Hosting a FOCUS Conference is a significant undertaking, but each host institution benefits from the experience of those who came before it. These resources provide a planning framework, recommended timeline, reusable templates and lessons learned from previous conferences.
START HERE
Read the Host Planning Guide
Understand the major responsibilities, planning areas and partnerships involved in hosting a FOCUS Conference.
Build Your Conference Plan
Use the recommended timeline and downloadable checklist to organize tasks, owners, deadlines and progress.
Use Templates & Examples
Start with resources developed from previous successful conferences instead of building every tool from scratch.
YOUR FIRST STEPS
- Connect with FOCUS leadership and the FOCUS online/AV team. Clarify roles, contacts and major milestones early.
- Establish conference dates. Coordinate dates with FOCUS leadership and Primary Representatives.
- Secure the venue. Confirm that the location can support general sessions, breakout rooms, attendee flow and online delivery needs.
When should planning begin? Begin major planning approximately 10–12 months before the conference. Venue and hotel availability may require work as much as a year in advance.