Leadership consultant is on her way; how to plan a good visit?

[Munchkin03]

Our consultant visits tended to fall right around Recruitment, so we were all busy with that (as was our consultant!) and there was less pressure to keep her entertained. I think, however, that most of the important things have been listed.

I really loved all of our consultants. I was pretty active in my chapter during a major transition so the entire chapter was very close to the consultants. I wish that our magazine had a "Where are they now?" column for consultants; I liked them a lot and would love to know what they're up to. Luckily, most of them stay active within the sorority so I see familiar names pop up from time to time.

[Katmandu]

Leadership consultants are carefully selected from the cream of the cream of many applicants. They receive extensive training, and are typically self-directed, articulate, highly skilled and devoted to your organization. If you do not receive a checklist of things to have on hand and procedures for the visit, then ask! The last visit I was involved with as an alumni advisor included a detailed list of what to have on hand for the consultant, her personal preferences in the way of food/snacks, down time activities and "don'ts" (like food allergies), how much free time to schedule for her, and how the scheduled appointments with officers and advisors would be handled. I was more than impressed with her pre-visit communication, organization and interaction with the chapter. Enjoy! It's a great opportunity.

Make sure to have someone meet her with a cute welcome sign (and return her) to the airport, and remember she may be coming in from a very different time zone. It may be 3pm in your place, but her internal clock says dinnertime!

[AOIIalum]

To add to the great ideas already listed in this thread:

1. Wear letters to the airport when picking her up. You may know what she looks like, but she probably won't recognize you without some help!

2. Make sure her accommodations are clean with fresh linens. If possible, an extra pillow or two can make a huge difference. I am speaking from experience on both of these!

3. If you can, give her a copy of your chapter composite to refer to during her visit. It can be a big help in putting names and faces together.

4. Every moment of her visit doesn't need to be scheduled (unless otherwise informed in advance). She'll appreciate a bit of down time during the day to catch up on notes and get back on schedule.

5. Don't think you have to take her out for fancy meals and activities (especially if you don't have a house or meal service). One of my most memorable visits included a dinner where chapter members cooked for me and just hung out. They were amazed that I didn't mind, but it's still one of the best meals I've ever eaten! Just don't forget to feed her (again, personal experience!)

Lastly, thank her! It really will mean a lot to her to be thanked!