Success!

Well, the UWF 5th Annual Women’s Studies Conference has concluded. Whew! My first time organizing an academic conference—with the help of one graduate assistant and some advice from the previous Women’s Studies Director. We had about 50 people attending throughout the day, including faculty, students, and a couple of administrative folks (though not as many administrators as SHOULD have been there). So attendance was high, the papers were excellent, and there was plenty of delicious food supplied by the caterer. We ended up giving out three cash awards for the best three papers—one professor kicked in an extra $50 of his own money to allow for three awards instead of the planned two—what a guy! Things didn’t go off without a hitch, but it all went a lot smoother than I’d anticipated, and now I won’t be so frantic next year. Oh yeah, next year.

So, here are my lessons learned from this little experience. I post them here in case you, dear reader, ever find yourself in this exciting yet nerve-wracking position.

* It wasn’t all that bad. Some irritating things happened, and I might have over-reacted to some of them, but no harm done and I learned to deal more effectively, less explosively next year. So people don’t always call back, students don’t always show up, moderators can’t always keep their commitments—there’s always an alternative. Things will go wrong, but barring complete annihilation, there’s always some way around the problem.

* Folks are willing to help if you just give them a chance. Certainly some are less willing than others, and some SAY they want to help but don’t really mean it (if you’re reading this, you know who you are). But in general, they really do want to help out. You just have to give them plenty of notice and tell them exactly what you want them to do. Develop a list of possible helpers early in the fall semester and start “grooming” them early.

* Stick to the advertised schedule, even if it looks like things are rolling along more quickly than you expected.

* Even if some of the food is donated (so you don’t have to pay the caterer’s exorbitant prices for everything), you still need the caterer to set up utensils and possibly condiments and beverages.

* It’s true, what your mother said: you catch more flies with honey....

* You’ll forget some things. Don’t let on and most people won’t even notice.

Speaking of most people, they want the conference to go well and want you to be a strong and capable leader. And in most cases, they’re willing to do whatever you, the strong and capable leader, ask of them to make things run smoothly. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but also don’t be afraid of taking charge. Be BOTH in command AND in control. But again, don’t hesitate to ask for help and advice.

Yeah, I sound pretty sanguine now, but I sure am glad it’s over and everything worked out OK, for now....