Sticky for new organizers

[polo_pro]

Would it be worthwhile to make a sticky with suggestions on how to go about organizing an event? The sticky could be broken into a few categories depending on the size of the event, type of event (group glide and of course, POLO) and the supporters (ie. dealers, establish SEG, etc).

My motivation is that I've seen several new enthusiastic gliders try to do this, and some guidance might be useful.

[quade]

Sticky or not, I think it would be worthwhile for you to do a write up.

[polo_pro]

Sticky or not, I think it would be worthwhile for you to do a write up.

I'm hardly the only instiga...I mean, organizer! 8^) 8^) 8^) I have almost no experience at organizing a group glide.

[quade]

I'm hardly the only instiga...I mean, organizer! 8^) 8^) 8^) I have almost no experience at organizing a group glide.

But this is how a proper FAQ is developed!

YOU start by writing an outline and fill in the stuff you DO know about, then ask for others to expand the areas they may know more about. If it's a cooperative effort, it's much less of a burden for any single person to write.

Are you familiar with Wikipedia (http://wikipedia.org/)?

[Sal]

... but I have organized my share of glides...

Some things to keep in mind / act on / be sure you have (in no particular order)

(1) A current list of contact information for Segway Gliders in your area, or gliders who are willing to travel to go on group glides; essentially, start an online Group like we have for SEGIndy (http://groups.google.com/group/segindy)

(2) Contact information includes phone numbers

(3) Always start to organize a group glide at least 2 weeks in advance so that potential participants have ample time to pencil in the date or to change their schedules

(4) Keep the group informed of RSVPs as they come in. What you'll find is that some people prefer to glide with specific others, and if they know who is gliding as people say yes, they'll join in

(5) Invite all participants to invite others (with segways, or without; bicycles) - the more participation you have with all modalities of transport, the more positive the glide will be perceived by the general public

(6) Keep an eye on the weather (weather.com 10day forecast seems to be pretty accurate), and always have a back up date.

(7) If you're gliding in the middle of the day, have an eatery to stop at which allows Segways

(8) Bring a camera / camcorder

(9) Think about another activity, IMAX, park picnic, Polo, Frisbee, etc, for a mid-glide respit.

(10) Always follow the glide up with a notes to the participants as well as those who couldn't make it with photos, or interesting stories, so participation for the next glide will increase.

This is all I can come up with on short notice.

-Sal

[wwhopper]

Announce it with date, time and meeting place, on as many segway online sites as possible, our local SEG Yahoo site, the other yahoo sites, and of course Segway Chat.

Invite new members to attend, they may feel like they are breaking in to the established group

Always give a cell phone number for the organizer, as there is always a few that show up late or get lost.

We always make it at a Metro location and at a time when Segs can use the Metro, as many of our users do not own cars.

Sort of lay out the timeing and if you are going to do a group meal or something.

Encourage other members than the organizer for this glide to plan an upcoming one.

And if there is a glider in town without a Seg, dig up one for them, it is always fun to have gliders from other areas join in and participate. Here in DC we always get a number of out of towners comeing through.