Getting Started and Using the Speakers Bureau-

The West Region Speakers Bureau was first formulated in January 2001 and has been updated many times since then. It has expanded to include programs for Chapter meetings and programs that can be used for Chapter education - whether they are half-day programs or all day programs. There is also a Speakers Bureau dedicated to members of the West Region that are willing to travel to other Chapters.

So what is the point of this?

Value – There is value in using a tool that allows each chapter chair to find resources that are near them, or people willing to travel to their location. There is also value in using the program ideas to spark new ideas that can blossom into a great program idea. Networking Your Chapter’s great program can be shared with other Chapters, and bring the same great information to more people of our Region.

Membership Growth and Retention – Having interesting and exciting programs are the key and cornerstone for a healthy Chapter. If people are not participating in the local Chapter, they lose out on so many resources and knowledgeable people. Much of what is so wonderful about being a CSI member.

The Speakers Bureau does need to be kept current, and the only way that can happen is for each Chapter to provide me with the information about their Chapter’s favorite topics and programs. I thoroughly enjoy hearing from you and we would like to make this Speakers Bureau the best tool it can be.

Return information to:
Krista Nelson, CSI, LEED® AP, CDT
West Region Speakers Bureau/Media Library Chair
Fax (408) 298-1887 or krista@aba-arch.com

AIA Registered Programs:

Each chapter has been registered by the Institute, which allows each chapter to provider programs for AIA learning units. American Institute of Architects has the forms that allow each chapter to register the programs in advance, as well as a form that the attendees, that want learning units and are an AIA member, can fill out. All the chapters’ need to do is mail or fax the forms to AIA. This is another great way to advertise for more attendance. To register a program use your chapter number and fill in the blacks with the program info, and then complete the applicable requirements for each of the programs.

Any questions feel free to contact us. We will do our best to answer them.Further options:
For those people that are looking for a keynote speaker or a top professional speaker there is a source with Mr. Jordan Steinberg of Speakers Corner at spkrscrnr@yahoo.com. They represent about 5,000 of the country's top professional speakers and entertainers. The service is free, although there is a fee for the speaker that will depend on the situation, speaker, etc. He can get some top people as low as $1,500 plus expenses. If this interests you, e-mail Jordan with the date of your event, type of event, the types of speakers/entertainers you need, and the most you can spend.

Another Option:
Chapters have hired this speaker for a special program, and the costs were covered by sponsors, as well as sharing a portion of the transportation costs with another local chapter who had him speak at their meeting prior to their date. There are creative ways to get truly special programs, even if the speaker asks for a nominal fee. This speaker, who is famous for impersonating Frank Lloyd Wright, with his different programs could be a great way to have a joint program with a local AIA chapter too.

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