Use your Convention as a Leadership Seminar to recuit new members.

(example of this practice from Rochester, NY: http://nysjc-gals2006.jaycees.cc/ )

Did you know that a convention or leadership seminar can also be a recruitment tool that you can use either in colleges for collegiate extensions or in your community as a membership drive? By following the same formula that is used to do a convention, you can hold your own Local Leadership Seminar. Here’s how:

Secure a facility. Check with members and contacts or approach the business group of your local college. They usually have free or inexpensive access to conference areas. This step also includes setting a date, ordering food & drinks, and may give you an idea on how much to charge for the event if you have to cover more costs.

Rough out an agenda. Two common formulas are:
1. Leadership Seminar (afternoon – evening event)
a. Themed luncheon w/ keynote speaker
b. Training sessions
c. Cocktail/Happy Hour/Social time

2) Leadership Panel (evening event)
a) Leadership Panel (each speaks 5-7 minutes on how they became a local leader and how others can get involved)
b) Q&A session from the audience moderated by student government president or local celebrity
c) Reception/Social time

It’s important to have a social period to allow people to talk freely and network. It also leaves attendees with a better feeling that they’ve interacted with others instead of being lectured to in a meeting all day. Additionally, food brings people in the door.

Invite your speakers. Put together a wish list of preferred speakers and then backup speakers. Give them plenty of advanced notice and the rough agenda with specifics on the topics expected. Make sure to get their bio in return to help promote the event.

Promote like mad. Posters, press releases, postcards, website, special invites. If you are charging for attendance, make sure to include all of the specifics and as early as possible.

Membership table. Collect prospective information at each event. Have lunch cards out on the table; registration cards at the desk; and membership forms in each session. You should also put a membership table out at reception. Give them as many opportunities as you can.

REMEMBER, attendees are telling you by attending that they are interested in being a leader. Followup and personal invitations are important to close the deal.