Homeschool conferences
What a summer we have had. This summer we’ve participated in more conferences, which have taken place in more locations, than we ever have in twenty-three years of business. Compared to other vendors our travels seem insignificant. But we drive away from each conference brimming with ideas about what we think would work better, so this month we are trying something different with our newsletter.
If you have ever planned a family reunion, then you have a tiny idea of what conference leaders are trying to accomplish. They spend countless hours trying to secure the best locations, line up outstanding speakers, and discover appropriate vendors. Still, no matter what they do, it is never good enough! Entrance fees are “outrageous,” the speakers are “boring,” the on-site concession stands “a rip-off,” and the vendor booths are “too expensive.” Our hearts go out to these longsuffering and stalwart leaders who receive this verbal abuse, shake it off, and then begin plans for the next conference.
We who want these selfless organizations to continue to be a success must do more than bicker and fuss. Probably the easiest way to help is to provide useful feedback. Towards that end, this month we are hosting a forum for attendees, vendors, and leaders to post their ideas. We’ll start the forum off with a couple of our ideas, but to make this a valuable resource we need you to throw your two cents in.
Whether the conference you attended hosted several dozen or several thousand, you have something worth sharing. And we are not just asking for gripes; tell us what has worked well for you so that organizers can be encouraged. Leaders, tell us how we can be better vendors and attendees. Fellow vendors, please share with leaders and parents any ideas you have to help them make the best use of their time and resources at the conference.
We hear from many families around the world where home school conferences are an unheard-of luxury, so let us praise God for this privilege and take a few moments to help each other.
Are you still hoping to attend a conference this year? Join us this weekend for the WATCH conference in Seattle!
