Club-Led Conferences & Case Competitions: General Information

Conferences Structure | Building Blocks | Things to Consider

 

Major Event Training [APR 20]

What did we cover?
~ Intro to the Student Conferences Committee
~ Deadlines and Communication Best Practices
~ Essential Building Blocks of Your Event & Resources
~ Next Steps

Access the PDF slide deck here.

Club-Led Conferences & Case Competitions at SOM

All student-led conferences and case competitions must be hosted through an existing official SOM Club.

  • The Club should be willing (and excited!) to help in the leadership of this major event.
  • The Club should be aware of how the Conference/Case Competition will add to their programming.
  • The Club should be actively working with the organizing team to market, promote, and publicize the Conference/Case Competition.
  • The Club should be willing to support all endeavors of the Conference/Case Competition, including leadership, combined efforts in organizing, and in some cases help to financially support the event.

The Student Conferences Committee (SCC)

Learn about the committee of staff across SOM who support your endeavors to host a conference or case competition.

This is what we recommend your Student Leadership Team structure looks like:

  • Strong Theme & Content

  • Sponsors

  • Speakers & Judges

  • Budget & Finances

  • Audience & Marketing

  • Catering

  • Room Setup & Logistics

  • Feedback and Analytics

Other Things You Should Consider

Check in with us via SOMStudentConferences@yale.edu if you have any questions on these items.

Dean's Participation

If you want the dean to attend/participate in your event, secure this at least 3 to 6 months in advance (the Dean's schedule is very demanding and requires ample notice). Choose one person to liase with the Dean's Office regarding your event. If you would like the dean to open your event or make remarks during the event, you must supply the Dean's Office with concise talking points at least 2 weeks in advance in order to allow the Dean enough time to review them.

Speaker Gifts & Swag

Gifts to Yale faculty and staff are not permitted (this is a University policy). Minimal tokens of appreciation (under $100 value) may be given to non-Yale affiliated speakers. SOM offers an assortment of branded merchandise, which is a great option for speaker gifts. If your club wishes to create a custom item to include a sponsor logo, the design must be reviewed and approved in advance by the Communications Office.

Welcome Packets & Thank You Notes

It is helpful to have a welcome packet for conference participants. Typically these include the conference agenda, list of speakers and their bios, nametags for registrants, notebook and pen, and if appropriate the list of participants.

Remember to thank all those who made your event possible, including sponsors, speakers, staff, student organizers, and faculty advisors. Thank you notes should be sent within one week of the event.