• Designate a coordinator and establish an organizing committee
• Clearly define the career day scope and intended outcomes
• Establish procedures for student sign-up or assignment to topic/speaker
  • Are certain topics assigned to specific grades i.e., K-1=Community Helpers, Fire fighter?
  • Do you want speakers to come prepared to talk to groups of mixed grade levels?
  • How will the students/speakers rotate? (the equipment requirements of some presenters demand that they stay in one room and students come to them)
• Recruit speakers from your community with ties to the school and neighborhood (PTA can help with this)
• Allow at least 10 to 12 weeks for CRB speaker recruitment, more if a holiday or vacation intervenes

• Provide the CRB with a clear description of needs
  • Number of speakers needed
  • Number of presentations each will make (1, 2, or 3)
  • Exact times and length of presentations
  • Alternate Dates
  • Size of the group for each presentation
  • Format for presentation (single speaker in a classroom; panel discussion)
• Following confirmation by CRB of speakers - Call speakers to confirm and discuss any special focus for presentations
  • Ascertain any equipment needs speaker may have
  • Provide speaker with such information as directions to school, where to park, what door to enter, and the location of the office

• Arrange to have a hospitality/meeting room where speakers come to receive their assignments and can leave their coats, etc.
• Provide some type of food/drinks as a welcome
• Have students greet speakers at the front door and bring them to the hospitality room
• Provide speakers with a map and clear instructions of how the day will flow
• Allow time at the end for closure discussion (this helps you learn what worked and what didn't)
• Distribute certificates of appreciation/participation if possible

• Follow up with thank you notes to your speakers
• Return evaluation form to the CRB

Planning Tips for Special Types of Events

• Career Day Planning
• Science Fair Planning

For more information, contact the Connection Resource Bank coordinator.