Determining the educational purpose of the event focuses planner attention on the needs, expressed or unexpressed, of the intended participants. Establishing the structure of the event sets the parameters for planners in coordinating their plans. It also reminds planners of the range of experiences that participants have come to expect from previous continuing education events. Normative needs are those that an individual is unaware of, but yet are very important or even necessary. By contrast, the non-required conference must draw on the self perceived needs of pastors in order to attract participants.
Popular speakers are difficult to secure, and require plenty lead-time in scheduling.
Less well known presenters often do just as well, if not better. They may be the well known presenters of tomorrow. Professors from Concordia Seminary frequently make themselves available for conferences of various kinds. Professors can be contacted directly using the information included in this guide. As you can see, the details that need attention can seem endless.