1

Summary of 2016 Rotary District 7820 Conference Evaluation Survey

The 2016 District Conference was held at the Best Western Glengarry May 12-15 2016. The

planning committee lead by co-chairs Laurie Sandeson and Brian Matthews worked for 2 years

to prepare a program that would inform, inspire and entertain the participants.

There were 253 total registrations to the Conference broken down as shown the following

table.

2

An evaluation survey was released via email to 218 of the participants for which there was a

valid email address the day after the event. A follow up reminder was sent after four days to

those that had not already completed the survey. The survey was closed after a week.

A total of 155 opened and viewed the survey, 127 started it and 92 completed surveys were

recorded for a final response rate of 42%. The average time to completion was 9 minutes.

The majority of respondents completed the survey on their computer but Tablets and

Smartphones amounted to a third of the devices used.

The majority (40%) of participants indicated that they attended the conference as “Rotarians”.

A further 30% indicated they were either President Elect or Secretary Elect.

3

Fully 80% of respondents indicated they attended the full conference.

4

There was a high degree of satisfaction with the overall conference with participants rating it

4.35 out of possible 5. The Conference Facilities and Audio Visual were particularly highly rated.

If there were any issues it was with Meals and Breaks but even this was 3.85 out of 5.

All of the Plenary Sessions were rated as very relevant to the participants with an overall rating

of 4.57 out of 5.

5

Overall satisfaction with the Plenaries were also very high with an overall rating of 4.44 out of a

possible 5.

6

Breakout Relevance was rated very high for all session with an overall score of 4.62 out of 5.

Participants were highly satisfied with the breakouts as well with an overall score of 4.58 out of

a possible 5.

When participants were asked about the three main objectives of the conference, that is to

Inform, Inspire and entertain the overall all scoring was 4.52 out of 5 with all three objectives

being equally rated. The following 4 graphics show the summary and the detail for each

objective.

7

8

While the summary of the numerical date for the Conference is instructive there is significate

value in the responses to the open ended questions posed on the survey. The system

generates a Word Cloud for each question.

9

A word cloud (or weighted list in visual design) is a visual depiction the word content of the

questions. Single words are listed and the importance of a word is shown with font size and

color. Using the word cloud the relative popularity or importance of the word in all the

responses is immediately visible.

The Word Clouds for the three text questions follows.

10

The Word Clouds would indicate that the 2016 Conference was indeed successful. People liked

the Speakers and the Fellowship and Entertainment. They suggested improvements to the

Food and Breaks and ultimately they thought this was a Great Conference.

The text of all the comments follows.

Survey Report : District Conference 2016 Open Ended Questions.

What did you like the best about the Conference?

Dean Ruhr's terrific presentation.

The opportunity to see what other clubs and the district as a whole held as priorities and the challenges they face.

Great speakers and breakouts, good entertainment and theme. On time through the conference.

Fellowship and breakout sessions

meeting Rotarians from various locations.

11

The presentations which enlightened me about Rotary and all that can be done through Rotary. It made me want to learn more and to strive to help our club grow and be more engaged in projects around the world. I enjoyed the Hoedown as well, and the bus trip around Truro to see the local attractions. I went to see the Farm Equipment Museum and the Truro Raceway. Thanks.

I enjoyed it all equally. The three things that stand out were the tour of Rotary House, the presentation on St. Pierre & Miquelon and the Premier of Prince Edward Island. It was a great conference and left being very inspired to contribute more to Rotary. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it such an enjoyable and successful conference.

Events and functions were performed on time and within time limits. Speakers and their topics were interesting and in some cases inspiring. Mutual respect and a strong commitment to working together was evident throughout the conference

Youth attendance and presentations

Meeting Rotarians in other clubs.

It was extremely well organized. Time was extremely well managed. Excellent speakers. All around great job.

The fellowship

Meal time presentations, Gala, Memorial Service, Rotary House Tour, Four Way Harmony

As a partner rather than a member, enjoyed the activities. Location was excellent, shopping, fashion show, hospitality suites.

The healthy and lovely invironment where love for humanity prevailled. The democratic way of hand over by the outgoing president, and his simplicity and humility with a franc face showing satisfaction . The quality of various presentations and the engagement and professionalism of presenters.

The one on one conversations with other Rotary members and learning about how other clubs do things

The organization committee kept everything on track. Very well run. Most speakers were engaging.

Interact Presentation by Heather Hughes and Interactors

meeting fellow Rotarians.

