Fig. 2: How do you rate the 2014 conference facilities and organization?
Poor
Fair
Good
Very good
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Source: Author, based on the District conference evaluation survey.
Some 26 different sessions were
focus on youth – and on Wounded Warriors
individually
rated
with
at
least
ten
– paid off.
respondents per session (this is a minimum
What could be improved for next
number of respondents to ensure a reliable
year? When asked what types of sessions
assessment). Nine of the 26 sessions got 60
they would like to see more off, sessions on
or more “very good” ratings: the Baltimore
successful projects and debates/discussions
area joint luncheon, the four youth sessions
on Rotary and its future were mentioned the
on Saturday morning (Four Way Test, See
most. In terms of the types of speakers,
Something Say Something, Jack Andraka,
participants would like more motivational
and Teresa Scanlan), the Interact session on
and entertaining speakers, as well as more
Saturday afternoon, the Mother's Day
speakers from the business world versus
brunch
on
Sunday,
and
finally
the
nonprofits. Participants would like the
hospitality suites on both Friday and
conference to be even shorter. As to whether
Saturday evening. Feedback from the open-
it is better to have one or more districts
ended qualitative questions suggests four
present at the conference, the feedback was
main areas for improvement: providing
split between the two options.
better food (less chicken!), reducing the time
To sum up, most participants at the
spent on awards ceremonies, improving the
conference were highly satisfied with the
audio system, and reducing the cost of
event, especially in terms of its focus on
attending. As to the qualitative feedback on
youth. The hotel amenities, as well as the
what participants appreciated the most, the
overall organization of the conference were
sessions focused on youth on the Saturday
also rated highly. At the same time, a
morning again stole the show. Clearly, this
number of areas for improvements were
identified, including the need to hold the
5