Putting on a district conference doesn’t end when the conference ends. Feedback from participants is vital. Thanks to those who took the time to tell us what you liked and what we should do to improve for the next conference. As a committee we take your feedback to heart and, as chair, I’d like to take a moment to respond to some of your comments and questions.
First the good:
- 94% of you rated the conference as very good or excellent.
- 98% rated the venue (Valley River Inn) as good, very good, or excellent
- 94.2% rated the keynote speakers/general sessions as very good or excellent.
- 97% rated the breakout sessions as good, very good or excellent.
- 91% felt more connected to Rotary and inspired about service and leadership.
Now, the suggestions:
1. Registration: Because we had hoped to have the app, “My Event,” available for all to have their personalized agenda on their phones, schedules were not sent out ahead of time. It just didn’t work out. We did send the conference at a glance (not including individual selections) and speaker information in all the PR that went to everyone. A promise to do better next time.
2. Cost: Many expressed a desire to be able to purchase individual meals instead of a package. It was our conscious decision to package everything together in order to ensure we could meet the hotel’s minimum requirements. Meals are expensive. In fact, our sponsors underwrote a portion of meal costs and other conference expenses. Total cost for meals was $275; registration ran from $200 – $250 with special rates for new members, Rotaract, early registration, regular registration.
Although water was available for all, coffee stations add $75 per gallon of coffee. Not a cost we felt was necessary.
3. Keynote Speakers: For the most part the speakers were very well received. Due to good Karma, we ended up with more speakers than meals/plenary sessions. That is why we had two at some meals. A good problem to have. For all of us that really missed Jennifer Jones in person, she was home with her father who has since passed.
4. Breakout sessions: Some felt there should have been fewer sessions with more time for each. With an anticipated crowd of 200+, we provided 5 speakers per session. That would put 40 people in each session. Others suggested that sessions did not provide enough time for questions or interactions. The balance of numbers and time is difficult and we appreciate your input.
5. Other activities: The feedback was that the Friday tours on campus were wonderful, but we did a poor job of communicating how to get there. (We did send an email to all registered participants) Again, good feedback, and a promise to do better.
Thank you again for your attendance at our 2026 District Conference, and for your time to give us the feedback we always need. Hopefully, we will see you in 2027 at Ko Kwel Casino in Coos Bay.
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