The reasons are varied and include the following:

• Publicity. Sponsors are included in pre-conference materials, including print, emails and on the MERLOT website.
  
• Your Success is MERLOT's Success. Meet online educators, engage with faculty, students, staff and/or administrators in use of academic technologies. Through MERLOT you reach leaders and decision makers of online communities.
  
• Meet Key Representatives in Higher Education Technology. For a complete listing of the MERLOT partner institutions, representing 500 college campuses, visit http://taste.merlot.org/participating/partner/all_list.htm/.
  
• Grow With Us. Each year The MERLOT conference and community grows. Since our first conference in 2000, we have seen a growth of 20 - 25% each year. The technology developed by the private sector have helped the MERLOT community grow to it's current membership of over 22,000 registered members and more than 12,000 learning objects. Visit http://www.merlot.org.

CONFERENCE THEME

This year's theme, Engaging the Global Community -- Looking Over the Horizon, reflects MERLOT's commitment to building a resource to meet the needs of its international community and to address the challenges facing higher education.

AUDIENCE

The Conference is expected to attract 400 to 450 attendees, most of whom are decision-makers and active participants in technology-related decision-making at their institutions. Among these will be:

• Chancellors, deans, department chairs, faculty and staff -- online decision-makers
• Teachers and instructional program developers
• Faculty and staff supporting online students

LOCATION

The 2005 MERLOT International Conference will be held at Nashville Convention Center, with The Renaissance Hotel as our conference hotel. MERLOT has negotiated a special rate of $135/per night, single or double, taxes not included. See Hotel & Travel Info for more detailed information.

The 2005 MERLOT -- MIC Connections will be located in the Nashville Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. This very large convention center will allow for:

• An informal, relaxed atmosphere where conferees can connect with colleagues, corporate representatives, and digital library representatives.
• Socializing in MIC Connections during:
• morning breaks
• afternoon dessert
• a wine tasting reception
• Educating, sharing, learning, laughing, and mentoring

Please note: For vendors to be publicized in the printed program, vendor participation must be arranged by May 2, 2005. Vendor participation after that date will be publicized in the online program only.

EXHIBIT SPACE

Each exhibitor will receive the following -- Cost: $1,250

• 10 x 10 exhibit space
• 1 six-foot table
• 2 chairs
• Wireless internet connectivity
• 15 amp electricity
• Opportunity for 30-minute presentation in 'Vendor Speaker' Forum, AKA 'Corner on the Market'
• 2 exhibitor passes

T-1 Wired Access Additional Fee -- Cost $250

HOURS

Set Up Schedule - Monday, July 25, 12 noon - 6 PM

Exhibit Hours - Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 AM to 6 PM.

While all conference attendees can visit the exhibit area at any time, they are encouraged specifically during the following times:

• 9 - 10 AM (Break)
• 11 - 11:30 AM (Break)
• 1:30 - 2:30 PM (Afternoon Dessert)
• 3:30 - 4 PM (Break)
• 5 - 6 PM (Reception)

Corner on the Market

To give vendor sponsors an opportunity to present their product(s) to conference attendees, a 'Corner on the Market' forum has been established. Each vendor will be allowed a 15-minute timeframe to market their products, 30 minutes total for set up, presentation and wrap up. Seats will be arranged to accommodate approximately 15 attendees. Microphone will be provided. These 30-minute events, set up for every 30 minutes, will be publicized in the MIC room. Time slots are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Contact Judith Norton, jnorton@cvc.edu for available times.

Breakdown Schedule - Wednesday, 6:30 PM-8:00 PM

SECURITY

Room is secured with the following:

• 24-hour basis and only those with conference badges.
• Passes available for corporate representatives.
• Carry-in/out Table Top Exhibits encouraged. MERLOT will not provide drayage or storage.

Note: Security provided to prevent unauthorized access into the area. It should NOT be relied upon as security for Corporate Sponsor property.

CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE

Corporate Sponsors interested in attending conference sessions MUST register and PAY the appropriate registration fee. Sponsors with exhibitor passes may not attend sessions at the conference.

PREMIER SPONSORSHIP –

Participation Interest (PDF)

Guidelines for Participation (PDF)