1 Event Preparation

1.1 Finding Venues

1.2 Finding Speakers

1.3 Resource sharing

1.4 Catering

1.4.1 Options

Boxed meal

Pizza

Sandwiches

1.4.2 Cost

Options to cover cost of meal.

Sponsors

Fee charged to attendees.  This is also a good way get  people who register to show up  for the event.  If you charge a  $10 lunch fee, the event is still  free, and people are more likely  to show up.

1.5 Insurance

1.6 Speakers

1.6.1 Finding

1.6.2 Evaluating

1.7 Swag

1.8 Scheduling

If a large event is being  planned, reach out to user  groups within about 200-250  miles of the event location.  Check to see if they are  planning large events and when  they are planning them.  This  will help avoid over lapping  events.  This can reduce the  attendants of each event.  Also,  do not limit your outreach just  to user groups with similar  technology.  Reach out to as  many technical user group you  are aware of.  They will also be  good partners in getting the  word out about your event.

2 Meeting

2.1 Facilitating the meeting

2.2 Welcome New Members

Assign a person to greet and talk to new and infrequent attendees to the meeting.

2.3 Networking / building community

Use name tags to help people address one another by name.

Try and get discussions going before the main presentation.

2.4 Communication

2.4.1 Survey

2.4.2 RSVP / Drop off

2.5 Social Events pre/post meetings

2.6 Creative Catering