What is Innovate Extension?
Innovate Extension is a one-day event being used across the national Extension system to promote innovation among Extension faculty & staff.  The goals of the event are to:

• Provide a day-long work session for innovative program planning.
• Provide a fun environment conducive to creative thinking.
• Inspire teams and individuals to update programs, change the way they work, or develop solutions to organizational challenges.
• Provide Extension staff an opportunity to present new ideas and solutions to colleagues and administration.

When & where is the 2017 OSU Innovate Extension event being held?
Tuesday May 23rd
8 am-4:30pm
The LaSells Stewart Center on OSU Campus in Corvallis.

Who is invited to participate?
ALL Extension employees are highly encouraged to participate.  Please check in with your supervisor before signing up to ensure release time and travel expenses.  Registration is limited to 100 participants.

How much does it cost to attend?
This year’s event is free this due to the generosity of our sponsors, OSU Extension and the eXtension Foundation.  Travel expenses to Corvallis are not covered by the sponsors.

What does the agenda look like?
The day starts at 8 am.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided.  Participant teams will form up and meet their Creative Coaches.  Teams will be coached on and practice idea generation, project design, budgeting, and will develop a short pitch for the team’s idea.  Each team will present its idea pitch to a panel of judges & other participants.  Your team’s idea could be selected for funding!

How do I register for the event?
Registration is open through 4/10.  Space is limited to 100 participants so sign up today!

Do I need to sign up with a team to participate?
Nope!  Anyone who is interested in innovation in Extension is encouraged to apply.  TYou may sign up as a team or you will be assigned to a great team.

How do I sign up with a team?
We recommend that teams consist of 5-7 people: no more than 10; no fewer than 5).  Innovation is sparked from new ideas & viewpoints. Strive to make your team as diverse according to program area, work style, geographic area, job duties, and more. Choose a team name and have each team member use the name when signing up, so you can be identified as a team.

Do I or my team need to have a project idea in mind?
No, not at all.  During the Innovate Extension event you and your team will work through all stages of idea generation.  Your team will also be assigned a “Creative Coach” who will provide guidance and support.

I need a hotel room for the night.
We reserved a block of rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements.

Who is organizing this event?
This event is brought to you by the OSU Extension iTeam: Linda Brewer, Alan Dennis, Brooke Edmunds, Sandy Reichhuber, Patrick Proden, Victor Villegas, and Siew Sun Wong, along with Jeff Sherman (O&E) and Lindsey Shirley (Extension).  Support for this event is provided by OSU Extension and the eXtension Foundation.

Help, I still have questions!
Contact Brooke Edmunds (Innovate Extension event coordinator) brooke.edmunds@oregonstate.edu