Desire2Learn Inc. invites interested and qualified clients (Respondents) to respond to this request for information for services related to the hosting of the 2007 Desire2Learn Users Conference.

1. Background

Desire2Learn is a world-leading provider of enterprise learning systems that empower education providers to build teaching and learning environments that reflect their values, goals, objectives, pedagogical approaches, branding and vision. Desire2Learn clients include primary and secondary schools, higher education, as well as associations and other leading organizations. There are more than four million users of the Desire2Learn enterprise eLearning technology worldwide. Founded in 1999, Desire2Learn is headquartered in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. For more information about Desire2Learn, please visit: www.Desire2Learn.com

The Desire2Learn Users Conference is run annually in an effort to provide our community of users the opportunity to network, and share stories/experiences through presentations, workshops, focus groups, birds-of-a-feather sessions, and other activities. It should help strengthen the community of users, and provide support and foster collaboration.

The conference is primarily focused on our academic clients, but our community of users does expand into government, associations, and other organizations. The presentations typically cover topics such as instruction design, faculty support, technical support and implementing Desire2Learn in a shared environment.

The first two years the conference was hosted at the University of Wisconsin System and then at the University of Guelph where the number of participants has ranged between 300 and 350, with the expectation to grow as the user community continues to strengthen and Desire2Learn client base has historically more than doubled each year. Additional Information can be gathered at www.Desire2Learn.com/UC06

This RFI seeks information from various campuses for hosting the 4th Annual Desire2Learn Users Conference during mid to late summer 2007. Ideally the dates for the conference will not conflict with other large educational conferences. The expectation is for a 2-3 day event with between 350 to 600 participants.

2. Response Procedure

Respondents should submit a concise response to this RFI that demonstrates a clear understanding of all issues associated with hosting the 2007 Users Conference event and communicates the respondent’s ability to complete the task to the satisfaction of the Desire2Learn Users. The RFI response should be in the following format:

1. Cover page identifying main contact for the organization
2. An executive summary of the reasons and advantages of selecting the Respondents location and services
3. Information packet(s) highlighting proposed services and facilities
4. Responses to the specific information requested in Section 3
5. Outline any costs for supporting services and facilities – please note a full/accurate budget would be developed at a later date with the support of the Conference Planning Committee and Desire2Learn

The information could include recommendations on proposed entertainment, hosting facilities, possible keynote speakers; and registration services available. Respondents are asked to provide examples wherever possible.

The Selection Committee will review all submissions and contact all Respondents once selection has been made. Selection will be made prior to the 2006 Users Conference and an official announcement will take place at that time.

3. Specific Information Requested

All organizations interested in responding to this request for information should submit the following information.

1. Name, web site resources, address, telephone number, fax number and email address for the main contact
2. Description of organization or institution
3. Summary of experience
4. Proximity of airport/transportation, hotels, food, and entertainment to the conference facilities
5. Proposed dates for the conference – list all available
6. Hosting Facilities
   1. Description – maps and pictures and/or URL appreciated
   2. Room number and sizes available - floor plans appreciated
   3. Internet access for rooms, and optional wireless access
   4. Audio/Visual equipment availability
   5. Video recording ability
   6. Food services
   7. Support Staff
   8. Booking policies
7. List of individuals who would be assigned to provide the services; and
8. Anticipated fee to be charged for the services. The fee for providing registration services should be given as per registrant or a flat fee.
9. The following information could also be included, but is not required:
   1. Entertainment possibilities
   2. Potential Keynote Speakers or Panel members
   3. Discounts for attendees (hotels, restaurants, etc.)
10. Registration services, including optional registration fee handling
11. Facility booking
    1. Assistance selecting and booking rooms for the conference sessions
    2. Assistance organizing discounts at area hotels
12. Coordination services

4. Questions

Please submit any questions to Simone Moreau at 519.772.0325 x382 or via email at Simone.Moreau@Desire2Learn.com prior to the submission deadline.

5. Submission Instructions

Persons interested in responding to this request for information should submit an electronic copy of their response and/or written responses to:

Simone Moreau
Desire2Learn Inc
72 Victoria Street South, Suite 401
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
N2G 4Y9, Canada

Fax (519)772-0324
Phone (519) 772-0325 X382
Email: Simone.Moreau@Desire2Learn.com

We look forward to your input. Thank you very much for your help.

Download RFI information