As an ongoing commitment to research into the experiences of e-learning by students and the importance of collaboration and networking, Dr. Gemma Towle and Mr. Rob Howe successfully bid and were awarded funding to start the first regional group for ELESIG (Evaluation of Learners' Experiences of e-learning Special Interest Group). This presentation will highlight not only the importance of the participatory nature of forming groups to promote discussion and networking but the practicalities involved. Furthermore, explanation and examples will be provided where collaboration with other projects and institutions has led to a richer knowledge base and opened more research opportunities