Practical advice on every facet of planning and running conferences, meetings, or similar events is given in this book, which includes numerous checklists useful for meetings of any length and in any setting. The 21 chapters cover the following: the changing conference and meeting scene; designing the conference; four useful designs (1-day, 3-day, and 5-day conferences, and a facilitating conference); handling related events and activities; site selection; meeting and function rooms; presenters and speakers; use of audiovisuals; food and beverage functions; coordinating exhibitions; planning for companions; effective marketing; public relations; transportation issues; entertainment possibilities; developing a budget; the registration process; preparing a participant program book; evaluation and follow-up; conducting the conference; and resources for conference and meeting planners (including organizations, site directors, organizations for presenters and entertainment, media contacts, periodicals, mailing list companies, and computer software). Contains 70 references. (LB)