Conference Director

Rate Number 1 with a Conference Director
By Sue Ford

First, keep in mind that most Conference Directors are VOLUNTEERS who give lots of time and energy to plan and prepare for a conference.

BEFORE THE CONFERENCE

If you have questions regarding the conference... ...read the brochure thoroughly before you contact the director. Many questions are answered in the material. ...check the organization's website for further information. ...then call or e-mail, not both, and be as brief as possible. Directors receive many phone calls and e-mail and don't have time for your life story.

If you have special needs (i.e. use a wheelchair, or need an assistant so you can attend, etc.)...

...ask about the facilities or for special accommodation before the conference.

If you've been told information about the conference (i.e. brochure, map) is on the website, but can't find it... ...please look again or ask someone else to look with you. ...if you use a proprietary web access service, such as AOL, you may need to ask someone who has a more direct access to look for you. ...if you still can't find it, contact the webmaster. ...if no response from the webmaster, then contact the conference director.

If you're concerned a conference may be sold out... ...check the conference website - many will post a "sold out" notice. ...if nothing is noted on the website, you could call before mailing your registration. E-mail is not recommended at this point. ...if told there are still openings, send in your registration immediately.

If your registration is turned down because a conference is sold out...

...ask if you may be placed on a waiting list. ...don't ask for special treatment. Attendance limits are based on the space and resources available.