Chairing a Conference/ Convention

One of the most difficult things for any conference or convention is to select the "right" person to chair the event. Most individuals either lack the experience, expertise, or skill set needed to do what should be done. The first challenge for organizers of a conference or convention is to even get someone who agrees to take the position. That is because most people realize that a convention/ conference chair's position is extremely stressful and often thankless. It is also far more time consuming than most people realize.

Since most organizers of conferences don't fully realize the intricacies involved in properly running a convention, it is very difficult for them to even know who they are looking for, nor what the required skills are. One of the major reasons that most conventions and conferences do not fulfill their potential is that the necessary planning, negotiations, and ability to "think on one's feet" is lacking. I would recommend that a few of my previously published Associated Content articles be used, such as my articlea on Conference and Convention Planning, Hotel Negotiations, etc.

Some of the needed skills for a chairperson is he is to do the best possible job include:

(1) Have an even disposition. A chair must be able to deal with a variety of different individuals with various skill levels, as well as substantially different personalities.

(2) A chair must have a "think outside the box" attitude. There are a variety of different ways that things can be done, and each will have different impacts.

(3) A chair must know how to prioritize. There are many nice ideas, but some are more important to the success of the conference.

(4) A chair must be able to say, "No." Invariable, many people will try to wield influence, and try to get the chair to do something "their way."

(5) A chair must be able to figure out alternative ways to get things done.

(6) A chair must have excellent negotiating skills.

(7) A chair must understand budgeting, and be able to work effectively within a budget.

(8) A chair must be able to anticipate various ramifications of action or inaction.

(9) A chair must understand the concept of "perceived value." "Perceived value" is the value an attendee gives to either getting an amenity or it lacking."

(10) A chair must properly spend on necessary items, while reducing waste, and attaining value.

(11) A chair must understand that overall value is only achieved by getting maximum value on each item, regardless of how small a savings. It is the sum of these small savings that maximizes value!

(12) A chair must be self- confident, while also being able to admit which areas he most needs help and assistance.

(13) A chair must have a positive "can do" attitude

(14) A chair must perform well under pressure

(15) A chair must be a welcoming- type individual.

The above list is simply the surface of what to look for when choosing a convention chairperson. Obviously, these are not skills possessed by "average" individuals. A good chairperson must be an exceptional individual, who strives for perfection, while maintaining his sense of pragmatism, adaptability and reality.

Some of My Pet Peeves

There are certain things that seem to happen "all the time" that simply aggravate me, that I think of as my "pet peeves." They consist of nearly everyday occurrences, that I just believe shouldn't be! Often, they are shrugged off by others as simply the way things are, or things that you can't worry about. When I bring these types of items or topics up, many people tell me that I shouldn't "worry about it," or "who cares?" However, things like these "peeves" continue to irk me, so I wonder if anyone else has the same "peeves," or other things that "eat at" them.

One of my biggest "peeves" is when police cars are left idling. This is despite the factor that areas such as New York City have laws prohibiting idling ones engine for more than three minutes, and many areas of Long Island have similar legislation prohibiting idling for five minutes or more. If one ever has the "audacity" to request that a police officer turn off his engine, one is usually informed that the cars are left idling so that if there is a radio call, the officer can "race"off without delay. Does it really take that long to start one's engine? How about the bad example being set? How about the air pollution, especially when these cars are idling during parades, childrens sports events, or ar schools? How many millions of dollars might be saved if engines were turned off instead of idled, because of all the wasted gas consumption. Think about it - - the government tells us that gas would be saved if we turned off our car engines if we are idling more than thirty seconds to a minute, and then our police do the contrary! Some police officers state that they need to hear their police radios, yet if they are out of their cars, they aren't listening to the radio in the car. Most police officers carry hand-held radios, where they can easily monitor for emergency calls. How about when a police officer is directing traffic, yet keeps his engine idling? Does that make sense? I can get a ticket for idling my engine for too long, but it's okay for a police officer?

In non- emergency situations, police should follow the same traffic laws as everyone else. Yet, how often do we see a police car "illegally" go through a red light, or not stop at a stop sign, or speed excessively. How often do we see a police officer talking to another officer, while he permits someone to double park? Does it sometimes seem like there is some sort of selection process that some police officers use to determine which traffic offenses to deter, and in which circumstances, and with who might be the driver? In these ever- dangerous times, where our police are so very important to the safety and protection of our citizens, it is more important than ever for us to respect the police. However, that process is made much more difficult when one witnesses these and similar types of police behavior and attitudes.

