Set up a clearly defined goal and objective for the seminar. Determine the specific topic or topics that you want to address in the seminar. Outline a schedule for the seminar such as a one-day event, a two-day weekend or multiple meetings over a longer period of time.
Prepare for the seminar. Gather materials for the seminar such as textbooks, workbooks, DVDs and other visual materials. Outline specific discussion points for each topic. Invite guest speakers who have expertise and who can shed light on the seminar topics. Locate an appropriate-sized room or venue for the seminar, such as a professional conference center, a hotel seminar room, a church or a local school.
Advertise the seminar to the potential audience. Gear the seminar towards the particular group that would be interested and would benefit from the seminar. Perhaps the seminar has a professional orientation such as nursing, small business entrepreneurship or paralegals. On the other hand, the seminar may address social issues such as parenting, media violence or energy efficiency. Advertise the seminar in professional journals and newsletters, local newspapers, commercial and community radio stations, community bulletin boards and online social network sites. Summarize the purpose and goals of the seminar, list the dates of the seminar and provide information about registration, fees and location. Include contact information and a telephone number.
Introduce yourself to the seminar participants with a few introductory remarks. Discuss your educational, professional background and credentials. Depending upon the size of the seminar, ask the participants to introduce and say a few things about themselves.
Summarize the primary goals and strategy for the seminar. Prepare a seminar syllabus ahead of time and hand it out to each participant. Let the participants know what you hope to accomplish with the seminar. Ask them to share their reasons for taking the seminar and what they hope to gain. Clarify the guidelines and rules for the seminar. Thank the participants for signing up for the seminar and encourage them to participate and discuss ideas and topics during the seminar.