This blog was originally published on the WebWise 2013 blog.  By Lisa Rhody At this year’s WebWise, conference participants have the opportunity to sign up for one of 20 “Lightning Talks.”  Borrowing from a successful model at the National Endowment for the Humanities’ (NEH) Office of Digital Humanities (ODH), Lightning Talks are an opportunity for those who wish to share the lessons learned, goals, and achievements of their institution’s digital projects in three (3) minute presentations with three (3) PowerPoint slides or screen shots. What’s the benefit of signing up? Lunchtime Lightning Talks introduce the core concepts of your project to peer institutions, potential partners, and other experienced project directors.  It’s also wonderful practice for presenting your ideas for funding. The format is designed to focus speakers’ talks on the most salient points of a project and presenting them as clearly as possible. Those who wish to participate may sign up on the WebWise website, and slides will need to be submitted by March 3rd.  Lightning Talks are scheduled for Thursday, March 7^th during the lunch hour.  Once the sign-up is full, you will receive a confirmation email from the conference committee. Lightning talk presenters will submit their three slides, which the program committee will compile into a continuous file for swift transition between presenters. You will be informed of your Lightning Talk order when you arrive at registration in March.  The 3-3 rule (three minutes and three slides) will be strictly enforced to ensure that all speakers have equal opportunity to speak. If you are interested in seeing examples of the Lightning Talk format in action, there are examples online from the NEH’s September 2012 NEH Start-up Grant project directors’ meeting at http://youtu.be/ahuULHlcsoU. Lightning Talk slots are available on a first-come first-served basis, and you can sign up using our online form, which can also be reached from the Agenda page.  Signing up early is the best way to secure an opportunity to share your project with other WebWise participants.