Professional Development Seminars [PDS] – The PDS consists of extended sessions [usually about 3 hours long] structured around a specific topic. The format of these sessions provide for longer and more thorough learning experiences than the program sessions. More information on the PDS sessions can be found here.

Program Committee Meeting – This is the pre-conference meeting of the Program Committee for the conference. After introductions, some housekeeping items are taken care of, and moderators are assigned to sessions. The Program Committee meeting is mandatory for all members of the Program Committee.

Presenters’ Prep – The presenters’ prep meeting provides important information and tips to those presenting at the ResNet Symposium. Information about the presentation process specific to the ResNet Symposium will be covered, along with tips for a successful presentation. This meeting is mandatory for all presenters and Program Committee members.

Opening Reception and Dinner – The opening reception provides time for you to meet and mingle with other conference attendees and grab a snack or two before the opening dinner. The Welcome event is also hosted during this time. During the opening dinner you’ll learn more about the exciting things in store at the ResNet Symposium, and have the opportunity to meet and hear from those responsible for putting on the Symposium. In addition, this is also “School Spirit Night”, so please wear your institution polo or T-shirt to show your school pride!

Geek T-shirt day – Held on the first full day of the Symposium, this gives ResNet attendees the opportunity to share their favorite geek T-shirt. The caffeine molecule. Keep out of direct sunlight. What one will be your favorite to run out and buy when you get home?

Keynote Presentation – What a better way to kick off the presentation section of the ResNet Symposium than to have an IT professional speak on a hot topic that affects all of our lives? The keynote begins the first day of presentation sessions and is always interesting and informative.

Senti-Merriman Scholarship – Created in honor of Sandy Senti and Jeff Merriman, the organization’s founding members, the Senti-Merriman scholarship provides member organizations a means to honor their student staff and demonstrate how important it is to have student participation in our programs.  For ResNet 2010, the Senti-Merriman Scholarship will cover conference registration, travel, and on-campus lodging, up to $1000, for one student.  More information can be found here.

Presentation Sessions – The presentation sessions are the main event at the ResNet Symposium. Professionals from around the world spend months compiling school-specific information to bring and speak about at ResNet. Attending presentation sessions allows ResNet attendees to compare and contrast their own ideas and policies with those of other schools.

Birds of a Feather [BOF] Sessions – BOF sessions are small-groups who gather to discuss a pre-selected topic. Oftentimes these are written into the schedule, but they can also form at lunch or dinner tables. Be sure to check the program schedule to see if any appeal to you. You may also create a BOF throughout the conference, and there is a forum on our ResNet 2010 Discussion Forums page, where discussions can begin in preparation for a session at the symposium.

ResNet Jeopardy – The annual ResNet Jeopardy is always a favorite. Modeled after the popular game show, handpicked ResNet attendees match wits against each other (and against the audience!) while answering questions about the ResNet program, notable ResNetters, and other fun ResNet trivia. Come and laugh with this year’s lucky Jeopardy contestants. (HINT: Be sure to read the program binder prior to attending)

Activity Night – After Jeopardy, the games continue. Think you are a rock star or a bowling pro? Come and match wits with other ResNet attendees on Guitar Hero and Wii bowling and see where you stand. If video games are not your thing, there will also be areas setup to play cards and board games – bring your favorite game to share with others. (Game ideas are tentative right now)

Afternoon Activities – After 36 hours of presentations, BOFs, and panel discussions, you’ll get your first extended break to nap, explore Bellingham, or participate in one of the afternoon activities. Spend a few hours exploring Bellingham’s restaurants and shopping, take a trip to Seattle, or just stay in and play cards with your ResNet friends and enjoy a few hours of stress-free relaxation.

Town Hall Meeting – In this open forum, the Board of Directors will present an overview on the status of the ResNet organization. They are also interested in hearing your opinions and ideas, so please bring those with you.

Program Committee BOF – This event is a must for anyone interested in becoming more involved with the ResNet Symposium. Here you will have the opportunity meet the incoming Program Committee Chair, share your ideas for next year, and sign-up to assist in the planning of the 2011 ResNet Symposium.

Vendor Fair – Meet the vendors that make ResNet possible! Get your grab bag and collect all the free pens, sticky pads, and other fun stuff while leaving your business cards with the vendors to be eligible for the vendor prizes raffle. Talk to the vendors about their products and maybe you will find something suitable for your school. Make sure you check out the scheduled vendor presentations for an in-depth look at their valuable products and services. Please be sure to thank the vendors for sponsoring ResNet!

Documentation Fair – Do you have extra documentation sitting around your office? Want to get rid of it without having to throw it away? Ship it or bring it to ResNet for the Documentation Fair! Attendees bring their best (and worst) fliers, stickies, mouse pads, CDs, manuals, and videos to share with others. ResNetters also share URLs for online documentation, podcasts, movies, source code, and other digital items they created. Leave some room in your suitcase to bring home some of the best ideas to implement in your own schools. For information on how to get your documentation to ResNet 2010 click here.

Silent Auction – The silent auction is a fundraising event for the ResNet Symposium Senti-Merriman Scholarship. Anyone can contribute items for the auction…..a coffee mug, school shirt, marshmallow gun. You can bring your items with you, or you can ship them ahead of time. More info here.

T-Shirt Exchange – Always a popular event, the annual T-Shirt Exchange is a change for you to bring a shirt from your school and swap it for one from a different school. All of the shirts are collected and organized, and each person who brings a shirt receives a number used to determine the order of picking shirts. Rules and regulations can be found here.

Closing Ceremony – As the ResNet Symposium draws to an end, there are a few housekeeping measures that need to happen. The closing ceremony starts out with the Vendor Fair raffle (you must be present to win), and continues with events such as the passing the clock, closing video, and preview of next year’s ResNet Symposium.

Closing Reception and Dinner – The closing reception provides an opportunity to relax and mingle with your new and old ResNet friends. The closing dinner is typically held offsite, with plenty of time for relaxing and cherishing your last night at the ResNet Symposium.