Powwows provide an opportunity for networking and informal socializing among language professionals--a chance to meet the people behind the profiles.

As an organizer, you may want to facilitate networking. Most organizers offer attendees an opportunity to introduce themselves and make announcements. One common technique is to go around the room, with each attendee mentioning their languages and areas of specialization, as well as one hobby not related to translation.

Sometimes, a theme is selected by an organizer; examples include: 'CAT tools', 'Literature', 'Free-lancing', 'New Translators'. Sometimes a member volunteers to speak on a topic, and provided there is sufficient interest expressed by others, the organizer may permit this.

Some organizers have invited representatives from large clients, or CAT tools vendors, to speak or give demonstrations. This has generally been well-received. It is important, however, that the tone of such meetings be informative rather than commercial.

Some powwows have no agenda and no theme, and that is fine, too. Basically, if you are the organizer, it is your event to create!

Some ProZ.com functions require that the identities of members have been verified and having your identity verified is intended as a benefit to members. Powwows provide an opportunity to verify the identities of ProZ.com members without charging a fee. Powwow organizers who are interested in offering this service, and who have themselves had their identities verified, may request that ProZ.com staff assign to them the right to verify the identities of powwow attendees. This request should be entered using the online support system at: http://www.proz.com/support

If the request for the right to verify identities is granted, the organizer will receive instructions on how to verify identities. Basically, the process involves announcing to members in advance (via the powwow page) that identities will be verified, checking photo IDs at the event, and then entering the verified identity data after the event. The process takes about a minute per identity verified.

Members are awarded browniz for organizing, and for attending, powwows. Therefore, one of the responsibilities of the organizer is to see to it that attendance is recorded. (After the powwow is over, the organizer wll have access to the "enter attendance" link at the top of the powwow page. The organizer will not be rewarded their browniZ points until the powwow attendance form has been filled in.)

Note that in order for browniz to be awarded to attendees, either their member ID or the email address that matches their ProZ.com profile must be entered into the attendance form.

Within a day after the names are entered here, the browniz will be credited

After a powwow has been held, a link will appear at the top of the powwow page, allowing the organizer to enter an attendance sheet and a report on the event. It is important that this be done, because attendees (and you as organizer) will not receive browniz points until it is.

Once a report has been published, you may want to use the batch mail function to notify attendees so that they can see the report for themselves!

There are some basis principles and rules for powwows that ProZ.com asks organizers to know and follow. They are:

(1) Powwows are open and informal.
(2) Guests and families are welcome.
(3) Powwows are not commercial.

For more information related to powwows, see the powwow faq by going to the powwow list page and clicking on the FAQ tab: http://www.proz.com/powwow

A forum is also provided for discussions related to powwows or the organization of powwows. To access that forum, go to: http://www.proz.com/forum/32
This forum is also accessible by navigating from the menu tabs as follows: Community > Forums > Forums about ProZ.com > Powwow Organizers.

Related links:

To view the upcoming powwow page, please click on the following link: http://proz.com/powwows

To view the past powwow list, please click on the following link:
http://www.proz.com/powwow