Speaking of the Gathering …

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2019 Gathering and MLA Reception. It was the first time that we combined the two events and it looks like it was a hit! Our 2019 Gathering was our most well-attended event yet. Thank you again to all our sponsors for your support in making our event such a great success:  The Co-operators, Calgary Co-op, Servus Credit Union, UFA, Alberta Central, EQUS, Alberta Co-operative Energy, and Metrix Group.

Big shout out to those who completed the post-event survey.  93% of you were satisfied/very satisfied, with 96% indicating that the content was relevant/very relevant.

Bill Oemichen’s presentation was the most popular (which is why we keep bringing him back!) with 96% satisfied/very satisfied. Our least popular presentation, Framing Conversations with the UCP, still received an 84% satisfied/very satisfied response.

Attendees noted they enjoyed that the Gathering was very focused on a specific topic yet enjoyed the diversity in the presentations and appreciated the networking opportunities.

Areas for improvement included ensuring the presentations were not rushed and to include opportunities for questions. People also noted they would have liked more facilitated table discussions.

There were many learnings for us for the MLA Reception that we will be taking forward for this year’s event. Your suggestions included trying to arrange meetings with MLAs and Ministers regarding specific advocacy topics; using different lanyards and introducing the MLAs as they arrive; having MLA media kits or information packages for the MLAs; inviting government to speak; and trying to guarantee their attendance.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey and provided your feedback!