The art of contracting with speakers: an overlooked strategy.

In producing quality continuing education courses, contracting with and establishing rapport with speakers is as important as marketing the course itself. Presented in this article are four phases of working with speakers: initial phase, midpoint phase, course presentation phase, and post-course phase. Not only do these phases assist the continuing education program staff in developing a highly organized and well-planned program, but also they offer numerous benefits to speakers so that they can feel comfortable with all arrangements. Thus, the learning atmosphere is one in which the speaker can relax and fully enjoy the continuing education experience.