Common
Questions when booking a Chasing4Life event
How
important is the contract you sent me?
Because of the problems we have encountered over the years, we will not
schedule ANY program or presentation that is not accompanied by a contract
issued from our office in Wood River, Nebraska or through our booking agency in
Redlands, California.
We are not
responsible for ANY programs or presentations given or performed by ANY
presenter unless the event was contracted through our office. If you are
approached by ANYONE regarding a Chasing4Life program, make sure that you are
dealing with one of our agents.
The
contract is your only way of knowing you have booked your event with us.
Why do I need to send a deposit?
Unfortunately, over the course of the last several years, we have had last
minute cancellations that cost us a great deal of time and money. If you are
serious about hosting any Chasing4Life event, a deposit will be required unless
you have made other arrangements through our office. Most events are part
of a tour and so your day is important to us and an important part of that tour
schedule!
I used
to just call Eddy directly to book an event and that has changed; why?
Over the course of the last two years, demand has increased dramatically for
our programming. Eddy has begun to mentor new presenters to take on the task of
many of the longer tour runs and special needs events.Use the "BOOKING" link to your left.Eddy is still available, we just have a new
system for scheduling his tour dates.
What is an itinerary?
You will be asked for an itinerary. We will want to know WHERE the event is
being held, how many you expect at the event, what time the event is scheduled
for, and WHO is the contact at the venue. If your event is a series of
programs in different locations, we will need travel times between locations as
well.
How concrete are these deadlines?
Because of the huge undertaking every tour has become, you MUST get your
contract and itineraries in by the deadline. Because of the intense 2013-2014
tour schedule, any late contracts or itineraries could result in a
cancellation.
Can I choose the presenter we get?
Most of the time you will know which Chasing4Life presenter is doing what
tour. Dates that are not a part of a tour will give you the opportunity
to choose the instructor.Your budget
may also determine which instructor is available. Make sure you inform our
agent as to your budget constraints. Subject matter may also determine which
presenter you need; not all of our instructors do all of our trainings or
programs.Use the link "PRESENTERS" to
your left to view presenter's bios.
What kind of equipment do I need to have to host an event?
A standard powerpoint (LCD) projector is usuallythe most important. A screen
large enough to suit the venue and crowd expected is also important. If your
event is a large one, we may ask that a PA system is provided, or arrangements
can be made for us to bring ours. Some tours automatically include our sound
system. Make sure you ask.
Do I provide lodging?
Depending on the tour you have selected, the responsibility of securing lodging
may fall on you. If this is the case, our instructors only ask that lodging is
provided in close proximity to the venue, that the motel or hotel is clean and
with a good reputation. Large chain hotels and motels are not
necessary. We encourage our venues/hosts to seek out a sponsoring motel
when possible.
Are you still bringing storm chase vehicles out on tour?
No. We have one vehicle on display in a museum in Illinois and arrangements are
underway to place another, but we are no longer displaying any of the old
vehicles at events and the new severe weather monitoring vehicles are only
being used for the purpose they were created. We are presently offering a
special event called "Soldiers of Humanity- Ordinary people responding to
extraordinary events" that includes the display of response gear, shelters and
equipment but this is a special request event.
Will you help me make promo materials?
Yes, in fact, we would prefer it. Please do not use copyrighted pictures from
other groups, stormchasers, television shows or photographers. The team should
not be referred to as a stormchase team. Chasing4Life is a group of
multi-hazard preparedness educators, disaster readiness educators and response
trainers. Because of the negative impact many in the storm chase
community have had in the media and press, we are attempting to not make the
connection between what our team accomplishes and what people are watching on
every day television.
Event hosts that used copyrighted materials from another organization to market
a Chasing4Life event could jeopardize their event and could possibly face a
cancellation as well as loss of their deposit. We can no longer allow this
mis-use and abuse of marketing materials.
Can I book programs for my local emergency services people?
Yes, but we ask that you pass along the contact number for your local emergency
manager when you return your contract. We want to respect the authority in
place in your area and make a healthy connection when we arrive. It is
always helpful for the instructor to speak to local emergency services before
presenting to them.
Are all your programs the same?
No, in fact, we have over 140 programs in use right now. While each event has
tailored versions for different age groups, we also have different subjects
that range from terrorism preparedness to severe weather safety to earthquake
science to geology and climate to photography to forensic epidemiology to
lightning. The list is almost endless. Looking for something specific or
a special program for your conference of current theme? Just ask.
What kind of venue do I have to provide?
Any venue that will hold the expected attendance. The room needs to have
the ability to be darkened for the presentation. Outdoor events are
unique experiences for both the presenter and the attendee so we ask that you
have as much information as possible regarding the area or venue when you call.
Are you still doing events for scouting?
We are no longer doing the Scouting programs like the 10 Program Series or the
Cahokia's Kids Program. Individual scouting programs are available.