ADEC is entirely volunteer run with no formal membership, fees, or committees. Help from volunteers is always appreciated to help spread the message and get more drainage communities operating around the country.
If you are interested in coordinating an even in your town or city, please read through the following guidance.
Step 1: Identify a potential speaker and / or host organisation.
The host organisation is arguably the most important piece of the puzzle to get your event to happen. The host is in charge of providing a suitable venue to support at least 20-30 attendees. The host is also charged with providing some light refreshments / catering after the technical presentation to encourage attendees to hand around and network.
Refer to the Template "MOU for ADEC Event Sponsors" for a sample document you can send to potential hosts.
Step 2: Identify your topic
Now that you have your host, it's best to ask them for any ideas on topics that are of interest to them. Most companies will have some thoughts on particular skills they can show case. If you can tie a topic to an area of importance to the host, things will run more smoothly.
Even with a broad topic selected, you will still need to provide guidance to the host on the specific content of the presentation as described in Step 3.
Step 3: Refine the topic and identify speakers
The best presentations will cover off on the following:
A technical component that teaches the audience something new.
Real world case studies to demonstrate application of the lesson
Where the host is a supplier, it is best to include not only speakers from the supplier organisation but to add in independent speakers (e.g. consultants, councils) to discuss case studies and application of the product.
Step 4: Choose a date and time
Events typically run for 90 minutes. This includes 45 minutes of presentation followed by 45 minutes of networking.
Liaise with your speakers and host to agree on a time that works well for you and your audience.
Typical time slots are:
11:30pm to 1:00pm This time slot allows people to take an extended lunch break
4:30pm to 6:00pm This time slot allows people to simply finish work a little early
The afternoon time slot is preferred as lunch timeslots can see people forgoing the networking to get back to work sooner.
Step 5: Create your event registration site
Once you have your event planned out, reach out to ADEC to create your registration site. All tickets are coordinated directly through ADEC approved members to prevent overlap and to ensure consistency of events.
If you would like to be an ADEC admin and coordinate events directly, please let us know and we will add you to the team!
Step 6: Run your event!
On the day, you as coordinator will be responsible for
marketing the event to locally relevant groups and directly inviting people you know to encourage attendance. Be sure to consider not only peers but clients, suppliers and students
confirming attendee numbers with the host ahead of the event
ensuring that the host and all speakers are aware of the agenda and timing
confirming that catering has been organised
attending the event and giving a brief welcome on behalf of ADEC
taking photos on the day to share on LinkedIn!
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