Tips for Hosting a Speaker

Invite a Speaker

• You can invite a BYU Professor to speak at your event
• Coordinate with the speaker on travel times/ airport pick up (the flight will be paid for by BYU Alumni) 
• Coordinate housing (hotel/home) and meals for the speaker (paid by the chapter) 

Day of Event Assignments

• Chair set up/takedown for overflow if anticipated 
• Sound/AV equipment as needed. (Check with speaker) 
• Lobby set up: BYU DVD playing, pamphlets, donation envelopes, signage, etc. 
• Refreshment area: plan for paper goods, water/drinks, desserts, set up and clean up  
• Translators: if you have a Spanish speaking population, plan for headphones and a translator and make sure the Spanish ward is aware it will be in Spanish too 
• Get keys to the chapel and plan to be there 1 hour at least before start time 
• Ushers - your board can be there to greet and seat 
• Fliers - use the opportunity to pass out a printed program with a flyer/newsletter of any upcoming events and a volunteer sheet for contact info. Include chapter website/contact info, etc. 

Plan Program (Customize as appropriate for topic and setting):

• Presiding and conducting –you may invite members of the Stake Presidency to preside while the chapter chair conducts. Allow a few minutes for brief announcements and thanking those who helped.  
• Opening and closing prayers 
• Opening and closing hymns/pianist/chorister 
• Musical number –may need a separate pianist 
• Bio for Speaker- have a short biography of the speaker to read 
• Bring a small thank you gift and water bottle for the speaker. Thank you cards or small gift for those who helped with music is always nice.