APICS Fox River Chapter Programs Best Practices Larry Simon APICS Fox River Chapter Great Lakes District

Program Issues Lack of attendance due to: Support by companies Topics not interesting Size of geographic area Perceived value WIIFM (what’s in it for me) Social media, current events Trending the wrong way over the last 2 to 3 years

Agenda PDM’s Plant Tours Network Events

Topic Speaker Location Pricing Promotion Dates PDM’s Topic Speaker Location Pricing Promotion Dates

PDM’s and Topics Mix of topics Various levels of topics Beginners vs. advanced Old vs. new topic Requested by membership Annual survey Survey at end of meeting Networking Avoid obscure topics Have joint meetings for specific topics (ASQ, other chapters, student chapters) Place for individual and also panel presentations

PDM’s and Miscellaneous Webinars Performed short time after PDM Attracts different members Timing and promotion is important Check lists Used to make sure everything is ready Makes event similar every time and no surprises Have board call membership to increase attendance

Speakers Prefer practitioner Tread carefully with consultants Allow 5 minute promo time Communicate expectations prior to meeting date Utilize networking to find potential speakers All board members leverage their networks Get cards at conference for speakers that were outstanding Determine monies required for expenses if any

Location Move around geographically Will draw different set of attendees Have different type of meals Easy to reach Must be good value for money Appropriate for presentation Seating Tools Parking

Promotion Advertisement Special “deals” Elections Emails (3-4 with last the Friday before) Website Newsletter Social Media (LinkedIn) Special “deals” Bring your manager night (often with appropriate topic) Company of the year recognitions Elections Students speaking for part of meetings Recognition of new attendees

Pricing Fox River has different levels of pricing Member (of any chapter) $25 Non-member $40 Student $ 5 In transition $10

Dates and Timing Try to have PDM’s same day each month such as 3rd Wednesday Watch out for key sporting events, election night, proximity to holidays Be cognizant of semester schedule for students – final exams, meet the firm night, other events Schedule training and other events not to clash with PDM dates Don’t waste peoples time - keep the event moving

Plant Tours Have at companies that are interesting Have the times appropriate Have companies do short presentations before and after tour Make sure location is appropriate Try a mix of different times of day, and different days of the week Try both with food (catered) and without food

Networking Events Informal and fun Add a new event to months when traditional PDM’s have not been held in the past December and June Explore doing joint networking events with other professional organizations ASQ, PMI, SME, ISM, CSCMP, WERC, other APICS Chapters Attendees Key management of member companies Recruiters (select 2 or 3 from the area) Board Pricing Location Pizza restaurants Microbrewery Winery No main topic unless it is about SC job market

What questions do you have What questions do you have? What is working well in your geographical area? What challenges are you having?