Raquel
In less than three weeks, RESI will be hosting our yearly Economic Outlook Conference. Preparations for this have been underway for months and its crunch time for everyone on staff. I thought it would be interesting to go “behind the scenes” here at RESI to get a small glimpse of everything that goes on in anticipation of our big yearly event.
It all begins months ahead of the scheduled event when a variety of staff members begin to brainstorm themes and ideas for the next conference. Generally, the theme of the conference ties in to the current economic climate. For example, the last two years, our conference has been focused on green or environmental topics. We have hosted a variety of subject matter experts and have (hopefully) sparked more conversation about the significance of these ideas to Maryland’s future economy.
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A couple of months ahead of the conference our group begins to brainstorm possible indicators and the layout of the Outlook Presentation. The Outlook presentation, presented by Daraius Irani, is the kick-off event to the conference. It’s a detailed look at the current and future state of the economy – both here in Maryland and the US.
Once we have a theme, we are able to run with that idea. Everyone has a hand in collecting data, making charts and graphs and making sure that the presentation is clear and concise. It’s a lot of work and requires a keen eye for detail and (I think) a little bit of creativity.
Our print deadline usually comes a week before the event. This is the time when we must have the presentation ready to head off to the printers to get jazzed up and be ready for the conference. It’s a mad scramble those last few days to check and double-check data and formatting. Once that’s off it’s a big sigh of relief. The final hurdle comes just a week later when the presentation finally goes ‘live’ in front of the attendees. At that point, our job is done and it’s Daraius’ turn to wow everyone with his insight and analysis.
Although Conference preparations take a lot of staff resources, it’s a great time for everyone to work together as a team for one common goal (the celebratory happy hour after the event!).
Click here to register for the 2010 Economic Outlook Conference!
Guest Blogger
Bobbie Laur
Sharyn Kuczka
Jeremy Monn
Raquel Frye
Clay Hickson
Dawn Bott
Lindsey Meyer
Allie Pyzik
Daraius Irani
Past Bloggers
Jenn Lake
Kelsey Beckett
Timothy Brooks
Ashley Buzzeo