1) Nabil Oudeh presentation; 2) Redefining Rural Communities - Wade MacLaughlan 3) Creating Opportunities within our Community - Eleanor Norris & Wayne Gillis

I enjoyed being around people who have the same passion as I do. the speakers were great and the topics were great. The team building games were awesome and a great way to get us to interact and get moving after listening to some speakers. The staff and workers were amazing with helping us get to were we need to go.

the people and the social events

I had the pleasure to watch a very well organized team at work. The members of the Rotary Club of Truro worked as efficiently as a beautiful Swiss timepiece. They are the ones that created this conference and they are the one who ensured that this would be "the Conference to be Remembered". My hat is off to them! They have proved, beyond a doubt, that a small community can host a District Conference that will be the benchmark for all future conferences. PS - I am not a member of the Truro Club, although, if I lived in the area, I certainly would want to be.

Conflict resolution sessions with Nabil Oueh.

The fellowship and sharing of ideas- great banquet food Saturday night & loved the dancing & singer!

The speakers

Speakers were engaging and informative

All speakers had a connection to Rotary or Rotary projects.

Meeting old friends and making new ones

Opportunity to get together with District Rotarians to hear about and talk about what we've done and are going to do.

12

Excellent speakers. Set up allowed us to mingle freely when free to see displays, talk, etc. Everyone pulled together to make it great. Very friendly. Great interaction with other clubs. Great program. Congratulations to the team!

As a new Rotarian attending my first District Conference, many of the presentations gave me a greater appreciation of the impact Rotary has in tackling issues of concern globally. I enjoyed the fellowship and new friendships made.

Fine selection of speakers. Unfortunately we can attend all.

Jim you got the material presented in a very informal learning environment. The whole conference was relaxing and Karen and I enjoyed every day of the conference. Where else can you enter a room and have so many interesting and informed friend.

meeting Rotarians from other clubs and sharing ideas

The Dartmouth high school presention

All presentations were crisp and to the point. Graphics and technological support was excellent. All speakers were well prepared and effective!

Well organized and kept on time. The presentation were both high quality and directly relevant to Rotary.

Connecting with other Rotarians, Guest Speakers RI Brian Hall, Mme. Oussematou and Dean Rohrs. Being inspired.

Program structure (division of topics); long nutrition breaks (Opportunity to network); Timing and punctuality of sessions; Audio-visuals were good quality and system operated smoothly. Quality of presentations (content and delivery. I did not get to all sessions so i answered N/A on those items which I did not attend. On the whole and, based comments from PDGs and others who have attended many Conferences, this has been about as close to excellent as you can get! G Coffin

The speakers were fabulous - I like the inspiration and the motivation to make more positive change in our club

These conferences are getting better and better every year. I really loved the relevance of Community. It is what we are all about. I thought the theme ran all through the weekend. I felt really rooted!

Youth were very well integrated. Business was conducted thoroughly and efficiently. All were made to feel welcome.

The variety of speakers

The speakers were world-class. The theme and topic were exceptionally relevant. The hotel was not expensive like in larger centres. I think it is for the best to hold District Conference in smaller towns, to support the town and reduce the pricing. The meal quality was good, but the quantity and speed of service was the issue.

fellowship

Its inspirational value.

Exciting and informative

Dean Rohrs story was the highlight. It gave me the spark that will keep me going.

meeting old and new friends; working the event

The presentation by Dean Rohrs was stunning. A bonus because the best part of the conference for me was the opportunity to meet Oussematou in person.

Great opportunity to refresh enthusiasm. Also to connect with folks we will be working with in 2016-2017

The people and enthusiasm of the planners.

The fellowship and the excellent speakers.

13

Very interesting speakers. I was unsure of the relevance of the conflict resolution presentation prior attending the session but was pleased with Nabil's session.

The energy, the pace, the speakers, the format.... One Rotarisn introducing and one thanking, the hotel...a welcoming place, the level of employee service, the sound guy... Fabulous.....

Reconnecting with fellow Rotarians and sharing details of their projects, etc. I was very inspired by many of the plenary speakers. The Conference was well run and it made for a delightful experience once again.

THE SETUP, ALL SCHEDULED TIME TO START AND FINISH A TOPIC WERE DEAD ON, I THINK A FIRST. REAL GOOD COMMITTEE, WHO DID A LOT OF WORK , AND DESERVE THE THANKS OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE TRURO ROTARY CLUB. PLEASE DON'T WAIT ANOTHER 30 YEARS, BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO RUN A ROTARIAN OF THE CLUB AS DISTRICT GOVERNOR AND MAKE A WISE CHOICE OF THAT PERSON, AND YOU'LL SEE HOW IT BRINGS YOUR CLUB TOGETHER, THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

Watching people skip with fishing net, etc.

