Fundraising can be time-consuming and frustrating, but crucial to setting a reasonable registration fee. The most reliable donors usually are corporations and commodity organizations where someone knows and understands the communicator's role within an organization. Personal contact is essential to obtaining a contribution.

Look for funding opportunities within your own agency and institution. Many departments and agencies earmark funds to support their staff with professional development and to host local conferences and workshops. A discussion with administrators helps you tap these resources early in the planning stages.

Because finances are a critical part of the workshop, the individual in charge of finances should know how to construct a budget, analyze fiscal realities, and know how (or be authorized) to make decisions. If the person isn't the leader of the Planning Committee, it's critical she/he works closely with that person. Detailed information and guidance on financial matters is presented in "Managing Finances for ACE Meetings, Workshops and Other Professional Development Events".

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