1. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Organizing a Conference

2. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas What is a conference? A conference is a gathering of people with a common interest or background, with the purpose of allowing them to meet one another and to learn about and discuss issues, ideas, and work that focus on a topic of mutual concern. There are different types of conferences: Academic. Professional association. Training. Issue- or problem-related.

3. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Why organize a conference? There’s an issue that needs examining. The field needs a conference. Your organization or group wants to start an annual gathering. There’s a crisis or opportunity that should be addressed. You want to establish the legitimacy of the field. Feedback from the field or the community demands it.

4. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Why organize a conference? A funder demands it. You want to enlist people to advance the field, either through their work or through advocacy. It’s a matter of prestige, credibility, or credentials for you or your organization. It’s part of your job.

5. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas Who might organize a conference? Professional associations and organizations. Government agencies. Coalitions. Individual organizations. Educational institutions. Advocacy or community activist groups. A group with a stake or interest in the subject of the conference.

6. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas When should you organize a conference? When you want to educate the field, a particular group, or the public about an issue. When you want to gather people with expertise to address an issue that needs to be addressed, or to work on a problem. When new work in the field needs to be publicized. When you want to energize or reenergize people about their work. Annually, to bring the field, profession, coalition, or interest group together to learn, network, celebrate successes, and work through challenges.

7. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How do you organize a conference? Create an infrastructure by: Choosing an organizing team or committee. Appointing a coordinator. Setting up a communication system.

8. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas How do you organize a conference? Plan the conference by: Agreeing on the purpose of the conference. Identifying your target audience. Setting a length and date. Planning the content. Addressing logistics. Clarifying coordination and troubleshooting.

9. Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas What to do Publicize the conference. Register participants. Recruit presenters. Run the conference. Evaluate the conference.