10 Tips for Smart Seminar Shopping

how to insure that your seminar experience is a worthwhile investment of time and money

(PRWEB) May 21, 2004 -- For adults who want to go back to school....10 Tips for Smart Seminar Shopping

Yes, that's right! Adults go back to school, too! Urban cities are teeming with continuing adult education options, with prices ranging from $5 to $500. How can you be sure that you will receive your money's worth? Here are 10 easy steps to follow before you register to ensure that your learning experience is a worthwhile investment of time and money:

1. Be sure to ask about the school's credit and refund policy. If possible, get this information in writing.

2. Find out as much as you can about the presenter. A reputable school will be proud to give out this information.

3. Ask to see testimonials. Good schools will keep letters from satisfied students on file.
            
4. Is the seminar merely a ploy to get you to buy a book? a tape? or a more expensive seminar? Ask the registrar specifically what you will get out of the
seminar? Is there a guarantee? Be wary of vague answers.

5. Check to see what the maximum enrollment will be for any given seminar. Enrollments of 100 or more show little promise of individual attention and often signal a sales or promotional activity as opposed to an educational activity.

6. Does the seminar fee include handout materials? Often, national speakers recoup their fees through costly adjunct materials. Make sure you're aware of all material costs in advance.
            
7. If taping a seminar is important to you, be sure to ask the permission of both the sponsoring organization and the presenter.

8. Be sure to obtain a receipt and/or confirmation of class enrollment from the sponsoring organization. If you're dissatisfied with the seminar, notify the sponsoring organization immediately-- preferably in writing. Written feedback allows the school to pass on important comments to the presenter.

9. Make sure that you have specific directions to the seminar site, including a room number, any special security instructions, and parking information. An evening contact number is valuable if you encounter any difficulties.

10. If you have special needs (i.e. handicapped access, claustrophobia, allergies), notify the sponsoring organization at least two weeks in advance. Often, special arrangements of this sort cannot be accommodated at the last
minute.            

Debra G. Leopold is President of First Class, Inc., a nationally award-winning adult education program in Washington, D.C. that serves 10,000 students annually. First Class, Inc. is celebrating its 20th birthday in 2004. A free catalog is available by calling 202-797-5102.
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