Definitely fellowship. I thoroughly enjoyed the speakers and some more than others--a couple were outstanding so much so that it could bring you to tears. Kudos to the selection of Nabil to cover the topic Conflict Management. A topic that you could dread because it could be dry was delivered in a wonderfully engaging manner bringing smiles and laughs throughout! Fantastic!

the fellowship

The information & sessions on membership. Very informative and useful. The Conflict Resolution sessions on Thursday. Brilliant - both in content and delivery.

Fellowship!

Well organized

The various presentations and sessions on membership.

Speakers

Fun, Fellowship and spirit

Excellent content that was relevant to Rotary and our District which really appeals to me. Very well organized! Meals, breaks and social activities well planned and a nice mix for delegates.All in all a great event. Well done.

Always enjoy meeting my Rotary friends.

Was able to make contacts with others involved in international activities

The gala night on saturday

I enjoyed how passionate the people were about what they were taking about. It's great being with others who care about the same things you do. The staff and people were friendly. And the entertainment was amazing.

fellowship

Everything was conveniently situated; I could check out the student silent auction and merchandise and still hear the presenters. Very little walking was required.

Building communities through co-op and the hoedown

The programing was excellent. Networking was great. People are so friendly - great support from home club - Truro worked hard to be welcoming. Liked going off site for Friday night!

The pace and commitment to the theme, relevant content and very Rotary centric

14

Loved the time to network Great speakers

The overall positive energy from everyone involved but, if you want to be specific, the Conflict Resolution Workshop was my favourite. That would have been wonderful for everyone to attend.

Wonderful relevant speakers and entertainment. Good food and very organised

Sessions related to youth involvement

RI Representative

Spent time with the exchange students

The speakers

Speakers

Things were kept on time. The facilities were great. The entertainment was beyond expectation. I loved the Hoedown.

What could have improved your conference experience? Were there topics you expected to see and didn't?

Difficult questions to answer because certainly there were no disappointments. Not only was the conference substance really good; it ran very efficiently as well.

As an incoming president I was hoping for more objective direction on running our club. Almost all of what I heard during the conference required subjective interpretation as to how to apply to our own situation. That in of itself is not a bad thing, but I wanted to ensure that our club got the best value possible from my attendance.

Nothing.

No

Lunches were just ok.

No, everything was great.

I enjoyed it as it was.

Maybe more on fundraising initiatives would be helpful

There could have been a little more variety of food at the lunch breaks.

Didn't realize I could have sat in on the sessions. Would have liked a few.

A french resume of all the presentation could have helped me.

I was lacking some information prior to arrival. I was very pleased with the range of topics discussed. In fact, I would probably choose to add a bit more down time for the Interactors to allow them time to process and reflect.

Keep the in-depth training on one/two topics for the PETS and SETS. I would have liked more mingle time, perhaps an area to sit, relax, meet up and talk.

I think that all the topics were great, I would recommend talking about topics that are happening at the time of the conference, ex Fort Mac would be a good topic right now. I was fine with the traveling from Dalhousie to the hotel but it would just be more convenient if everything took place closer.

How about some sessions on mentoring? We talk about the value of mentoring, but, mentoring is a skill like conflict resolution. More training on how to mentor aimed at veteran Rotarians may pay dividends.

How do you improve on near perfection. I can't think of anything to add.

15

I think more breakout sessions with actual hands-on sessions with question/answer options for secretary, treasurer - I find so many have been involved for so long, they know what they area doing- not so for first timers...and maybe that is an internal issue with our club- we may need a mentoring program! I think coffee available at all sessions would be a great idea as well- and more water at the tables- I understand the Gluten free guests were not happy.... but these are small things to fix!

Some of the speakers left the stage without leaving a clear sense of why their story was being presented versus any other story from Rotary... All were interesting but not all resonated for me in terms of Rotary's brand essence i.e. Join Leaders - Exchange Ideas - Take Action.

Little more food at lunch. The barley soup and slice of bread was good when the chili ran out but disappointing for a few. Otherwise, wonderful! Speakers should have been videoed to share on the web like was done last year.

None that come to mind immediately.

Additional time to focus on coming year.

The conference experience and content was perfect.

wouldn't change a thing

I didn't like how the interactor had to stay at the ac

It was an excellent conference and I thought the topics were all well chosen and the speakers/presenters were well prepared, had good delivery and were inspiring. Well done!!

