Program Committee

2010 Program Planning, Ideas & Tips

 
Committee Goals

• Recruit quality programs with different presentation styles by:
  • Create a newsletter article to recruit from Mid and Senior Housing Professionals.
  • Ask high rated programs to present again – to help fill in for any canceled programs.
  • Work collaboratively with other committees to recruit sessions to create a meaningful and worthwhile experience.
• Continue to facilitate a positive experience for those who submit and present programs.
• Balance the programs offered in each session to make sure that there are programs of interest for professionals of all levels.
  • Identify and promote "hot topic" programs and work together with other committees to recruit presenters in these areas.
  • Contact presenters that presented highly rated programs to invite and encourage them to present again this year.
• Critically examine each program proposal to determine its fit with the goals and mission of UMR and with the needs of conference attendees 
• Foster a sense of inclusiveness to all forms of human diversity that are represented in our Upper Midwest Region.
• Ensure that every presenter is informed and has the information they need to be successful.
• Honor our responsibility to those unable to attend the conference, by working to have materials posted online, and available outside of the program session.
• Commit to sustainable practices, not just for programmatic sessions, but within all our committee work, and efforts.
• Honor the feedback that we acquire and honor the needs of our attendees to the best of our abilities.
• Ensure the Conference Bulletin is easy to use, easy to read, and error-free (grammatically & spelling).  
• Update program evaluations to provide presenters with more specific-feedback. 
• Be innovative in the ways we reach out to SHOs, mid-level, etc.; ensure there are adequate programs for professionals at all levels.
• Promote networking & mentoring opportunities through programming.
• Emphasize and promote program attendance during the conference.
• Provide passive programming opportunities; consider having other items available outside of programs for attendees.
• Critically examine how top programs are selected – make changes to better serve the organization and presenters if needed. 
• Maximize attendee’s ability to access information (handouts, recording sessions, etc.).
• Provide program presentation materials online by the conclusion of the annual conference for all members.
• Strive to be transparent regarding awards criteria, etc.
   

Committee Members

• Jocelyn C. Crist - University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Chair
  Sara Olsen - Midland Lutheran College, Chair-Elect
  Adrienne Appler - University of Northern Iowa
  Sherry Bisek - North Dakota College of Science & Technology
  Brandon Blakely - University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
  Melissa Bonander - Pittsburg State University
  Steve Bryant - Northwest Missouri State Universtiy
  Amy Danielson - South Dakota State University
  Kate Demerse - University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse
  Shandee Ewert - Concordia College
  Linda Garbisch - Iowa State University
  Gavin Grivna - University of Minnesota
  Michelle Gross - University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
  Diane Hausler - University of Wisconsin - Stout 
  Jennifer Landowski - Simpson College
  Randee McCabe - College of St. Benedict
  Katie McComb - Webster University
  Elizabeth Niebruegge - St. Louis University
  Alexis Olson - University of Northern Iowa
  Brandon Paulson - The University of Iowa
  Chris Rice - Webster University
  Steven Sweat - Nebraska Wesleyan University
  Heather Sweeney - University of Kansas
  Sarah Vait - Saint Cloud State University