DemoFest Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What is DemoFest, and how is it structured?

DemoFest is a showcase of technology-based learning and performance support projects with a special focus on not just the projects themselves but also the results they’ve produced. This event offers you an amazing opportunity to see a wide variety of projects and talk to the designers and developers about the tools, technologies, and processes they used to build them.

Much like a science fair, DemoFest is arranged with a table for each project being shown. The developers and/or designers of each project will be right there to answer any questions you might have about the challenge they were trying to solve, the project design they chose, the development and implementation processes they used, and the results they found once the project was launched. In many cases they’ll even be able to give you a hands-on demonstration.

Feel free to browse all the projects on display or just pick and choose the ones you’re most interested in.

When is DemoFest?

DemoFest will be held Thursday, October 24, 2019, 4:00p - 6:00p.

Is DemoFest unique to eLearning Guild events?

Yes. This opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise, as well as learn from your industry peers, can only be found at eLearning Guild events.

How is DemoFest different from other project showcases?

DemoFest is a place to view actual learning solutions demonstrated by the people who designed and built them. Unlike the poster sessions at other conferences that are usually comprised of cardboard-and-paper displays of a course’s features, DemoFest instead offers you the opportunity to see the actual projects themselves, talk to the developers and designers and have a chance to interact with the solutions. It’s also important to note that DemoFest is NOT a vendor product showcase where solutions are sold to you. Instead, it's a peer-to-peer opportunity to explore what others in the industry are working on and learn from one another’s experiences.

At DevLearn Conference & Expo, DemoFest embodies what the conference is all about: shaping what's next. You will not only see these projects in action, you will also have the opportunity to learn about how the participants pushed the envelope on what we're able to do in our field.

Applying to Participate

Why would I want to share a project at DemoFest?

DemoFest is an opportunity to show your projects and get recognition, insights, and feedback. It’s a fun and collaborative experience that can help you expand your professional network and also help others in our field explore how to approach problems in new ways.

Do I have to give a formal presentation?

No. This is a more conversational event, so there are no formal presentations, handouts, or slides. You’ll have a table in DemoFest to display the devices you bring to showcase your project (such as a mobile device and/or a laptop). Throughout the event you’ll simply demonstrate and discuss your project and then answer questions from the attendees. That said, you may find it helpful to prepare a short description for your project in advance to help you explain it quickly to the people who visit your table.

Who can apply to participate?

Have you participated in the design or development of a learning solution or project? Are you a registered full-conference or Expo+ attendee of DevLearn? Then you’re eligible to submit an application to present that project. Conference attendees, speakers, and expo exhibitor staff are all eligible to apply.

Every DemoFest participant must be a registered Expo+ or full-conference attendee. If your submission is selected and you have not yet registered, you’ll be asked to do so as a condition of your acceptance. If you have not registered as a full-conference attendee by 10 days prior to the event, your submission will be pulled.

Can someone help me present my project?

Yes! You may have one co-presenter at your table to assist in demonstrating your project. Because of the space constraints of this event, we only allow two presenters per project.

If you’d like to have a co-presenter, be sure to add their name and contact information on the submission form, as only the presenters on the original submission will be accepted as demonstrators. Please note that your DemoFest co-presenter must also be a registered full-conference attendee of DevLearn.

What types of projects can be submitted?

We’re looking for a wide variety of cutting-edge projects that show innovative solutions to the challenges we face now and in the future of L&D. We are also looking for projects that achieved their objectives and had a positive impact on their organizations.

Any type of tech-supported solution that serves to address a learning or performance topic is eligible. The project you submit must also be in a playable state, as you’ll need to provide us with a link to view and evaluate your project as part of the submission process.

Note that your submission must be for one example project, not multiple. If you have several eligible projects, choose the example that best illustrates your work.

What does a good DemoFest proposal look like?

If you’re interested in taking a look at an example of a solid proposal (as well as some examples of proposals that need more work), click here.

What is NOT eligible for DemoFest?

DemoFest is an opportunity for people to share and discuss the projects they’re working on with others rather than a place to sell courses, software, or services. Because of this, the following types of presentations will not be accepted to DemoFest:

Product demonstrations or features of products
Products or applications in beta or other phases of development
Proof-of-concept products or applications
Courses or apps that are sold by the demonstrator’s company (however, if this course was built for a specific organization and is only used by that organization, then it can be submitted)

If you’re a vendor of learning technologies and want an opportunity to demonstrate your products or services at DevLearn, contact Cheri Lynch to inquire about exhibiting on the expo floor, product stage sessions, and other marketing promotional opportunities.

