Tips for Effective Candidate Forums

1
Tips for Effective Candidate Forums

• Jennifer Gale, River Heights Chamber of Commerce
• Daron Van Heldon, Burnsville Chamber of Commerce

2
Eternal Vigilance is the Price of
Liberty. Thomas Jefferson
3
Kinds of Forums

• Luncheon/Dinner
• Television show
• Print media forum (newsletter, web, direct mail)
• Meet and Greet
• Other?

4
Set a Date

• In selecting a date, think about scheduling it
  near another community event that makes it more
  likely that the candidate will be in the home
  district/area. Day before or day after works
  best.

5
Inviting the Candidates

• Groups who want candidates for elected office to
  attend their local event often find it hard to
  get a commitment from the candidates.
• Sothe more focus you put on getting people
  besides the candidates to attend, mainly voters
  and press, the more likely it is that the
  candidates will come.

6
Inviting Candidates cont.

• Reference your crowd emphasize your broad base
  of members.
• Let the candidate know about all the media
  outlets that are invited.
• Use the candidates opposition. Let them know
  the status of their opponents they have been
  invited and when they are confirmed to attend.

7
Start Building a Crowd

• Set a turnout goal.
• Brainstorm a list of possible audiences.
  (members, other associations that support your
  issues or other Chambers)
• Coordinate marketing materials and press
  releases.
• RSVPs a must!

8
Note

• In order for your candidate forum to comply with
  the law, you must invite ALL the candidates from
  every major party for each race and pursue
  commitments from them with equal diligence.

9
Continue to Recruit Attendees

• Ask members and area partners to
• Attend the forum themselves.
• Bring two additional people with them.
• Promote the forum in their newsletter.
• Send an e-mail alert to their members/employees.
• Thank them for their help!

10
Questionnaires

• Send it out ahead of time.
• Publish the responses.
• Share it with other like organizations.
• It can be used to develop questions for the forum.

11
Send out a Notice

• Press Release
• Newsletter article
• Event Flyer
• Website Notice

12
Day of Event

• Secure volunteers to help
• Review format
• Set up seating assignments
• Test all AV Equipment
• Have script ready
• Welcome candidates

13
Publish Set of Rules

• Assigned seats?
• Allotted time for intro?
• Process for time keeper?
• How will the questions be asked and how much
  response time will be given?
• Will the questions rotate?
• Closing comment time?

14
Thank You

• Thank all candidates personally.
• Take a photo for your publications.
• Send a thank you note to all sponsors, volunteers
  and candidates.