So, you think planning a family conference is child's play? Not quite. The family conference comes with its 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
i) Cribs
ii) High chairs
iii) Playpens
iv) Refrigerator
v) First Aid supplies
vi) Check-in table
b) Personnel Adequate ratio
i) Properly trained
ii) Background check
iii) First Aid/CPR trained
c) Location
i) Adequate space
ii) Carpeted
iii) Near restroom
iv) Hot water supply
d) Insurance
i) Liability
e) Security
i) Written security plan
ii) Instructions for parents
iii) Instructions for workers
iv) ID badges for workers
v) Check-in and check-out system
f) Professional Services
i) Professional services vs. self-staffing
2) Children, Student Programming
a) Equipment
i) Properly sized table and chairs
ii) Supplies for activities
iii) First Aid supplies
b) Personnel
i) Adequate ratio for supervision
ii) Properly trained
iii) Background check
iv) First Aid/CPR trained
v) Specialty personnel (lifeguard, drivers, etc.)
c) Location
i) Adequate space
ii) On-site or off-site (hotel vs. park)
d) Insurance
i) Liability
e) Security
i) Written security plan
ii) Instructions for parents
iii) Instructions for workers
iv) ID badges for workers
v) Check-in and check-out system
f) Programming
i) Community Service Projects
ii) Banquets
iii) Special events
iv) Collection project (have students bring items to event, e.g. food drive, clothing drive, school supplies, to be distributed to local agency)
v) Competition/contest activities
vi) Educational opportunities
vii) Worship services
viii) Doctrinal training
ix) Sports contests
g) Intern Program
i) Provides additional event staff
ii) Provides educational opportunity for intern
h) Family Events
i) Scheduled Outings
i) Tours (historical, children's museums, parks, etc.)
ii) Cruises (riverboats, dolphin watching excursions, etc.)
iii) Discount tickets to area attractions (theme parks, museums, etc.)
j) Spouse Tours
i) Shopping Excursions
ii) Spa Experiences
iii) Golf Outings
iv) Sightseeing Tours
Dean Jones is convention manager, Free Will Baptist Convention, National Association of Free Will Baptists, Nashville, Tenn.
