What do you want to see in a regional's web site?

[AmyPrib]

Thanks Elise.

Yes, the 4x6 booklet was a result of less than perfect communication before and during the event itself in our first year. So, in the 2nd year, I wanted to make sure that everyone (rpc, teams, spectators, volunteers, joe schmoe) was on the same page and knew what was happening when. I believe we printed enough to give about 2/3 of estimated attendants (we had head counts from our social registration). We found that people would ask various people questions, and we would have to track others down to get an answer. For the most part, this resolved it.

The website is definitely a must-have, but we found the booklet to be useful as well. Many people don't view the website prior to the event, and sometimes team leaders may not distribute "update emails" to an entire team. It's esp beneficial to "walk-in" spectators or family/friends.

Our booklet contained much of what was on our website, including:
FIRST background, public agenda, game description, team participant listing, location, maps of campus and city, surrounding area restaurant/hotel reference, logistics for unloading/loading and parking, general info (restrooms, wireless internet, lost/found, volunteers, machine shop, etc), pic of event layout (pits, field, seating, concessions, etc), concessions menu, scholarships being offered, "enrichment" activities (campus and building tours, college/company fair info, etc), Educator's Program info, Lego League demo info, Team Social, Special Award info (we give out "best play", etc), Judge Bios, Planning Comm Bios, blank page for notes, and a "suggestion form" page. Some people didn't want to tear the page out of their book to drop in the comment box. The back cover had our sponsor listing on it. The whole thing was only 28pgs (front/back).

If anyone wants to see mine as a template for their regional, just PM me.