I have spoken at Marian conferences, Call to Holiness conferences, family conferences, men’s conferences, apologetics conferences, banquets, seminars, you name it. Of all of these, the most difficult conference to gain attendance for is a men’s conference. Although it is the most challenging, I’m convinced that it is by far the most beneficial to the Church and to families.

We’ll often get an inquiry from a female parish assistant calling at the pastor’s request to organize a men’s conference. This often repeated scenario of a parish assistant (usually female) as a men’s conference organizer has generally proven ineffective.

The first and primary reason for the so-so results is that most parish assistants and DREs (Directors of Religious Education) already have at least a dozen major responsibilities that they have to juggle. A men’s conference needs lots of time, attention, and focused energy. It can’t be just another item added to a long list of responsibilities. Rather than one person attempting to do twelve things, it is far better if twelve men focus on one thing.

Second, it’s difficult for a woman to recruit for a men’s conference. Women certainly can and do assist promoting a men’s conference, but if you expect men to attend that don’t normally attend such events, then you need a team of dedicated men at the heart of the organizing effort.

Third, most solo organizers (male or female) are disappointed by the results of their efforts. The best men’s conferences are organized by a “Band of Brothers” who: (1) have a strong united vision of what needs to be done, (2) maintain a can-do attitude, (3) use their professional skills in planning and promoting, and (4) don’t depend upon bureaucratic methods for promoting the conference, but take responsibility for getting invitations into men’s hands.

Finally, a critical difference can be made by the parish priest. Don’t just have anyone announce the men’s conference along with the times for children’s catechism classes and Friday night bingo. This isn’t going to have much effect upon the men who really need to attend.

Let the parish priest make a very special announcement. Men know when their priest begins talking about something that really moves him. They instinctively pick up on the signs of fire in the eyes of their priest. Men love a strong heartfelt challenge, especially one from their priest. The father of a parish is critical in motivating fathers to attend a men’s conference.

For some other important conference tips, go to: http://dads.org/hints.asp