reminder as your end time approaches, and manage questions from the chat.

  5. You’ll have screen-sharing rights and be able to control your own presentation, so have your slides open and ready. Check you have access to screenshare before the session begins.

4. Your Final Checklist: before, during and after

Before your session

  • ALL PRESENTERS: Media release form signed (all presenters) :check_mark:

  • ALL PRESENTERS: Session details and co-presenters checked in Sched :check_mark:

  • ALL PRESENTERS: Slides uploaded to Sched :check_mark:

  • ALL PRESENTERS: OEG Connect session thread started :check_mark:

  • ALL PRESENTERS: Presenter badge shared :check_mark:

  • IN-PERSON or HYBRID: Backup slides on USB and PDF :check_mark:

  • ONLINE: Zoom updated, connection and screen sharing tested :check_mark:

During your session

  • Take a breath and let the chair or facilitator introduce you.

  • Keep an eye on the time. Aim for ~20 minutes, then conversation.

  • Use the mic, describe your visuals and include your online audience.

  • Point people to your OEGlobal Connect thread for follow-up.

After your session

  • Add your slides (with an open licence, ideally) and any resources to your OEGlobal Connect thread and to Sched.

  • Reply to follow-up questions on OEGlobal Connect.

  • Share a highlight from your session on social media with oeglobal26.

  • Complete the presenters’ survey (link shared on Wed, Oct 7) while the experience is still fresh. It helps us make things better for our next presenters.

5. If you need help …

  • Before the conference: reply to this post, message the Help team, or email conference@oeglobal.org

  • IN-PERSON:

    • At the venue: your session chair, the welcome desk, or wayfinder volunteers in yellow shirts.

  • ONLINE:

    • During a session: the facilitator and tech support in your Zoom room, or post in Lobby Chat on OEGlobal Connect

  • ALL PRESENTERS:

Thank you for sharing your work with this community. We can’t wait to hear about what you have been doing!

OEGlobal 2026 Navigator

:spiral_calendar: Program in Sched
:globe_with_meridians: OEGlobal 2026 Conference Web Site
:artist_palette: Visuals Kit
:megaphone: Communications Kit

:arrow_up_small: Main Space in OEGConnect
:right_arrow: Front Entrance public conversations “outside” the venue

For Attendees:
:right_arrow: The Lobby meet attendees
:right_arrow: Information Desk updates and help
:right_arrow: Session Conversations discussion and sharing
:right_arrow: Interaction Zone activities and things to do

OEGlobal26 Attendee Guide