Sell the sizzle (innovation) and the steak (effectiveness) in your chapter programming. RMA national can provide excellent broad-based programming, but only the local chapter can provide on-the-ground, timely programming tailored to meet the ever changing needs of its chapter’s membership.
The Foundation to Good Programming
Finding the right number of programs, mix of topics, and quality of speakers is an on-going challenge. Some ideas to assist with establishing a solid foundation are:
- Survey your members at least annually about their interest levels in program topics and/or speakers. Surveys can be taken via e-mail or at events. The chapter may want to experiment to determine the best delivery method for their particular region.
- Establish a Programming Committee with a mix of new members and returning members. This will help ensure new ideas are brought to the table but that there are also members who have actual hands on experience with planning and running an event. (See page 3 of the Programming Toolbox.)
- Plan early! Ideally, the chapter should start planning its programs in the spring of the previous year and use its annual summer planning meeting to finalize the basic framework for the programs they will offer that year. For example, the number of general membership meetings should be decided and then ideas given for topics for each meeting followed by speaker suggestions. (See pages 4–9 of the Programming Toolbox.)
- Provide a mix of programming. Audioconferences and Web seminars are examples of alternate programming options made available by RMA. While the audioconferences are live, many of the Web seminars are recorded and can be shown at any time. Web seminars address credit and operational risk topics.
- Consider putting on a program with another organization. You can reach a wider audience if you chose to cosponsor an event with, for example, a state banking association or a local bar association.
- Look at national and local news headlines to come up with potential programming ideas and even potential speakers.
- Target a specific audience. Roundtables or affinity group meetings are a great value-add to the membership. Examples of roundtables that can be run on a regular basis are: CEO roundtable, CRO roundtable, and community bank roundtable. Typically these meetings are more interactive and invitation only with much of the agenda set by the attendees (see page 27–32 of the Programming Toolbox). Affinity groups such as Women in Banking (see pages 34–36 in the Programming Toolbox) and Young Professionals (see YP Toolbox) benefit strongly from having a program designed specifically around them. The chapter may wish to consider having separate programming subcommittees for roundtables and affinity groups.
- If attendance is not what you expect, try different times or locations for your programs. Sometimes just changing the time or day a program is generally held will increase attendance.
Tools to ensure a successful program
The chapter might want to incorporate these ideas into their programming:
- Online registration for the event. RMA will provide an online registration page for each event on the RMA hosted local chapter Web site for which a complete Registration Request has been submitted. Using online registration is not only convenient for the participants but cuts down on the work of the Programming Committee. Forms can be found on pages 18–21 of the Programming Toolbox.
- Have your event CRC certified. Your regional RM can certify certain events towards continuing education hours (CEUs) for those individuals who are Credit Risk Certified (CRC). As more and more members become certified, it is important that chapters offer events that are certified. Information on how to have your event CRC certified can be found on pages 23–25 of the Toolbox.
- Pursue Big Name Speakers. Having a well known speaker will almost surely guarantee a program’s success. Chapters should contact these types of speakers well in advance of the event. Many times, speaker’s calendars fill up a year in advance so you may have to ask 12–18 months in advance. Given RMA’s nonprofit nature, the speakers may not charge a fee.
- Involve senior executives. The chapter may want to consider having a senior executive advisory board or annual reception in order to keep senior executives engaged in the work of the chapter and garner programming ideas from them. The chapter should also call on them for speaking opportunities or for other assistance in making an event successful. Senior executives typically have a large network of business acquaintances and can call on that network to assist the chapter.
- Have a professional speaker. If your speaker does not have a great deal of public speaking experience, you may want to consider a panel discussion. This requires less preparation and causes less anxiety for your potential speaker.
- Provide RMA brochures and materials at each event. In addition to your local calendar or brochure of events, which should be handed out at each program, the chapter may distribute RMA membership applications and brochures. Please request these items from RMA HQ at least two weeks in advance and provide the number of items needed.
Programming ideas
RMA maintains a list of the current year’s chapter programs on its Web site. Feel free to browse different chapter Web sites looking for programming ideas.
Topics to consider include:
- Bankruptcy/problem loan workouts.
- CEO/senior executive panels.
- “Lending to” specific industry updates.
- Accounting issues especially with the new international accounting rules on the horizon.
- Senior credit officer presentations and updates.
- Appraisal issues.
- Credit implications of e-commerce.
- Banking a not-for-profit.
- Funding growth in a challenging environment.
- Annual economic update or real estate market update.
- Environmental issues.
- Regulatory issues.
- Regional issues.
- Operational risk.
- Fraud.
- Networking.
- Leadership.
- RMA board members and/or CEO.
For more information and for additional resources, please contact the Regional Manager for your area.