Free Toast HostMario Flores, ACS

OverviewWhat is Free Toast Host?What?Why?UsesCaveats

About MeWeb Development Manager or

WebmasterWorked in the IT field with

websites for 8 years

What is Free Toast Host?• A free service to toastmaster

clubs• A web-based content

management information system• Benefits the public and club

members• Created by Bo Bennett, DTM

Club Activites – Rising StarsAgendasContestsCommunications with membersMarketingGoalsDues

IssuesCommunication is difficult once

members leave the meetingInformation dispersal happens at

the meetings and through emailNo centralized location to find

informationPotential members must contact

a club officer to attend

How Free Toast Host helpsCentralized location for club

information for club officers and members

Potential members can find information about the club meetings

Inform all members in one location

Does not require technical knowledge to manage

61 clubs in our district use Free Toast Host

Features for club officersMailing listsClub news and forumsDuty rosterMember informationStatisticsDownloadsSemi-annual duesClub goals – annual and quarterly

Features for membersSignup for roles onlineMember contact informationFormsClub calendar

Features for potential membersPublicize your meeting location

and timeCommunicate what your aboutCorporate clubs can

communicate internallyPromote your club through

Google

FreeToastHost

CaveatsBalance marketing and member

informationGet leadership involved when

setting up the siteRemove unused sectionsCheck the link from the district

site to your site periodically

CaveatsStart small and add in features

over timeTrain your membersUse only what you need

CaveatsDesign

◦Stick to the basics◦Unless your comfortable with

changing a website, stick with the basic setup

◦Use caution with colors

CaveatsChunk your words

◦Users online do not read, they scan◦Chop your communication by using

bullets and headlines◦Get to the point

Downtown Professional

Dripping Springs

USAA Bank

Cartus Magnus

FreeToastHost vs. Club SchedulerFree Toast Host Club Scheduler

Online Personal Computer

Focused on collaborating Focused on scheduling

Allows all to interact Allows only an administrative person

Does not generate a schedule Generates a schedule

Stores member information Stores member information

Free with a club number $40 donation

7000 clubs use Free Toast Host 1000 clubs use

Ready to start?VP of Public Relations should

manageIf possible, have two officers

setup the siteEnsure the username and

password is available to all managing parties

Club contactClub informationOnly one site per club

Ready to Start?Requirements

◦Internet Explorer 6+◦Firefox 1.5+◦Some users have reported issues

with Mac and some say it works fine