FUSION 2009 Users Conference News

We had a great turnout - thanks very much to all that participated!

Some of the highlights this year included Michael Wesch and Ian Jukes as keynotes, over 150 breakout sessions, events at The Guthrie Theatre with performances by Circus Juventas and a swinging Vintage Vegas nite at the Landmark.

FUSION 2010 is in the works! We will be posting shortly when, where and all the various details - make sure and sign up for the RSS feed to be one of the first in the know!

Some images from FUSION 2009:

The Art of Learning premieres on Monday 13, 2009 in Minneapolis - Saint Paul with non-stop learning, networking and fun. Here's what you can expect.

• FUSION 2009 is loaded with extras: more sessions, more speakers and more value than ever.
• Unbelievable contests, prizes, and social events will surprise and delight you.
• The keynotes will provoke your creativity and explore the boundaries of your knowledge.
• An all star expert panel will be lively and highly interactive.

Don't wait for the postcard – sign up now!

** There are still spots for the Post Conference Training program too! Add it on for more value!

You've already paid for the travel. Max out on the value of FUSION and add on practical skills that you can apply as soon as you get back to work.

The FUSION Post Conference is the best value for your training dollars.

Post Conference workshops

The stage for the Art of Learning has been set. The cast and crew are ready to deliver. The narrative will unfold in the theatre verity of FUSION 2009.

Don't sit in the wings and hear about the greatest event of the year. Register now and be part of Desire2Learn history. Build an extensive repertoire of skills and new capabilities. Extend your portfolio of capabilities. Connect with the illuminati from around the world.

Conference Registration

Thursday & Friday July 15 & 16, the Post Conference program offers outstanding value for your institution. With many hands-on sessions for all levels of users, you'll be able to dive right into the technology.

Pragmatic, skills-based and experiential - you'll bring back tangible ways to enhance your institution's approach to eLearning. Here's a sample of this year's Post Conference roster.

Post Conference schedule

Sign up now and save big.

Many of our users are still waiting to see about travel and conference budget approvals and so we've introduced Early Bird #2 conference rates.

For a limited time, you get big savings.

We've worked hard to keep the costs contained and enhance the value!

Early Bird prices

Want to be a star? Want to be recognized for your masterpiece? Nominate a friend, a colleague, even nominate yourself!

There are three award categories: Teaching and Learning, Program, and Community. Nominations are open until April 24th, 2009. Here are the details.

Don't miss this opportunity to shine in the limelight!

Desire2EXCEL page

Think you know what's up with your students?

Think Again.

Dr. Michael Wesch shakes up FUSION 2009 with his take on what students are really up to while in your class.

Dubbed "the explainer" by Wired magazine, Michael Wesch is a cultural anthropologist exploring the impact of writing on society and culture. Recently he has turned his attention to the effects of social media and digital technology on global society.

His videos on technology, education, and information have been viewed by millions, translated in over ten languages, and are frequently featured at international film festivals and major academic conferences worldwide. Wesch has won several major awards for his work, including a Wired Magazine Rave Award and the John Culkin Award for Outstanding Praxis in Media Ecology. He has also won several teaching awards, including the 2008 CASE/Carnegie U.S. Professor of the Year for Doctoral and Research Universities.

Take a peek at his Vision of Students Today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o

Wait until you see the full line-up of speakers and topics! We've packed the schedule with more great sessions than ever before - guaranteed to make FUSION time very well spent. We have a number of new presenters and some excellent topics in all of the conference tracks: Teaching and Learning, Technical System Administration, Program Management and Support and Training. We have sessions for everyone: K-12, Higher Ed and our government, corporate and healthcare clients at the novice, intermediate and advanced levels.

The toughest part of your decision to come to FUSION will be deciding on which sessions you want to attend.

Come one, come all!

FUSION 2009 – The Art of Learning is ready to roll!

Register here

Phew! It's not too late to send off your masterpiece proposal.

You requested it...so we are doing it: proposals are now due Feb 12. We're looking for the widest array of proposals to build the best FUSION ever! If you thought last year was good, wait 'til you see the all-star lineup for FUSION 2009!


The presentations should feature how you are making the most of Desire2Learn. How do you create a great learning environment that appeals to all students, all learning styles and preferences? What tips and tricks do you want to share with the world? If you're a whiz at working with Desire2Learn, we invite you to bring your insight and your experience to share with users from around the world.

Be a part of FUSION 2009 The Art of Learning.

Send in your RFP!

We're building more sessions and more presenters to really bring you great ways to make the most of Desire2Learn at your institution. Budget now with the same costs as last year's FUSION!

Remember - these fees include your meals as well - it's the best conference deal out there!

4 Ways to Save:

• Submit an RFP and be a FUSION presenter (lowest rate)
• Register early - subscribe to the FUSION RSS feed so that you know when registration opens
• Come as a group - 5 or more people from the same institution will earn you the Group Rate
• Max out the value by adding in the Post-Conference training sessions

Tune in on Tuesday, January 20 from 11 AM to 12 PM ET to hear Sue McKnight give the low down on last year's debut Executive Program.

Register here for this no cost webinar - just fill in a quick form and you'll be good to go. If you can't make it, register anyway and we'll send you the link to the webinar recording.

Download this document for Sue's take on this FUSION 2009's Executive Program and listen to the podcast with Sue for more information about last year's FUSION Executive Program.

It's about exploring the nature of learning and appreciating the various forms learning can take while reflecting on our own contribution. We're all people who help *make* learning happen for others and yet we continue to learn as well. As artists ourselves, we strive to improve the experience for our students and we work on our craft diligently, persistently and constantly. FUSION 2009 is where we can come together, swap ideas and inspire each other to learn and to share learning.

Desire2Learn is seeking out presenters for breakout sessions at FUSION 2009. The deadline for submissions has been extended to February 12, 2009.

Registration for FUSION 2009 will open in late February.

Stay tuned for details!