🎥2. Virtual Conference Concept

Objective

To convene members of the NEC network and the broader solidarity economy movement to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and drive collective action towards a more equitable and sustainable economic system.

1. Conference Theme and Tracks

• Theme: "Strengthening the Solidarity Economy Together"

• Tracks:

  • Innovation in Action: Showcasing successful models and practices from within the solidarity economy.

  • Policy and Advocacy: Strategies for advancing policy change at local, regional, and national levels.

  • Building Inclusive Communities: Focus on intersectionality within the solidarity economy.

  • Sustainable Futures: Addressing climate change and environmental justice through solidarity economy principles.

2. Format and Schedule

• Duration: 2-3 days, with a mix of keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking sessions.

• Platform: Utilize virtual event platforms that support live presentations, breakout rooms, and interactive networking spaces.

3. Keynote Speakers and Panelists

• Action: Identify and invite thought leaders, practitioners, and activists within the solidarity economy movement to speak or lead sessions.

• Purpose: To provide diverse perspectives and expertise, sparking discussions and sharing valuable insights with attendees.

4. Interactive Workshops and Collaborative Sessions

• Action: Organize workshops focused on skill-building, collaborative problem-solving, and strategy development.

• Purpose: To facilitate active learning and co-creation of knowledge, empowering participants to implement new ideas within their own contexts.

5. Virtual Networking Opportunities

• Action: Create structured networking sessions, virtual “coffee breaks,” and topic-based discussion rooms.

• Purpose: To build and strengthen relationships among NEC members and between the wider solidarity economy community.

6. Accessibility and Inclusion

• Action: Ensure the conference is accessible by providing live captioning and translations as needed.

• Purpose: To make the summit inclusive and open to all, regardless of physical location or ability.

7. Marketing and Outreach

• Action: Develop a comprehensive marketing plan to promote the summit, utilizing NEC’s communication channels, social media, and partner networks.

• Purpose: To maximize attendance and engagement from within the NEC network and the broader solidarity economy community.

Implementation Timeline and Milestones

• 6 months before: Finalize theme and tracks, begin speaker outreach.

• 4 months before: Launch registration and marketing campaign.

• 2 months before: Confirm speakers and schedule, finalize platform setup.

• 1 month before: Run technical rehearsals, begin participant engagement through pre-event communications.

• On conference days: Execute the summit, with staff and volunteers supporting various operational needs.

Evaluation and Success Metrics

• Participant numbers and diversity, aiming for broad representation across the solidarity economy spectrum.

• Participant engagement metrics, including session attendance, active participation in workshops and networking, and feedback scores.

• Post-event feedback, assessing the summit’s impact on knowledge sharing, network strengthening, and collaborative action planning.