Purpose/Mission

This committee is dedicated to the planning and execution of ACUM’s annual Advising Conference. The conference is a space for advisors and related groups of staff across the University of Michigan’s three campuses to share knowledge, build community, and discuss the themes and challenges related to advising today. Our goal is to facilitate conversation about relevant topics in a way that is accessible to as many of our colleagues as possible.

Tasks Performed by Committee

Our committee is divided into several subcommittees that specialize in areas related to planning the event. Depending on the subcommittee, example tasks include room reservation, outreach to potential presenters and speakers, management of technology, and purchasing. Listed below are the subcommittees that assist with the overall conference. You can join as many subcommittees as you want. Each subcommittee will have a lead that will work directly with the Co-chairs and run the subcommittee meetings. 

Tech Committee

The Tech Committee is dedicated to ensuring the smooth operation of all technological aspects of the ACUM conference. This group is responsible for facilitating both virtual and in-person engagement, supporting accessibility, and maintaining up-to-date digital communication. Through proactive planning and real-time support, the committee works to create an inclusive and seamless experience for all participants.

• Create zoom links for virtual day of the conference

• Update website with committee, presenter or panel information 

• Ensuring Microphone requests and all tech needs are in place and managed 

• Zoom livestream for the day of in-person conference. Manage any chat communication from virtual attendees

• CART Accessibility 

Event Management 

The Event Management committee is responsible for orchestrating key logistical elements that contribute to a welcoming and well-organized conference experience. This role involves collaborating with committee members to ensure venue readiness, attendee hospitality, and a smooth flow of daily activities. By managing details related to branding, registration, refreshments, and team coordination, the Event Manager supports a positive atmosphere and helps ensure that both guests and staff have everything they need for a successful event.

• Distribute signage throughout the venue for day of conference

• Manage and work with the venue catering team on the food/beverages for the day of event

• Create and ensure all name badges (attendees and committee members) and check-in is prepared for the day of event

• Create a conference day of timeline (make accessible virtually)

• Order conference shirts for committee

Marketing and Communications

The Marketing and Communications team is dedicated to promoting the conference and ensuring clear, consistent engagement with participants throughout the event lifecycle. By leveraging creative strategies and effective outreach, the team builds awareness, fosters excitement, and maintains open channels of communication. This role is essential in creating a unified conference identity and delivering a positive, informed experience for all attendees.

• Create general advertising for the conference

• The creation flyers and signage for the conference

• Create Zoom backgrounds for members/presenters to use on virtual day of conference 

• Create Sessions RSVP and links

• Ensure all updates and flyers are sent to Happening @ Michigan

• Create general reminders for event attendees

• Distribute RSVP’s to presenters

• Create and distribute thank you emails and the conference surveys to all attendees

Proposal

The Proposal Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the content and flow of the conference program. This team oversees the submission and evaluation process for presentations, manages communication with presenters, and ensures the smooth coordination of conference sessions. By thoughtfully curating and supporting the conference agenda, the committee fosters a diverse and enriching experience for both speakers and attendees.

• Create Google forms for proposals

• Create the day of presentation schedule 

• Review and select presentations based on the theme of the conference 

• Coordinate presentation regulations and logistics

• Communicate with presenters 

Keynote Speaker/Panel/Moderator

The Keynote Speaker/Panel/Moderator Committee is focused on curating and supporting impactful keynote addresses, panel discussions, and moderator involvement for the conference. This team works to ensure that featured sessions are thoughtfully planned and executed, providing guidance and assistance to guest speakers and moderators throughout their participation. Through careful coordination and attention to detail, the committee contributes to the success, professionalism, and overall quality of the conference program.

• Create a list of potential speakers & moderators 

• Coordinate parking and travel arrangements for keynote speaker or panelists

• Coordinate Speaker & moderator day of agenda 

Meeting Frequency

Preparation for the conference takes place primarily during the Fall and Winter semesters and more help is always welcome! The Conference Planning Committee meets virtually every other Tuesday (subject to change year over year) and each subcommittee usually has a regularly scheduled meeting, as well. Members can expect to spend 5-10 hours a month during the Fall and Winter semesters, depending on desired level of involvement.

How to Join

Join our committee by contacting our co-chairs by email at acum.advising.conference@umich.edu. At this time, membership is limited to faculty and staff at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Anyone interested in or adjacent to the field of academic advising is welcome to join.