Volume I of a two-volume report evaluates the model and subsequent series of conferences on "New Directions in the Humanities" (a series of regional conferences designed to disseminate information on successful NEH-supported curricular programs). Conferences were held in regions that had not been particularly active or successful in submitting or receiving NEH grants: San Antonio, St. Petersburg, and Minneapolis. At each conference 10 curricular programs were described by two faculty members from that program. Approximately 20 institutions participated in each conference. One element of each conference was an institutional definition of an important humanities-related educational problem. The structure of the conference is discussed including the stages (preparation, engagement, distillation, planning, and implementation). The purposes, design, philosophy, and methods of data collection, analysis, and reporting are described, as well as the rate of response and its influence on the evaluation. A summary assessment of the conference series revealed that it was an unusually valuable experience for the participants, that it was an effective tool for disseminating project information and encouraging its utilization. It was concluded that the model could be readily adopted or adapted to different knowledge dissemination and utilization situations. Data collection instruments, such as the pre-conference participant interview and the post-conference faculty immediate follow-up questionnaire, are appended. (PHR)