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Midwest Chapter

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Local Arrangements Committee - CALAMW

The Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) is appointed by the chapter president. It is a part of the Program Committee, and led by Program Committee Chair, Vice President/President Elect. The Chair of LAC is a Co-Chair of the Program Committee.

This guideline is meant to provide a resource and a guide for the local arrangements chair and committee. LAC is encouraged to also consult recent program websites, past local arrangements chairs, CALAMW Board members, and long-time chapter members. Certain details of the local arrangements vary from year to year, but any major changes should be discussed with the Chapter officers.

The committee is responsible for:

Communicating with ProgramCommittee, Board and Host Site
Program Facilities

Hotel/Travel/Directions
Registration
Budget
Meals
Publicity/Hospitality

Communicating with ProgramCommittee, Board and Host Site

  • obtaining from the program committee, as early as possible, specific information about the planned annual program, including

    • the date of the annual program

    • the precise time for starting and ending the annual program

    • the approximate number of persons expected to attend the annual program

    • the rooms required for the annual program

    • the required special equipment, such as overhead projectors, slide projectors, movie projectors, computers, and other audiovisual equipment, as well as all appropriate and requested software

    • specific details on requirements for any luncheon, snacks, refreshments or overnight accommodations

  • obtaining approval and support from the host/co-host to hold the annual program

  • arranging for the director, dean, or other official to give welcoming remarks at the beginning of the annual program

  • meeting with host security to discuss the arrangements for any needed security protection during the annual program and providing the security office with a copy of the annual program schedule

  • dealing with any local arrangements issues that arise during the annual program

  • finding a sufficient number of volunteers to help on-site throughout the annual program usually these volunteers are local librarians, library students, or Friends

  • managing on-site registration, setting up and cleaning up publication or literature displays (if applicable), monitoring workshops, sessions, breaks, and meals for possible problems, and generally providing help as needed

  • arranging for technology help from the site to be available during the annual

Program Facilities

  • reserving a large room to accommodate all participants

  • reserving a projector, blackboard or whiteboard, chalk/markers and erasers

  • a registration area, usually a lobby area

  • a place for refreshments, preferably near the registration and exhibits areas

  • an exhibit area located near registration and refreshments and provided with tables for any displays

  • a dining area for meals

  • checking the rooms for readiness just prior to the annual program

  • arranging for parking for the annual program, and obtaining any required parking passes/permits, to be distributed upon arrival rather than through the mail if possible

  • making arrangements with the host facilities office to ensure that buildings and rooms are unlocked and properly heated or cooled during the annual program 

  • making sure that facilities are accessible to all attendees

Hotel/Travel/Directions

  • developing a list of area hotels and motels with addresses, phone numbers, and prices

  • helping make reservations keeping costs down by asking for discounts based on the number of people

  • considering special features such as a free (continental) breakfast or van transportation between the hotel and program site

  • providing the webmaster or Web Committee with any needed information: 

    • a description of the site

    • directions to the site from all directions

    • a site map with buildings and parking facilities to be used clearly indicated

    • room locations for program events

    • cost of meals and meal options

    • a list of area hotels and motels with addresses, phone numbers and prices

  • placing signs leading from the edge of the site to the parking lots and from the parking lots to the registration site

  • attending to any local travel arrangements for speakers from outside, including obtaining information on transportation from the airport and on rental cars as well as calling a cab, or

  • finding a volunteer to transport the speaker where needed

Registration

  • creating registration form including registrant name, affiliation, address, phone, fax, email address, also membership status, first time attendee check box, vegetarian and/or other meal preference

  • setting up deadlines for mailing form(s), checks, and address(es)

  • recommending registration fees with lines for amounts and totals

  • producing and posting the preliminary program along with the registration form

  • providing info for the Web Committee to place all materials on chapter website

  • preparing program packet including

    • banner (for the meeting room)

