TSCFN Idle Reduction Conference Experience Sue Leitner November 17, 2004

Topic selectedLate July Site, date selectedEarly August Agenda, sponsors developedLate Aug. - Early Oct. Database development Late Aug. - Early Oct. First promo Early September Save the date promo postcardMid-September Promo brochure mailedLate September LogisticsEarly October Follow-ups and thank you notesLate October Timeline: Oct 18 IR Workshop

Databases and big lessons learned b There are lots of others who will share d/bs b Trucking companies are dropping like flies b Access (MS) is not that easy If you are not a database expert, learn about Access de-dupe and other features before you start bringing in big d/bs from othersIf you are not a database expert, learn about Access de-dupe and other features before you start bringing in big d/bs from others Don’t ever save changes to table layout unless you add or delete a whole new columnDon’t ever save changes to table layout unless you add or delete a whole new column

Other lessons learned b Start planning-- especially, outreach-- six months out rather than three b Promote early, using planned topics, rather than actual speaker names b Reach out to MPOs regionally, not just locally b Be sure your organization is able to accept registrations and fees efficiently b Pursue trucking company participation through ATA, other trade orgs b Reach out to local delivery companies -- e.g. FedEx, Coke, UPS -- get help on this from vendors

Templates available b Promo b Save the date card b Promo brochure b Sponsor and speaker guidelines b