ILOTA Communique December 2017 Communique | Page 16

Running the Show, continued from Page 15 vendor list. Logistics Planning for a race involves a coordinated effort between the event hosts, location, and local entities like the local Park District and Police Department personnel. Having a coordinated effort ensures that runners are kept safe, the course is clearly marked, and that local traffic has been stopped or rerouted away from the path of runners. In addition to a safe race course, logistical planning also includes preparing a start corral and finish line, as well as a way to track and display runners’ times. In the case of larger races, logistical planning can also extend to plans for fans to safely travel about the course and spectate. This type of planning also prepares for set-up and distributions of food and beverages, as well as their disposal and trash removal at the end of the race. While a lot of work, a well-thought out logistical plan sets you up for success on race day. Communication and Marketing Communication and marketing involves two steps. The first step is the development of the communication, and the second is the selection of communication channels in which the information will be shared with the community. For the 5K, students have chosen to market the event through both print materials (fliers and brochures), local and regional media, running clubs, and digital channels (Facebook page). The planning committee will also choose a theme and logo. Summary: Participation in this year’s 5k will be a terrific opportunity to support and raise awareness about the profession of Occupational Therapy, catch up with friends in the profession, network, and get in a workout! While planning the 5k has been a learning curve for the students, they’re looking forward to seeing their hard work pay off on race day! For further information, contact Mike Weaver, faculty advisor at [email protected]. A special thanks to the 5k planning committee: Lisa Altenberger, Alex Roessler, Nicole Webb, Caleb Hudson, Shannon Grob, Kacie Miller, and Janae Tompkins for providing necessary information for the article regarding the 5k planning. Jessica Simkins, OT Student Elmhurst College Backpack Awareness Event at Elmhurst College This fall, members of the Student Occupational Therapy Association at Elmhurst College hosted a Backpack Awareness Event on campus to spread the word about proper use of backpacks and injury prevention. Elmhurst MOT students created posters to share about how to properly wear a backpack, the appropriate weight the backpack should be relative to body weight, and step-by- step instructions for correctly donning, doffing, and adjusting a backpack. Students also offered a weigh station for backpacks where students could see just how much weight they were toting around. Everyone who participated was entered into a drawing for a new ergonomically engineered backpack! It was a great informative event that promoted backpack awareness and also promoted our occupational therapy program on campus. Page 16