A few questions still on the table:

1. Here's an idea ... (You guys are really helping, Thank you! :)) Would it be beneficial to split into groups after a lecture on say, soil testing, to do some sort of workbook exercise on how to interpret the findings with one-on-one direction from an expert?  Or even better, have your own results interpreted if you bring a test with you?   Is that done... ? (Please stop me if I'm getting carried away)

2. I hope I'm not overstepping by speaking for all women when I say, "We like door prizes."   What if it was something substantial like 500 acres worth of free product, a year's lease on a brand new combine, or GPS equipment?  Would that encourage more people to come?

3. Also, what are the criteria by which you judge "a good speaker?"  Who are some of your favorites?  I'd love to hear some recommendations

4. What if with some sort of "pre-registration form" I gave people the opportunity to write down and mail in their questions) before the event if they were so inclined? I could forward them to the appropriate speaker/expert ahead of time so that he's thoroughly prepared with an answer and taylor-made examples.  At the event during his question and answer segment he would cover those first before opening it up to everyone. 

5. Do you think charging for the event, but sending out a good number of "Free Tickets" would be okay?

**A special thank you to Jules for emailing links and information to the Purdue Top Farmer Conference and the National No-Till conference.  They're very good examples as Cougar and several others of you had mentioned. **