I C LW, do you?

Okay, so it's not the funniest joke around, but I tried. I think people find me too serious and earnest in my attempt to convey useful information and support to infertile people (and anyone else with fertility issues). I do have a funny side; you just might not recognize it immediately. I implore you to stick with me; as we get to know each other, you'll see that I am actually quite fun, albeit in a somewhat sarcastic way. It's too bad you can't see me trying to copy the song and dance moves of various celebs...it gets my kids spraying milk out their noses. Or hiding under the kitchen table in embarrassment.

Please leave a comment and tell me what you think of the blog, or a particular post. I really, honestly want the feedback. I'm writing for you, so you definitely should feel okay about having a say. If I don't like it, I'll just swallow hard and move on.

Now, on to more important matters (the serious bit). This past weekend, I took a stand at a health event which was put on by a respected charity in London. Last year, this event got me buzzing. I learned so much, met so many really knowledgeable and interesting people and came away with bucketloads of ideas about issues to address, articles to write and workshops to produce. While the event had more capacity than it filled with visitors, it seemed busy and full of energy. This year, the same charity, the same brief, the same quality of medical-expert speakers. The turn-out was dismal. There were people there with expertise and time to share it, but few to share it with. A huge disappointment for everyone involved, including the charity's employees. I know that it takes a lot to organize an event like this, but I know that it can be done better than this, because it was. Last year.

My question is this (whether you live near London, in the UK or anywhere in the world):  What would a women's health event (call it what you like...exhibition, conference, etc...) have to offer to get you there, in attendance, visiting seminars and stands, participating in workshops, etc? I think I could put a fantastic, large-scale event together that would be a destination for women in all stages of their fertility, from teenage to middle-age, but I need to confirm if I am on the same wave-length as the rest of you.

Please feel free to touch on any of the topics suggested below, and give me your wish list.

• location
• transportation links (car, train, bus, Tube, airplane)
• venue
• size of event
• well-known speakers
• large, corporate sponsors
• lectures
• workshops in which you can participate
• products on offer (sales)
• incentives (freebies, prizes, discount vouchers, etc.)
• consultations with doctors, counsellors, coaches, financial planners
• variety of health issues addressed
• men's health topics
• networking opportunities with like-minded visitors
• catering
• schedule of events
• 1-day, 2-day 
• weekday v. weekend or both, e.g. Friday and Saturday
• entry cost
• mini-events at optional, add-on cost
• private enterprise producing the event v. a charity

Please take a few minutes to pass on your ideas. Tell me about an event you attended that was great or that you hated and why. Who knows? You may find your opinions form the basis for a new, better, well-attended and exciting event, produced by me. My thought: if I can do it myself and make it successful, I will be able to support my favourite women's health charities out of the profits.

Comments

[Fingers Crossed]

Easy access, low or no admittance fee, great guest speakers, maybe some specialists there to speak with as well. Giveaways if possible? Easy parking is always great as well. Advertise as much as you can, spots on the news, in the paper, facebook and twitter announcements.