A few times the wrong videos and slides came up so there were minor technical glitches but they didn't have a significant negative impact on the conference. At the lunch with the chili - the hotel ran out of chili - but they recovered well. There wasn't anything that was directly related to fundraising ideas and how to. That could have been worthwhile.

Thoroughly enjoyed the theme "Rooted in Rotary".

Could have had more on the topic of Rotary working with people, impact on health, well-being youth.

I am always interested in growing membership and that was covered. However, I would like to hear more about fundraising and different projects that clubs do - I particularly liked the balloon pop at the Gala - I will use that one in our upcoming Annual Auction. Everything else was great - thanks

I still think we should get into some social issues, poverty, domestic violence, and have conversations as to how Rotary can respond to these issues. They are frightening topics but need to be in a public forum. Food was not too great (except for the banquet).

Nothing

I thought Stella could have had 45 minutes instead of 30. I was sorry the Pat Killoran presentation got hijacked at the end to talk about pledges to Fort McMurray. I think we didn't respect his story of clean up and hear of the Alberta lessons-learned because of it. I always feel very inspired by the District Conference, but the rally cry and call to action is missing for me. Perhaps District could follow up with some contact names with the key topics? For example, for clubs who want to learn about refugees from Syria, contact these people. To learn about rural renaissance, don't forget the Georgetown Conference. If your club is open to diversity in membership, contact these people. In terms of missing anything, I don't think anything was missed.

All good

no comment

16

Food is always an issue for me. When I spoke directly with the cook I got a satisfactory meal. However, I did not get a chance to speak to anyone about the banquet and the meal I got was hardly worth $5, no where near the $90 charged. No accommodation was made for the salad so I couldn't eat it. The main dish I got was white rice, steamed carrots and peppers--no fat, no seasoning. I carry my own breakfast but I noticed that there was one toaster for everyone. Someone with celiac cannot use the same toaster for gluten free bread as someone who can eat "regular" bread.

1) I observed the areas in which I will be involved next year. Made notes for planning. Nothing material. 2) No

Can't think of a way to improve.

Had to choose between break out sessions and missed some I would have liked to see.

I would have preferred to have a bit of free time to see the community.

If I didn't have to work and party til' close, I probably would have enjoyed actually seeing some more speakers. I'm glad I saw the couple speakers that I did, but I certainly wasn't going to sign up for $35 breakfasts and $50 lunches. I heard the food ran out too. Was someone making sure all people coming to the buffet had paid?

N/A

Perhaps the sharing of Fund Raising ideas including both success and failures and why. I didn't go with set expectations and therefore didn't miss anything.

NOTHING, ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER ATTENDED

Of hand I cannot think how you could improve on something that was wonderful! I think this conference was the best!

More content and information at the District level. Too much RI information and presentations. Better entertainment .

More information and sessions on Rotary in our district and less on RI. Would have preferred more 'grassroots' information - i.e. fundraising, implementing service initiatives. Why can't we do a President citation for our District or for Canada?

Bit of confusion over home hosting and spousal program but full steam ahead from there.

More outline of expectations

You all did really well in what you did.

I originally registered to hear the presentation of global grants, which was cancelled. I would rather it had not been cancelled as it was a major interest to me.

Food wasn't great - that's not your fault. Registered gluten free but choices were terrible. All first world problems though.

More on Rotary Foundation

There was a diversity of programming and I was sorry I had to choose one for the break-out sessions when all were good choices. The challenge always seems to be food; I heard one staff member say that the special dietary needs were not communicated in advance of the event and had to be checked on Thursday (probably an anomaly or someone was misinformed). I do not know how we can overcome this when so many Rotarians are unable to commit until the last minute.

The food was a bit disappointing, but other than that the conference experience was pretty good. Changes will need to be made if making Rotary younger and more welcoming/inclusive is a serious priority.

Too hard to choose between the break out sessions!

17

More on the foundation A day of foundation training

Yes, but will address those later.

Nothing really.

None

Nothing here that is top of mind.

More time and info for pets and sets

Comments/Suggestions: Well done DG Jim and Barbara, and Rotary Club of Truro.

While there is a lot of effort put into club leadership training, work commitments and geography limit our ability to participate in this training. The district conference seems to be a focal point for club gathering with a special effort from most clubs to attend. It might be helpful if some of the training sessions offered in different places throughout the year might be offered at the conference or pre/post conference.

No changes needed.

