Help & Support

Running a Conference through Commons

Knowledge Commons offers a flexible set of tools—groups, sites, Docs, and KCWorks—that make it easy to organize and host virtual, hybrid, or distributed conferences. Whether you need a place to share materials, hold discussions, or build an event website, the Commons provides an integrated, open, and sustainable platform.

In this article

  • Core Tools for Conference Organizers
  • Create a Conference Group
  • Share Presentation Materials with KCWorks
  • Build a Conference Website
  • Example: Using the Commons for a Virtual Symposium
  • Last step
  • Further reading

Core Tools for Conference Organizers

Create a Conference Group

A Commons group serves as the central hub for conference participants. Within a group, organizers and attendees can:

  • Use the discussion forum for announcements and Q&A
  • Share schedules and links via the calendar
  • Upload files or collaborate using the Docs library
  • Build a collection of KCWorks deposits related to the event

Organizers can choose group visibility:

  • Public – visible and open to all
  • Private – visible in the directory but requires membership approval
  • Hidden – invitation-only and not searchable

For presenters who prefer not to use the repository, group Docs offers an alternative upload method.

Create a Conference Group

KCWorks is the open-access repository of Knowledge Commons.

Advantages for conference presenters:

  • Deposits receive a DOI
  • Items include rich, structured metadata
  • Works are indexed by services like Google Scholar, BASE, OpenAIRE, and more
  • Materials remain available long-term

Presenters can deposit:

  • Papers
  • Slides
  • Posters
  • Video or audio recordings
  • Interactive files
  • Supplemental materials

Deposits can be associated with the conference group, making them easy for participants to find.

Build a Conference Website

If your event doesn’t already have a website, organizers can create a WordPress site on Knowledge Commons to share:

  • Program details
  • Presenter information
  • Key links and meeting access
  • Embedded materials or archived sessions
  • Conference updates

Example: Using the Commons for a Virtual Symposium

The Global Digital Humanities Symposium transitioned from an in-person event to a virtual program hosted through Zoom and the Commons. The organizers adapted their instructions for participants, showing how attendees could use the symposium’s Commons group and KCWorks to take part online.

Below is an example version of the guidance they provided.

Message to Participants

Welcome to the Symposium on Knowledge Commons

We invite all participants to join our event group on Knowledge Commons (KC). KC is a nonprofit, trusted network where humanities scholars can:

  • Create professional profiles
  • Connect with colleagues
  • Share research
  • Discuss common interests
  • Publish and preserve scholarly work

Our symposium group allows the community to continue conversations and stay connected beyond the event itself.

For Presenters

We welcome presenters to share their work in whichever format is comfortable for them. You may:

1. Deposit Your Materials in KCWorks

  • Posters
  • Slides
  • Papers
  • Talks
  • Media files

Deposits:

  • Receive a DOI
  • Are indexed broadly for discoverability
  • Can be associated with the symposium group
  • Become part of the event’s long-term scholarly record

2. Share Your Materials in the Group

Presenters who prefer not to deposit in KCWorks can upload files directly to the group.

Options include:

  • Docs → Create New Doc (upload a file or create text collaboratively)
  • Discussion → Start a New Topic (attach files in a forum post)

Files uploaded to the group remain accessible to group members but do not become part of the official KCWorks symposium collection.

How to Participate

1. Sign Up for Knowledge Commons

To join the symposium group, you must first register for a KC account.

Visit the Knowledge Commons homepage and click Register.

Tips for registration:

  • Use the email associated with your professional identity or membership organization
  • Click the confirmation link sent to your email
  • Choose your username and login method

If you need assistance, see:

  • The registration and login guide
  • The general guide to Knowledge Commons

2. Join the Symposium Group

Once registered:

  1. Search for the symposium group using the Groups Directory or the global search.
  2. Visit the group’s page.
  3. Click Join Group.

Notes for organizers:

  • Public groups have a Join Group button
  • Private groups require clicking Request Membership
  • Hidden groups require invited membership and do not appear in search results

3. Share Your Materials

Once you’ve joined the group, you can upload your work:

Option A: Upload to the Group
  • Go to the group’s Docs tab → Create New Doc
  • Add title, description, and any attached files
    OR
  • Go to Discussion → Start a new topic and attach files to your post
Option B: Deposit in KCWorks

Follow the normal KCWorks deposit steps and associate your upload with the symposium group.

Useful guides:

  • KCWorks Upload Guide
  • KCWorks FAQs

What Comes Next?

Once you’ve joined the group and shared your materials, you’re ready to participate fully in the symposium. The Commons supports:

  • Ongoing conversations
  • Discoverability of your work
  • Long-term preservation
  • Networking with participants worldwide

Knowledge Commons brings together over 50,000 members from more than 100 countries, creating new opportunities for collaboration and engagement across the humanities.

Knowledge Commons