My first post to Lactnet and it was out of date - oh well!

Another very important issue which I can address from both sides -the
conference organizer's and the speaker's.  It is vital to take care of your
speakers - assign someone to be their hostess - help carry their materials
to sessions, be there for them to ensure that the a-v aids work, escort
them to meals, through buffet lines etc,  and sometimes even rescuing them
from so many interested delegates and questions that the speaker may forget
to take care of their own needs in the process.  Meeting speakers at
airports when feasible,  having fruit baskets in their rooms etc. may seem
like pampering - but remember if you have  happy calm speakers then the
conference has a better chance to meet everyone's needs.     I will always
remember where I felt at ease and where I felt very anxious as a speaker.
Maureen Fjeld, IBCLC
Calgary Breastfeeding Center
Calgary, Alberta