(Almost) nobody coming to my seminar!

[underestimation]

Anyone else had this? Bit of a long story but I have been put in charge of a research group temporarily. I was asked to arrange a seminar which is taking place next week. I was reluctant as we have a really low turn out for this kind of thing in the summer term but (responding to pressure) I invited internal speakers etc. As predicted, currently only three people have said they are coming. It's too late to cancel I think, speakers have arranged travel etc … but it's just bloody mortifying. This isn't really a question, I am just looking for sympathy I think! Anyone else experienced similar?

It's not much time between organising and having it. People need notice. Next time plan further in advance?

I organized this weeks/months ago. So it's definitely not the timing, there was plenty of time to get it into diaries. We are a campus university where a lot of staff travel some distance to get in. It's really difficult to get a critical mass to come in for this kind of thing especially this term. I knew this which is why I was reluctant to organize anything, but was pushed to do so anyway and now I'm the one who's going to look stupid!! Wish I'd just said no … can you tell I'm feeling sorry for myself.

Can you make it compulsory for phd students to go? Round them up just before it starts to bulk out numbers? Maybe have wine and nibbles as an incentive?

A seminar for students or staff?

I think you need to employ bribery or begging.

Invite students? PhD but also any masters or even undergrad if they are thinking of taking their studies further. You'd probably have to encourage them to come through personal invitation and refreshments though which would be more work for you.

Hmmm, PhD students already invited, don't think I have the authority to make this compulsory. Motivation of the PhD students to attend this kind of thing is another question I guess …. undergrads mostly not around. Will try some Masters students!

It's the same in our uni at this time of year- attendance really drops off from now til end August. There's always someone who wants to visit in back end July and it's a nightmare getting anyone to show. I agree with all the suggestions, also advertise across the university, are there any other dept's who may be interested? If not, I'd run it like a small seminar, round group of chairs, not an 'audience' as such.

Thanks everybody for responding. I've warned the speakers so they are not surprised when they arrive. I guess people do understand what it's like in the summer. Also tried some other distribution lists to try and drum up a bit of interest!

Could always get your HoD to email round with a reminder about the value of participating or similar.

My sympathies tho. But don't worry, they won't take it personally and a good discussion is worth a large audience

Advertise it on specialist networks, say if medieval stuff, get it on twitter medieval etc. People might travel specially.

I used to organise university events and the summer term was awful firstly because a lot of academics are away at conferences once exams over and secondly no teaching going on so very few around anyway. All you can do is prewar and maybe invite post grads.