2014 Urban Animal Regional Conference delegate survey results announced!

The analysis and summary of the 2014 Regional Conference delegate survey has been released by PetLynx Market Services and Intelligence. This report summarizes the four Regional YourSAY™ surveys that fielded April 22nd to May 14th, 2014. Fifty-eight delegates from all four regions responded to the survey with representation from each industry sector (43% Health & Wellness, 37% Pet Owner, 39% Retail and Commercial Services, 32% Humane and Rescue, 28% Care and Control, 20% Social and Community Services and 19% Other) across a broad range of management levels (41% Senior Management, 26% Director/Shareholder/Owner/Manager, 6% C-Level Executive and 27% Other). 

Highlights from the 2014 Urban Animal Regional Conference Delegate Survey: 

• 2014 Regional Conferences saw an increase in new attendees (45%) compared to 2013 (35%)
• Participants in the survey felt that the Innovation Keynote presented by Erica Coomber and Amy Pawson (in Central and Atlantic regions only) was a relevant topic (92%) and a valuable presentation (90%).
• Survey respondents felt that Judith Aubin and Tanya Firmage from the Ontario SPCA (Western and Pacific regions only) were subject matter experts (92%) and felt that reducing cat admissions was a relevant topic (90%).
• Nearly nine out of every 10 participants thought that recognition of regional peers through the Innovation Showcase was important to them (88%), and said they learned something new about their region (82%).
• Eighty-eight per cent of participants felt that the recognition and support of academics through the Research Poster Program in their region was important, while 82% felt that the research presented was useful to their organization.
• 90% of participants felt the keynote address presented by Dr. Drew Van Niekerk on Animal Sourcing was effective and engaging, 88% also thought that the Pet Experience Project was a relevant topic and indicated Drew Van Niekerk was a subject matter expert (88%).
• Eighty-four percent of participants suggested that the keynote address offered by Kijiji Community Relations Manager, Shawn McIntyre on an Urban Animal Strategy was a relevant topic and indicated Shawn McIntyre was a subject matter expert (84%).
• Conference attendees were invited to nominate their peers for Urban Animal programs. Selecting an Emerging leader was important to participants (84%), while 40% had never nominated a peer in the past. Eight out of ten respondents suggested that recognition of peers for Summit Awards was important, and enjoyed the opportunity to nominate their peers. 
• Nine of ten respondents felt that Dr. Jason Coe demonstrated strong leadership skills and was effective and engaging (94%).  Ninety-two percent felt that he facilitated conversations and encouraged valuable outcomes.
• Nearly nine-tenths of respondents said that Lisa Milton was effective and engaging, facilitated relationships, and encouraged valuable outcomes (88%).
• Overall, venues for the Regional Conference rated high with 92% of participants stating that the meeting rooms were conducive to the Regional Conference format, and the hotel staff accommodating and courteous.
• Ninety-four percent of participants said they would recommend the Urban Animal Regional Conferences to others, and 90% said they would likely attend the Regional Conferences in 2015.

 The mission of Urban Animal Regional Conferences is to showcase regional innovation, identify emerging leaders, illuminate researchers, replicate successful projects, cultivate conversations across communities, facilitate collaboration and expand the Alliance for Urban Animals. 

ABOUT UARC DELEGATE SURVEYS: The 2014 Regional Conferences were held in Toronto, Ontario; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Calgary, Alberta; and Vancouver, British Columbia. Contributions from Urban Animal surveys are important to help identify improvements for future events and programs.