No

Keep up the great work!

Conference on the whole was very satisfying. In addition to the questions asked, we enjoyed the home hospitality visit with a local Rotary family as well. Very warming and appreciated.

Great job Rotary Club of Truro.

More Four Way Harmony:-)

Just continu like that it was wonderfull.

The Saturday night banquet was very nice but most of the meals were under whelming Very difficult to eat gluten free.

The only other thing I would change would be regarding the menu. I would add more healthy options and fruit.

Keep up the good work, and I hope that we don't have to wait that long until the next District Conference in Truro.

Overall, a positive experience.

The meals were excellent however the morning coffee was horrible. We had to go off-site to find a decent cup of coffee.

It might be useful to have breakouts - even outside normal conference hours - set up to deal with very specific topics of District importance. For example, how to get started on strategic planning/renewal in your Club.

Congratulations to all and thank you. Inspiring!

Additional youth, Interact and Roteract panels.

Jim you use of social media has helped inform all Rotarians in District 7820. You have very special talents. Please continue to share.

One of the best organized and executed District Conferences I have attended. Then to have next year's conference team even announcing some of the key speakers for next year showed great organization and continuity. Congratulation to the Truro club for an excellent and seamless conference. Extremely well done!!!!!!!!!!

Overall this was one of the best if not the best District conference, ever. Well conceived, organized and executed. Congratulations to the Truro District Conference committee on a job very well done.

18

Would like to find ways to have more members attend the conference who cannot afford it on their own.

Thank you for the privilege of attending.I really feel I get my annual booster shot at the District Conferences.

Wonderful time. Well planned.

Excellent conference

The food ran out about 15 minutes after service started and it was slow to get replenished. They were super disorganized about food allergies and preferences. There seems to be a lack of leadership at the Glengarry, which is too bad. They need to be a shining star to get new and repeat business. The Youth component of the program was excellent. I wish I could have joined them in weeding. Doing a service event that all Rotarians could choose to join in might be a nice idea. This was a great conference. I enjoyed it very much. It is always a difficult balancing act to engage long-time and new Rotarians - this conference offered a good balance. Great RI rep!!

Well organized and enjoyable. Lots of time for interaction.

nothing to offer

The topics covered were inspiring. I am not a Rotarian and do not live where there is a club in my community but the conference has made me wonder if I should figure out a way to be a Rotarian. I observed that the only person of color at the conference was the guest speaker from Africa.

Congratulations on a job well done!

Great job. Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers. I look forward to next year.

Great convention. Comments to me were not only were the topics interesting, but the speakers really knew how to speak!

A great event,one of the best for me in 30 years of many organizational conferences........

The facility chosen was great as the room, exhibit space, plenary space, food and staff were excellent.

The Members of the Rotary club of Truro went above and beyond in all they did. They all need to be given an extra special 'Thank You'.

The conference was certainly provided a wealth of information but I think there was too much RI info. Vegetarian meals were sorely lacking!! A green salad does NOT constitute a vegetarian meal! Breaks & desserts were recycled - and consisted of mostly sugar, yet they were billed as "nutrition breaks". Unfortunately, they lacked any nutrition.

Great job! It's not easy to please everyone and a lot of work.

The bar has been set very high for the coming years - thanks to all involved.

Good conf

All activities were well organized and informative.

Great job. Looking forward to next year.

I know this is a lot of work for the registration team, but given people's life and business commitments, perhaps we can use technology to give people more options - e.g., just attend sessions, no meals, etc. I think we need to explain that the group is charged for a set number of meals and we need co-operation - if someone will not be attending a meal, it can help us. I heard someone say they were refused an extra cup of coffee during the dinner because the limit been reached. I found this strange when I know of at least two people in my Club who were not there, although they paid for the whole conference, and I do not drink coffee. I really thought that, overall, this was a wonderful convention and the whole town seemed to be involved and informed about the event. Great PR!

Great to see partners program. Like to see a project related activity, stills very costly event.

I was the only person between the age of 18-40 years old ~ CRAZY (young professionals apparently don't find Rotary relevant - missed opportunity for sure)

19

Great conference Well done

Thank you for an incredible and much needed time away to relax.

I wonder if the AGM could be run on Thursday but if it continues to go as efficiently as it did keep it on Friday

More details on specific global grants and other District grants- objectives, current status,etc.

I'm sorry, but the food was pretty terrible.

A very successful conference that delivered for Rotarians and also for the host club.

This was an excellent, well run conference.. The committee and team should be very proud of what they put together.