Hosting the Symposium

July 12, 2003

Anita,

You asked if the Symposium would ever be held in a location other than

Indianapolis. Originally the plans were to have the location rotate and hosted

by

different state chapters. I am still in a learning mode as we enter into the 4th

Symposium. At this time the state chapters are working to gain strength in

numbers and structure, and gradually the State Representative or City

Representative are building relationships with the pancreatic community. Every

member

can play an active role in bringing this to fruition, by networking with the

members of their healthcare plan team, and lay the ground work for their local

chapter to host the Annual Symposium. Look at people you meet as potential

speakers; ask them if they would consider giving a presentation or participating

on

a panel discussion. Keep a notebook of who you talk with, their interest

level, send them little notes after you happen to talk to them, letting them

know

that you are looking forward to having them be a part of such an exciting

event. Tell them we need that level of expertise. In a few years, you will be

surprised at the number of potential speakers you have. Start looking for

sponsorship using the same methods. When you are sitting in a waiting room and

see a

drug rep, go sit by them and introduce yourself as a member (, etc.) of the

PAI, give your spill re: planning to host an upcoming Symposium. Would they be

interested in having a booth? The point is, I can't do it from here, it will

take effort on the local chapter.

I am working on a manual for organizing, planning, and holding the Symposium.

I have put together suggested committees, role delineation's, and a time

line, indicating what things need to be done 12 months before the conference, 9

mos, 6 mos, 3 mos, etc., etc., up to the day of the conference. (I wish I would

have had that to use this year.)

Karyn E. , RN,

Exec. Director, PAI

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