Here’s Why Our Expert Speaker Series Always Draws a Crowd

From Ancient Egyptian sarcophagi to Medicare scams, the expert speaker series at St. James Place covers an array of diverse topics. But all of our programs have one thing in common: they fill up fast.

 “We’ve worked with other communities where only about ten or so people show up to a presentation,” says Teri Brantley, Sales Counselor. “But here, we always have a full house—and even a waiting list.”

 So what’s the winning formula behind the worst-kept secret at St. James Place? Making every program engaging, informational and fun.

Engaging: Choosing topics that folks actually want to learn about

When the sales and marketing team, led by Judy Perry, Sales Director, start lining up speakers for the months ahead, they try to pick subjects that they think will be popular. And sometimes, they find what they’re looking for right here in Louisiana.

In October, for example, residents were enthralled by retired state archivist Dr. Florent “Pon” Hardy Jr. who took them on an unforgettable journey through “Louisiana’s Historical Jewelry Box” (his moniker for the Louisiana State Archives). Portions of his talk touched on how Confederate pension applications are used in genealogy tracing and how intricately designed Works Progress Administration (WPA) dolls helped artisans earn a living during the Great Depression.

St. James Place residents, too, play a big role in speaker selection. Many have a direct connection to LSU Coach Dale Brown, and after his speech a lot of the guys couldn’t wait to come up and chat with him.

One of our most reliable sources for speaker ideas is retired veterinarian and St. James Place resident Dr. Roland Dommert, together with his wife Mary. Their professional and personal connections, such as “Bone Lady” Mary Manhein, are a rich well for experts in a variety of subjects.

“We’re fortunate in the Baton Rouge area to have numerous community leaders with great stories to share,” Dr. Dommert says. Mary adds: “Residents and guests always enjoy visiting further with speakers who sometimes even stay for a meal or Happy Hour.”

Informational: Delivering a deep dive into fascinating subjects

When you attend a presentation at St. James Place, you’d better bring your notebook or tablet. That’s because our speakers delve into topics that they’re passionate about, and provide insights that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

For example, the Senior Moving Masterclass turned into much more than just a downsizing event. The “Dream Team” of experts also taught audience members about real estate sales, and how to make their move to senior living less stressful and more profitable.

Another filled-to-capacity presentation focused on how people can protect themselves from cyber scams and fraud targeted at seniors. “The Sales Team thought that a cyber security presentation might not be as fun and exciting as other speakers, but Brenda Melara and Capt. Blache really held everyone’s attention as they as demonstrated how to safeguard personal information and spot issues before they escalate.”

Of course, we’d be remiss if we failed to mention “Tales of the Bone Lady.” Back in April, forensic anthropologist Mary Manhein thrilled her audience to the bone with stories about “The Princess of Thebes,” her pioneering work on computer-aided facial reconstruction and her appearances on TV’s Missing and America’s Most Wanted. Her program was so popular, in fact, that it filled the hall to capacity on two separate dates.

Fun: Food and camaraderie are also part of the program

No lecture at St. James Place would be complete without a delicious, chef-prepared lunch featuring fresh, seasonal favorites. It’s also a chance to meet new people and discover how our Life Plan Community can provide you with inspiration, independence and peace of mind—all for less than you might think.

Sometimes, these gatherings evolve into a late-afternoon soiree. When maestro Timothy Muffitt, retired conductor of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, stops by, the entertainment doesn’t end after his dynamic musical performance. The program finished at a quarter after one, and at 3:30, he was still sitting in the auditorium talking to people. Perry and her team actually had to say “Okay, we’re only gonna take one more question, and that’s it!”