As annoying as most telemarketing calls may be, I find the prerecorded telemarketing calls to be the most annoying. At least, if a person is making the call, there is some degree of consideration, and you can interupt the individual with a question. And, doesn't it seem like these annoying calls always come in at the most inconvenient times? These calls are not even as annoying as the telemarketing calls that begin with a prerecorded message that says something like, "Please hold on for our next available representative. There is important information that we need to provide you with." Of course, these messages never state what company is calling!

The modern usage of the title "Customer Service Representative" is quite often an oxymoron. How many companies actually offer customer service these days? (Read my Associated Content article on Customer Service Best Practices.) Take, for example, the situation, where you need to reach a company because of some question about your bill.Invariably, one gets the message, "Please hold on for the next available representative. Your time is important to us." Doesn't that really make you feel wanted?

How about when you call a company at, for example 9:15 A.M., and you get the message, "No one is able to take your call at this time. Please call during our regular business hours, 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M." I'm not sure if that is more aggravating or when you get a message that is obviously dated, mentioning a date or event that has already passed.

These are just a few of my "favorite peeves." What really aggravates you?

Do you need a web presence?

Since the end of the twentieth century, the significance of having a Web presence has grown exponentially. However, undoubtedly, having a Web presence is far more important in some industries than others. When I need information quickly about nearly anything, I use an Internet Search engine directly from my Blackberry, and "Google" or "Bing" it! Of course, when I'm on my netbook, laptop, or desktop computer, I add Associated Content to that search as well. These internet searches are important, time-saving, first steps in gathering information, or in making a purchase.

Almost everyone today uses the internet to purchase items like airline tickets. Almost as many use the internet to reserve a rental car or a hotel room. These are the types of items where the internet, and internet presence are not only important, but they are necessities. Yet, Web sites like Priceline, and Hotels.com, use extensive radio, television and print advertising to "drive" people to their Web sites.

Most people today begin their real estate searches on the internet. Most realtors, as well as developers, and sites like MLS.com, Zillow, Trulia, etc., use their Web sites to drive business. Where a few years back people depended on print ads to search for a home, today the vast majority use and prefer to use the internet. Use of the internet is preferred because it is easier to search, one can get more information, and is capable of seeing far more information and detail, through the use of tools like Virtual Tours, etc.

Online retail was revolutionized by sites like Amazon, which first totally changed the way books were purchased, and then with its deals with other vendors, as well as introduction of unique products like the Kindle. E-Bay has changed the way people shop, and has brought "auctions" to the masses. Many "brick and mortar" stores such as Macy's, Best Buy, WalMart, K-Mart, Sears, and many others have developed extensive Web sites and Web presence, while maintaining their stores. They have realized that while some prefer the convenience and time-savings offered online, others still prefer to shop for many items in stores (especially clothing, etc.).

Certain service- oriented organizations and professionals have expanded their Web presence, but it uncertain and difficult to measure what net impact that Web presence has. For example, while a dentist can show pictures and even videos online on their Web site, and can help market themselves, previous attempts at advertising for many professionals proved to be not as successful as in retail, because most people appear to locate their health professionals by word of mouth (referrals) or by necessity due to HMO's, One way health professionals can and should use the internet is to permit patients to schedule appointments online, help to re-confirm patients appoints, and in offering reference information on technical issues. A professional's Web site can also offer some insight into the philosophy and attitude of a specific office or practitioner.

Is there a need for Web presence? In most cases, absolutely, although how much commitment to internet presence must be determined on a case-by-case basis. The real question is how much one is willing to commit to the internet, and how much value it will return on a net value basis. Simply developing a Web site does not drive individuals to the site. Use of key words, linking to other Web sites, paying for placement on search engines, or numerous other methods must be employed if you want to get any value from your Web site. There is far more benefit in some industries than in others!

READ MY PUBLISHED ARTICLES

I am proud that, as of today, I now have 149 published articles on the Associated Content Web site. Please review the list and link to my articled on my Profile Page at: www.associatedcontent.com/rgbrody

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The link is available at:
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