Family conferences come with their own set of planning challenges. Review this checklist to get a sense of the issues that need to be addressed.

1. Nursery Programming A. Equipment
   • Cribs
   • High chairs
   • Playpens
   • Refrigerator
   • First aid supplies
   • Check-in table
   B. Personnel
   • Adequate ratio
   • Properly trained
   • Background check
   • First aid/CPR trained
   C. Location
   • Adequate space
   • Carpeted
   • Near restroom
   • Hot water supply
   D. Insurance
   • Liability
   E. Security
   • Written security plan
   • Instructions for parents
   • Instructions for workers
   • ID badges for workers
   • Check-in and check-out system
   F. Professional Services
   • Professional services vs. self-staffing
2. Children, Student Programming A. Equipment
   • Properly sized table and chairs
   • Supplies for activities
   • First aid supplies
   B. Personnel
   • Adequate ratio for supervision
   • Properly trained
   • Background check
   • First aid/CPR trained
   • Specialty personnel (lifeguard, drivers, etc.)
   C. Location
   • Adequate space
   • On-site or off-site (hotel vs. park)
   D. Insurance
   • Liability
   E. Security
   • Written security plan
   • Instructions for parents
   • Instructions for workers
   • ID badges for workers
   • Check-in and check-out system
   F. Programming

   • Community service projects

   • Banquets

   • Special events

   • Collection project (have students bring items to event, e.g. food drive, clothing drive, school supplies, to be distributed to local agency)

   • Competition/contest activities

   • Educational opportunities

   • Worship services

   • Doctrinal training

   • Sports contests

   G. Intern Program

   • Provides additional event staff

   • Provides educational opportunity for intern

3. Family Events A. Scheduled Outings

   • Tours (historical, children's museums, parks, etc.)

   • Cruises (riverboats, dolphin-watching excursions, etc.)

   • Discount tickets to area attractions (theme parks, museums, etc.)

   B. Spouse Tours
   • Shopping excursions
   • Spa experiences
   • Golf outings
   • Sightseeing tours

Dean Jones is convention manager, Free Will Baptist Convention, National Association of Free Will Baptists, Nashville, Tenn.