Planning Your Successful Meeting

"She has presented outstanding programs and has left the attendees with more than just the typical seminar high." ....Ric Rabourn, Hallmark Inns

Use the handy list below to perform a pre-flight check for your upcoming meeting:

• Check Chris Waugh's availability for your time slot. Ask her to put a hold on the date for you.
• Organize the preliminary details of the session. To get you started, click here to tell Chris about your meeting. Just fill out a few specifics and click the "submit" button at the bottom, or you can call Chris directly.
• Leverage your value by using Chris for multiple purposes - she can present the keynote, deliver breakout sessions, emcee your awards presentations, and more. Consider getting a sponsor to cover the speaker fee, and Chris will act as their spokesmodel.
• Provide your participants added resources. Chris's books and plaques can be purchased in advance as gifts for participants, or you can set up a table for discounted individual sales.
• Get permission for a video or sound recording of the program! Ask Chris to waive her recording fees in return for a copy of the master. You'll get an audio or video recording of the presentation for future internal use, for the price of a technician.
• Negotiate the fees, expenses and payment terms. Chris will summarize the particulars and send you a letter of agreement.
• Once the agreement is in place, Chris will send you the support information for your program, including her bio and a photograph.
• Ask Chris for some articles for your newsletter editions that immediately preceed or follow your event. They will build momentum beforehand, and leave a lingering effect afterward.
• Arrange for audio/visual needs. For larger audiences, Chris generally uses a wireless lapel microphone so she can use both hands to gesticulate wildly. Depending on the program, she may use PowerPoint. If so, arrange for a screen, projector and laptop.
• For large groups, putting Chris up on a riser provides better visibility. She uses a small table for her materials, water, etc.
• The room and seating arrangements will have a big impact on your success. A wide room provides a better audience experience than a long one. A full room looks better than a half-empty one. Place your audience up close to the front of the room for better involvement.
• Give Chris the contact information for the person who will introduce her. She'll customize the introduction, and coach that person to get your program off to a flying start.