Genealogy Conferences - The Magic Recipe

GeneaBloggers is hosting a new blog topic series this week. I've been asked to mention it, and I will gladly oblige because it's a good subject.

Genealogy Conferences - The Magic Recipe is fostering a frank discussion on genealogy conferences. Bloggers are invited to share their opinions and experiences during this 4-day event.

Here is the lowdown as stated at GeneaBloggers:

• Setting the Space – on Tuesday, May 3, 2011, the series beings by looking at genealogy conferences from the perspective of the planners – those who plan the events, secure the space and manage all the details that many attendees don’t get to see. We encourage those who have held genealogy events – from one-day workshops for your local genealogy society to multi-day national events to weigh in with their opinion.  Tell us your frustrations, your successes, and what changes are taking place or should take place when it comes to genealogy conferences.

• Delivering the Content – on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, the series continues with a look at what it takes to be a speaker or presenter at a genealogy conference.  Everything from the call for papers, to signing the contract, to making the presentation – we want to know everything involved from the speakers’ perspective. Tell us about the glamour, the limelight, the adoring fans; and tell us about the preparation, the travel and all the ugly details as well.

• Selling the Goods – on Thursday, May 5, 2011, we’ll discuss how vendors who sell their wares in the Exhibit Hall see the conference experience.  This will be an eye-opener for sure since most attendees think you just set up a booth and you are ready to sell. We’d love to hear from actual vendors about the process and the realities of selling goods and services at genealogy conferences.

• Taking It All In – and finally on Friday, May 6, 2011, we’ll hear from the attendees of genealogy conferences.  How do you decide which ones to attend? How far in advance do you start making plans? What do you look for when you take in a conference? Again, not only can you post about what you’d love to see at a genealogy conference, but let us know your frustrations and what needs to change.

I really hope there is a good discussion on this topic. The times they are a changin' and the business of genealogy conferences is ready for an adjustment. Do take some time to provide your own take and help shape the future of family history events.
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