This article serves as a concluding statement to the preceding articles on ways to improve conferences. The author pulls together themes of successful conference planning and participation and reviews the literature base for readers who wish to inquire further. (CT)

Explores the meaning of conference consumption: the process involved in deciding to attend, the dynamics entailed in participating as a consumer in both attitude and action, and the transfer of learning after the conference is over. Next, it examines the functions that a conference can perform. (CT)

This article outlines major aspects of the planning of large conferences. These major aspects are a well-planned and well-structured organizational system and a detailed budget. Although conferences sponsored by voluntary associations are emphasized, many of the same principles apply to other types of large conferences. (CT)

Needs assessment is an integral part of designing instruction for adults. However, more work needs to be done to strengthen the definition and theory. Needs assessment will be served by carefully designed studies that analyze the extent and type of impact needs assessments have had on subsequent program development activities. (CT)

This article is concerned with short-term residential adult education conferences of four to five days duration--approximately the time normally allocated to large-scale national conferences. The author offers suggestions for enhancing the effectiveness of short-term residential conferences and touches on some of the theoretical concepts that…

Four major forces will provide the major influences on all adult learning in the next decade, and they affect conferences and meetings as well. The author discusses these four forces: friendly competition, appeals to the emotions, demands for quality, and increased research and development. (CT)

Gathering information is futile without implementation of programs based on the findings. Data from a single needs assessment study can provide useful information to decision makers at several levels. Studies of a general population of adults provide data for state, regional, and local continuing education practitioners. (CT)

Examines three major decision elements in the program design process: (1) learner participation patterns, (2) educational provider characteristics, and (3) instructional design models. Each shapes and directs the actions of the program designer and the program outcomes. (JOW)