OptiBoard Speakers' Bureau

**Steve Machol** · 03-26-2002, 11:50 AM

I'm now ready to add a new Speaker's forum. Here's what I propose:

1. Speakers can post the following info to the forum:

- Name
- Photo (optional)
- Contact info (minimum email address and phone number)
- Brief background and qualifications
- Professional Credentials
- Courses
- references (optional)

2. To keep this consistent in appearance, I was thinking of Moderating (i.e., 'approving') each new thread in this forum. This would require extra work though, and may mean a delay in a Speaker being posted to the forum.

3. Comments and feedback about each Speaker is allowed, but only if the poster uses their real name and location. I don;t want to see any anonymous feedback.

What does everyone think about this? Have I left out something that you'd like to see included? Let me know.

**hcjilson** · 03-26-2002, 12:22 PM

I think this is an excellent idea! It will keep everything together in one place.Comments will be honest and visible, which will tend to address one of Chip's recent valid observations.I think it will also encourage those who visit regularly to come in, register, and participate.
Go for it! hj

**Mark Brezvai** · 03-26-2002, 03:16 PM

Great Idea!

There are never enough resources available when you are setting up an educational seminar. Would it be appropriate to list if a speaker is sponsored?

**Steve Machol** · 03-26-2002, 03:27 PM

Thanks!

Educate me. What do you mean 'if a speaker is sponsored'?

**Laurie** · 03-26-2002, 04:24 PM

Hi Steve,

Great idea.

I'll sign up.

Being sponsored means that a lens, frame, laboratory or some type of optical company "sponsors speakers". This helps the societies get people to give seminars without paying airfare, hotel, etc...

For example, I am sponsored by Essilor or America. That means that, if I am asked to teach classes at a convention, Essilor would pick up all of my expenses plus a daily honorarium. They are listed in the program as a sponsor and I thank them at the end, but I do not have ANY slides with their logo, and am very careful to stay neutral during all of my courses.

Does that help?

Laurie : )

**Steve Machol** · 03-26-2002, 04:32 PM

Thanks Laurie. It sounds like I need to add this to the list. I'm also thinking that I should have people submit the information to me (along with the optional photo) and I can post it to the forum. That way I can make sure that the information is presented in a consistent manner.

**MVEYES** · 03-27-2002, 08:16 AM

Glad to see you on the Board.

Steve, Mark was refering to sponsorship through companies like Essilor, Sola, J&J, B&L, Transitions etc. We bring in speakers who are sponsored in their travel, lodging and honorariums which reduces the cost to our association for putting on the education seminar. We mix these speakers with others that we have to foot the bill for and come up with a very good educational meeting.

:D Jerry

**Jackie L** · 03-30-2002, 11:38 PM

Steve...what if the only photos we come up with are Optiboard photo shoots, wedding shots or blurry pictures?

Sign me up as well. Where do we go from here? Are we to send you the info via e-mail? Not sure where this forum is going. (ok, it is late)