Hi everyone! I’ve never been more excited about an O&M conference than I am about the “LIVE” online SOMA O&M conference December 14-15, 2020 (next Friday is the deadline for the Early-Bird registration)!! PROGRAM: First of all, the response to the Call for Papers was awesome -- great ideas from newbies (they inspire me with their fresh perspectives!) and O&M veterans, figuring out how to provide O&M during the pandemic, thinking about standards and where we want to go, and some thoughtful reflections on topics I hadn’t even considered. Want to see it for yourself? Check out the program here. PLATFORM: Secondly, we have found a platform that will knock your socks off! When you log in, you can go see who is in the “lobby” and chat with them, or just walk into the “lounge” and find a table with folks you want to sit down and visit. Or you can see what’s new at the exhibitors’ “booths” and go inside to talk with them. A huge “THANK YOU” to Brad Blair and Jack Mitchell for testing to make sure the platform is accessible! INTERACTIVE! Third, the presenters are excited (and, let’s be honest, a little nervous!) about making their sessions interactive. Some will be asking YOU questions and bringing you into the discussion, some will break you into groups so you can discuss the implications of what you learned or figure out how to apply it, and come back to the main room and share your ideas. WARNING: This is not your typical webinar we all snore through while playing CandyCrush in our pajamas, as I have done (more than once!). You’ll want to come prepared to BE there, just as you would if you were there in person! Get dressed in something fun, and turn off your phone and distractions because you’ll be engaged and active the whole time. But don’t worry about being overloaded – although the day will be long (10 AM to 7:30 PM Eastern) so we can include people on both sides of the country (and our NZ presenter!), we built in lots of breaks so you can catch your breath or get your lunch/dinner (or go see what mischief you can make in the lounge, and check out what’s new at the exhibits!). Speaking of wearing something fun – we will have a contest next month to design a commemorative T-shirt and/or bag, so put on your thinking cap and come up with some ideas! DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: Next Friday (July 31) is the deadline for the Early-Bird registration of $99, which is completely refundable if you request it by September. For registration, go to https://somaconference.org/sreg2020.html For more information, go to LIVE online SOMA O&M Conference -- Dona ________________________________________ Dona Sauerburger, COMS Orientation and Mobility Specialist for the blind Gambrills, Maryland dona@sauerburger.org / 301-858-0138 www.sauerburger.org ________________________________________