MARS Program Planning Advice
MARS Program Planning Advice
- Several months in advance, arrange a conference call between the speakers and committee members before the conference to help ensure congruence on program content.
- Several months in advance, ask speakers for biographical information for their introduction. Specify what would be helpful, or provide a template or example.
- Consult the Publicity avenues for MARS activities page.
- Specify what software your speakers would like to have loaded, such as PowerPoint, using the AV Request form.
- Arrange to have the program taped. Check with speakers as to whether they would allow their presentation to be taped.
- Meet speakers before the program, e.g., take them to breakfast.
- Ask speakers what they would like the committee to do if their presentation is running long, or have a committee member sit directly in front of the speakers to signal them if they run over.
- Put program materials (e.g., PowerPoint presentations, handouts, etc.) on the MARS website either before or after the conference. Get speakers' permission first.
- Contact the ALA Conference Services if you need help. They are very responsive.
- Thank the speakers in writing after the event.
- Stay on top of deadlines!
Sample MARS Chair's Program Agenda
Send your suggestions for this page to the current Chair of the MARS Planning Committee, Marcella Stark
