Omega Institute opened 33 years ago in rented facilities with only a two-week season and two-dozen programs. Since then, Omega has become the nation’s largest nonprofit holistic learning center. In this workshop, Omega’s business and program development strategist, Michael Craft, shares his insights on the nuts-and-bolts of planning, marketing, producing (not teaching), and evaluating workshops. It is a forum for teachers and others involved in developing workshops to explore their long-term goals, methods, resources, and sources of inspiration. Through lecture, group discussion, and writing exercises, we follow the development of a workshop idea from initial inspiration to the end result. We learn how to identify a niche, discover and reach the right market, and work with the publishing industry, websites, mailing lists, course copy, professional contracts, and production standards. Special emphasis is on writing copy that both inspires and sells. We also discuss how to find the right venue for a workshop, how to interest established venues in your work, and how to evaluate your workshop strategically. Bring a notebook along with your questions and experiences. Michael Craft is also teaching Restoring Your Life Force With Tai Chi & Qigong; July 6-18 and October 15-17, 2010. Omega Institute’s business and program development strategist, Michael Craft, is actively involved in the research and development of Omega’s workshops and conferences. A past program director at Omega and three leading West Coast retreat centers, and an experienced copywriter and author, he has been with Omega since 1983. |
