For Meeting Planners

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What topics does Ron speak about?
A: Ron is all about keeping a positive attitude and using that optimism to propel you to greatness. See a list of topic titles here.

Q: How can I book Ron for my event? Is he available on my date?
A: Use this form to contact us via email. Or, better yet, give us a call at
210-860-2323. We’ll get back to you quickly with schedule information.

Q: Are there limitations on where Ron will travel to speak?
A: Absolutely not! As long as he is available, he will travel anywhere.

Q: What about travel expenses?
A: We understand that travel expenses for speakers are getting to be a more volatile budgetary item for every event, and Ron will do his best to help you maintain your budget. By air, he will travel coach, and for events near his San Antonio home, he will drive and accept a standard mileage allowance.

Q: What are his qualifications and credentials?
A: Ron has been a public speaker for more than 10 years. He also has demonstrated leadership skill as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves, as an insurance agent and a business owner. He is an accomplished sales person, and holds several financial certifications, including being a chartered life underwriter. He is currently President of the Optimist International Foundation, a non-profit organization serving children.

Q: Will Ron sell his books at our event?
A: Certainly, if you wish.  We can also make the books available at a discount if your organization would like to purchase in bulk and provide one to each attendee.

Q: What kind of equipment and room setup does Ron require?
A: Ron is easy to work with. All he needs is a podium and, preferably, a wireless microphone. No special audio/video or computer equipment is needed. As far as the setup of the room, that will depend upon the size of the audience. Ron can provide advice on this when you discuss the specifics of the event with him.

Q. Will he customize his presentations to our audience?
A. Yes. Choose one of Ron’s presentation topics, and he will further customize it to meet the needs of your event or audience.

back to top

Tips for Planning Your Business Meeting or Conference

2-3 Months in Advance

1. Make sure you understand the purpose of the meeting. Is your meeting educational? Should it provide an opportunity for networking? Does it include decision-making for your organization? Should the participants come away with a greater level of enthusiasm? If you don’t know the purpose of the meeting, and don’t convey that information to your speaker, you are not likely to succeed.

2. Schedule your meeting as far in advance as possible. Make sure your invitation includes the time, location, and duration of the meeting as well as the purpose and meeting agenda. Sell your meeting! Make sure attendees are excited about attending.

3. Determine your budget. Your budget will determine where you can hold your meeting, the kind of refreshments you can serve, and the speaker or speakers you can hire. The budget may also need to cover audio/visual equipment and printed materials and mailings.

4. Gather your team. Don’t try to do everything yourself. Find a group within your organization who can help you. Then delegate specific tasks to each of them.

5. Choose a location. The location should accommodate the anticipated number of attendees and fit your budget. Do a site inspection of the location, and while you are there take photos and draw maps of the room(s). If you want to keep the audience engaged during the meeting, do not choose rooms that are far too large for your anticipated attendance. To keep energy high, it is better to have a standing-room-only crowd. Make sure the room(s) will allow for podiums, microphones, and any other equipment needed.

6. Communicate with your speakers/presenters. You can help them understand the purpose of the meeting and the nature of their audience. Many speakers will customize their presentation based upon this information. Speakers will need travel instructions and may wish to take a look at the room prior to the meeting time. Ask your speaker how he/she would like the room to be set up.

7. Coordinate the details. Food, lodging, entertainment, travel itineraries, etc. will all need to be planned in advance.

8. Ask someone to prepare introductions for your speakers. Your speakers can help provide appropriate information. Make sure the person chosen to make the introductions is comfortable doing this and is a good speaker—not just someone chosen because of their position in the organization.

back to top

Just Prior to Your Event

1. Set up your meeting room. Make sure the thermostat is set between 68 and 70 degrees. A higher temperature will make the audience sleepy and uncomfortable. Turn on the lights and open the curtains. Studies show that people are more engaged in a light, bright environment. Set the podium so that the speaker can walk around and in front of it.

2. Assign someone to welcome your speaker. Your speaker may wish to see the room they will be speaking in, as well.

back to top

During the Event

1. Assign helpers. Make sure you have one person assigned to assist in case there are problems with the audio or visual equipment, computers, etc. Position another at the back of the room to make sure that hallway noise and disruption caused by latecomers is kept to a minimum.

2. Evaluation forms. Distribute meeting evaluation forms, and ask your audience to fill them out and leave them in the room.

back to top