    • agenda

    • annual program registration form

    • host site information

    • chapter brochure

    • new member application form

    • mentor program registration form (if applicable)

    • library tour information (if planned)

    • lists of Local Arrangements Committee and Program Committee members

    • speaker biographies

    • list of registrants

    • restaurant guide

    • local map(s), city visitors guide or similar literature

    • other announcements

  • administering pre-registration and on-site registration

  • keeping careful records (in a spreadsheet preferably) of registrants and their payments

  • organizing a group of volunteers to assist with registration at the annual program

  • preparing folders for annual program attendees with the program

    • a badge (preferably the plastic hanging type) with the person’s name and affiliation

    • a site map

    • a list of pre-registered participants with affiliation and e-mail addresses,

    • other materials such as paper, notepad, pen, and

    • information about the host site

  • appointing a member

    • to take special responsibility for each guest speaker

    • confirm travel and accommodation plans

    • arrange local transportation between hotel, and annual program and

    • generally act as a good host

  • obtaining from the program committee

    • titles

    • abstracts

    • biographical information of speakers

    • schedule for the annual program from the program committee, and

    • (if applicable) student or other speaker papers

  • discussing with the program chair the format of the annual program and types of files to be sent

  • creating and printing copies of the annual program for all the participants

Budget

  • developing a budget for approval by the Board annual program-- income should equal annual program expenses

  • keeping all checks and cash in a safe place or work with the Treasurer until deposited

  • using a two-copy receipt book for on-site registration

  • submitting all financial activities to the committee chair who will forward them to Treasurer

  • providing the Treasurer with a cover memo detailing the source of funds for deposit or the services/materials that are the subject of an invoice.

  • preparing receipts to be signed by the recipient of cash

  • sending Treasurer all registration forms, receipts for expenses, cash, and checks after recording each check number on the person’s registration form and copying all checks Have a receipt book for registrants who request receipts.

  • possible expenses:

  • badges and badge holders

  • program package

  • meals: Breakfast (Saturday), Lunch (Saturday), Coffee breaks (Saturday AM & PM)

  • keynote speaker honorary fee

  • panelists gifts

  • participants souvenirs

Meals

  • Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, morning refreshments, lunch, and afternoon snacks

  • meals should balance between too rich and too bland

  • breakfast buffets are recommended

  • box lunch are preferred

  • consider local specialties for the lunch

  • food and drink are more important factors than setting and entertainment.

  • balancing plain meat and rolls, vegetables and other vegetarian items and fancier foods

  • lighter menus are acceptable if restaurants are within easy walking distance.

  • estimating 5% of total attendance (registrants, speakers) will be no-shows

  • planning and arranging all the necessary meals and refreshments, including location, menu, and cost

Publicity/Hospitality

  • display brochures, membership application forms

  • conducting drawing or other activity to generate interest in the annual program if desired

  • displaying history and culture of host city and region

  • including URLs for any useful websites

  • preparing a list of recent job postings, or continuing education/professional development opportunities

  • working with Public Relations Committee and considering submitting announcements to other chapters, or organizations within or not in the local site

  • communicating weather reports or last minute notices to attendees via email

  • having a copy of local bus routes and schedules and a city map available.

  • sending letters to area libraries, universities, library schools, and Chinese Community to invite more to the annual program

  • keeping close contact with the PR committee to arrange for media coverage of the program

  • arranging publicity with local media and site publications possibly with the help of site relations or CALAMW members

  • discussing tourist attractions and any special events that may be occurring during the annual program

  • arranging for local tour companies to offer city tours, tours of local university campuses, group attendance at any special events, etc

  • deciding whether these events be self-serve OR to purchase tickets in advance

  • managing the process of transporting attendees to these events

  • deciding what would be most appealing to conference attendees and arranging for tours or equivalent opportunities

  • soliciting and obtaining sponsors for the annual chapter annual program

  • designating a committee member as chaperone and tour guide for the tour