FUND-RAISING AND EXHIBITOR SOLICITATION

Use the list of exhibitors from other conventions, such as Scientific Assembly and Leadership. These lists contain addresses, sometimes phone numbers and e-mail contact.

Sponsorship from Pharmaceutical companies now requires an application, often available on company web sites. The application requirements are fairly specific and are for restricted medical education. Many companies award their grants early in their fiscal year, so applications should be started early in the year.

*Choose company based upon relationship to content of educational program

*What do you need the money for??

*Sell the benefit of our mission and area of expertise

*Support of our national office – ask for help in writing grants, have them review before

sending in

*Be specific about funding focus

Some may require a financial report after the program, including a summary of program evaluations.

Use of narratives in writing the request

Tell them our story, what our member needs are, and give examples of how we serve our members (other programs, goals, etc)

A courtesy to notify National of submitted applications as well as any grants received

WORKING WITH HOTELS

Go through the contract with a “fine tooth comb”

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Don’t take anything for granted

Be sure to compare your registration list with theirs – some folks may register on-line and will not show up on the program guest list but you should get credit for them

Visit the site - feel comfortable there, so you can be a resource for the participants

One person should be the contact person – all communication through one person

Once again – use the office staff at national, they have the expertise and are there to share it with you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions

**Really important to maintain a history – have archives of your events – what did you pay at that

last event, how much space did you have, how many attendees, how close were your estimates,

etc etc etc