Can vendors of eLearning products or custom development services participate?

YES! Please refer to the question “Who can apply to participate?” above for requirements.

Note that DemoFest is not intended as an opportunity to sell your products or services. Instead, it’s designed for peers to share with one another about the problems they faced and the projects they created to solve them. Anyone who is actively marketing or selling during DemoFest will be asked to leave.

If you have a client who has used your tools or services, you may want to encourage them to participate in DemoFest, and by association your product or services will be showcased. Your client must be a registered full-conference attendee in order to apply.

Are supplemental materials allowed to be displayed and/or distributed during DemoFest?

No. DemoFest is a place to showcase the work of the eLearning Guild community. It is not a place to promote products and services. No materials are permitted other than the equipment or materials needed to effectively demonstrate your project. All equipment and materials must be able to fit onto the demonstration table.

You may bring standard business cards with you (3.5”x2”) and provide them to attendees if they ask for one.

Can DevLearn event speakers participate?

Yes. DevLearn speakers can participate in DemoFest.

When can I submit my project? How do I submit?

The submission deadline is September 13, 2019. Click here to submit your project using our online form.

Can I submit multiple projects?

No. DemoFest is limited to one entry per person.

What are the basic criteria for acceptance?

For your proposal to be considered for acceptance:

It must be submitted by the due date
You need to meet the registration criteria listed above (as does your co-presenter if you choose to have one)
It must be the only project you (and your co-presenter, if you have one) have submitted
It must not be marketing or selling a product or be a demonstration of tools or tool features
Preference is given to sessions that feature innovative solutions as well as demonstrated results

Beyond that, the final decision is made based on the number of proposals received, the mix of topics received, and the ease with which your project can be explained in your proposal.

Note: If the number of DemoFest submissions exceeds the available slots, companies may be limited to one accepted submission.

How do I know if my project has been accepted?

Shortly after submitting your project, you’ll receive an automated email confirming the receipt of your submission. After the submission deadline has passed, we will evaluate the proposals received and select the final projects for DemoFest. You can expect a final response on your proposal by early October.

If you have not heard back from us after this time, please contact us at demofest@eLearningGuild.com for your submission status.

Will you send me more information if I am accepted?

Absolutely! If your project is accepted, we’ll send you complete instructions on set-up times, technical options, and more in advance of the event.

What technology do I need to present?

You’ll be expected to bring your own technology to display your project (this is typically a laptop and/or mobile device). If sound is important to your project, we strongly recommend that you also bring external speakers or headphones, as the DemoFest room can at times be loud enough to drown out onboard laptop speakers. Also, while wireless internet will be available, we encourage you to load your course or program onto your hard drive, a CD, or a USB drive and be prepared to run it locally, just in case.

It’s important to note that your table will not be wired for power. Because of this, you’ll want to fully charge your presentation devices before DemoFest, and even consider bringing an external battery so you’ll be able to demonstrate for the full two hours of the event without running out of power.

What if I'm not sure whether my project is a fit for DemoFest?

If you’re unsure whether your project is a good fit for DemoFest, or if you’d like to bounce your proposal ideas off of someone at The eLearning Guild before you apply, we’re happy to help. Just contact us at programs@eLearningGuild.com with your questions.

Competition and Awards

Is this a competition? How will winners be selected?

While DemoFest is first and foremost an opportunity for people in our field to learn from one another, there is also an award component to give recognition to people willing to show their work. The DemoFest awards are “people’s choice” awards—the winners are voted on by the attendees themselves rather than by a panel or a single judge.

One winner will be selected from each DemoFest category. In addition, there will be vendor and non-vendor best of show winners selected. There may also be other special awards.

We will also be highlighting some of the popular demos at the DemoFest Showcase session that happens from 8:30a - 9:30a on Friday, October 25. If selected, you will be asked to attend and share your elearning project in a short demo, as you did during DemoFest.

What’s the difference between the vendor and non-vendor categories?

The vendor and non-vendor category definitions are:

Vendor—the project was built by a person who works for a company that provides eLearning, mobile, and/or video training products or services, custom learning solutions, or consultation as the main source of revenue for the company. This category includes individuals who provide consulting services.
Non-vendor—the project was built by a person who works for a company that does not provide eLearning, mobile, and/or video products, services, or consultation as its main source of revenue. This category includes government and military organizations, academic organizations, not-for-profit learning organizations or associations, and internal corporate training departments.

If you’re a vendor who has built a project with a client, you can list this in the non-vendor category as long as your client is co-presenting with you.