Optimize your AHS campus events with useful resources, timeline suggestions, and event suggestions. Prior to your event, please remember to fill out the Speaker Request Form and the Advance Event Notification, and after your event, submit the Post-Event Form.

Planning Timeline
Communication Best Practices

Speaker Event Format

Recommended Debate Format

If you are hosting a debate between an AHS speaker and a local professor, consider using the following format:

  • The chapter president introduces the event (3-5 minutes).
  • Each speaker responds (3-5 minutes each).
  • The moderator asks questions (20-25 minutes).
  • The conversation opens for Q&A with the audience (30-35 minutes).
  • Kindly remind the moderator to encourage the speakers to respect the time limits.
Recommended Moderated Discussion Format

If you are hosting a moderated discussion with an AHS speaker or with a panel of speakers, consider using the following format:

  • The chapter president introduces the event (3-5 minutes).
  • The speaker gives an opening statement (5-10 minutes).
  • The moderator asks questions (15-20 minutes).
  • The conversation opens up for Q&A with the audience (30-35 minutes).
Recommended Virtual Event Format

When an AHS speaker’s schedule precludes his or her traveling to a campus, they may be able to accommodate a virtual presentation. In those circumstances, a virtual event can supplement a chapter’s regular in person events. When hosting a virtual event, consider using the following format:

  • The chapter president introduces the event (3-5 minutes).
  • The speaker gives prepared remarks (15-20 minutes).
  • The moderator asks questions (5-10 minutes), while collecting questions written on note cards from the audience.
  • The moderator continues to ask questions drawn from those provided by the audience (30-35 minutes).

Co-sponsored events

If you are invited to co-sponsor another organization’s event or want to invite an organization to co-sponsor your events, you must consult the AHS national office before accepting, even if the other organization has not requested any funding. While not required, we encourage you to split the costs with your co-sponsor.

Co-Sponsoring with National Organizations

You may co-sponsor events with student groups affiliated with other national organizations, but each chapter is allowed only one event per national organization each year.

Co-Sponsoring with Other University Organizations

There is no limit to the number of events you may co-sponsor with organizations unique to your university, especially academic departments or other permanent programs. Please note, if you invite a partisan group to co-sponsor one of your events (e.g., College Republicans), you should extend an invitation to a group from the other end of the political spectrum.

Additional Information

Meals with AHS Speakers

You are encouraged to organize a dinner, lunch, or coffee meeting with the visiting AHS speaker and a select group of chapter officers. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask for advice on career paths in the D.C. community, or in their fields of expertise. Just be sure to select a reasonably priced restaurant. AHS operates on a reimbursement system, so you will be paying for your meal up-front.

Useful Websites

Canva: Excellent, user-friendly website with hundreds of templates for making flyers.

Eventbrite: You can create and promote your event on this platform. It will store email accounts and send automatic reminders.