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 my availability for your time slot. Ask me to put a hold on the date for you.
• Organize the preliminary details of the session. To get you started, click here to tell me about your meeting. Just fill out a few specifics and click the "submit" button at the bottom, or you can call me directly.
• Leverage your value by using me for multiple purposes - I can present the keynote, deliver breakout sessions, emcee your awards presentations, and more. Consider getting a sponsor to cover my speaker fee, and I'll act as their spokesmodel.
• Provide your participants added resources. My books and plaques can be purchased in advance as gifts for participants, or you can set up a table for me to sell and sign books.
• Get permission for a video or sound recording of the program! Ask me to waive my 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 video technician.
• Negotiate the fees, expenses and payment terms. I will summarize the particulars and send you a letter of agreement.
• Once the agreement is in place, I will send you the support information for your program, including my bio and a professional photograph.
• Ask me for some articles to run in 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, I generally use a wireless lapel microphone so I can use both hands to gesticulate enthusiastically. Depending on the program, I may use PowerPoint. If so, arrange for a screen, projector and laptop.
• For large groups, putting me up on a riser provides better visibility. I uses a small table for my materials, props, 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 more involvement.
• Give me the contact information for the person who will introduce me. I'll customize a professional introduction, and coach that person to get your program off to a flying start.