Whether there are two or ten people involved in developing a presentation it is wise to start with the end in mind. Collaboration starts with a meeting of minds. Everyone should agree in principle about the purpose of the presentation and the expected outcome. At the first meeting assign a coördinator and have everyone ready to state why the chosen topic is relevant, and of current interest to the target audience. The organizer must stress that all discussions will be open and honest. The questions for each person to answer revolve around the problems they name and the solutions they will offer.
It is important to agree about who their message will target before crafting a marketing strategy. The methods of marketing used will depend on the type of event, whether educational or a sales presentation. An effective way to begin an advertising campaign is for each participant to contact their centers of influence. All of the presenters have responsibility for a successful event. One cost-effective way to market is via email invitations to existing contacts.
There are many ways to view a topic and so different presentation styles of multiple presenters provides variety and flavor. Avoid confusion among presenters by thorough planning at the onset. How will responsibilities be apportioned? Be specific as possible about required tasks, performed by whom and the timing. During the preliminary planning meetings make decisions about the content, order of presentation, length of time per segment, and which part each person will present based on their area of ability.
Decide what monetary contribution each participant will make to prepare for the presentation.. Will there be fliers, handouts, posters or tickets printed? Who will design the needed material and see that they are ready on time for distribution? Assign persons in charge of acquiring the site, setting up the room and equipment, and then cleaning up afterwards. Who will greet the attendees and seat them? All must agree how to reimburse for upfront expenditures.
Who will follow-up with attendees and by what means? Decide during the planning meetings how revenues generated as a result of the presentation will be split. When there are multiple presenters all may not benefit equally from taking part in the event. That’s when the good negotiators have the edge. The agenda once set should leave all presenters feeling respected and satisfied that they will have enough time to share their knowledge. The result will be a balanced, well executed event.