Special FocuS Behind the Scenes By Kayla Belcher Conference services experts share their tips for planning successful events. More than a thousand people are planning to attend your conference. It took you more than 11 months to plan this event, yet it will be over in only four days. Have you ever felt that the participants often forget or do not realize the time and effort put into these events? Large conferences require a tremendous amount of organization, time management, communication, and often travel for everything to come together. What is 24 Talking STick the formula for success? The Talking Stick spoke to several conference services professionals to hear how they weave together a plan for a successful event. According to Tonie Miyamoto, director of communications and sustainability for housing and dining services at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, "Balancing the needs, goals, and expectations of the conference or event with the