Summit 2014 Achieves High Scores

The 2014 Summit for Urban Animal Strategies delegate survey is released by PetLynx Market Services and Intelligence.

The  Delegate Survey fielded October 25 to November 1, 2014. The survey captures respondent opinions in the areas of Delegate Experience, Venue, Innovation Showcase, Facts and Evidence Sessions, the Urban Animal Forum on Friday, the Summit Awards Gala and the Leadership Challenge Brunch. Ratings for speakers, program directors, production staff, entertainment and Summit processes were also captured. Finally, the survey gathered recommendations for improvements and enhancements to the Urban Animal program.

Summit 2014 was hosted by PetLynx Corporation at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, from October 22 - 25, 2014. 

The Vision of the Summit for Urban Animal Strategies is to gather leaders who can advance the state of the art and recast dilemmas into opportunities. The Mission of the Summit is to illuminate successful strategies for urban animals and to provide recognition for those who lead. 

The 2014 YourSAY™ opinion poll was provided electronically to all delegates. The survey achieved a response rate of 55%.

Highlights of the Summit 2014 Delegate Survey: 

• Respondents found the 2014 Innovation Showcase recognized important projects (97%) and provided an effective way of sharing projects (97%) that exceeded or met expectations. Nine of 10 respondents found value and engagement in this program. 'The Paws Fur Thought' presentation by Medric Cousineau achieved a score of 100% while the Tails of Help presentation by Jennifer Willans achieved a score of 95%.
• Respondents found the 2014 Facts and Evidence Sessions provided significant data (97%), were an effective way of sharing information (97%) and exceeded or met attendees expectations. 'Obstacles to a Positive Pet Experience: The Pet Owner Challenges Survey' presented by Susan Danker of PIJAC Canada scored 86% while 'Setting the Standard: Why we need science-based Breeding Guidelines' presented by Dr. Judi Stella of Purdue University, Centre for Animal Welfare Science scored 83%.
• Respondents found the 2014 Urban Animal Forum on Friday met or exceeded expectations, developed a useful agenda (100%), progressed important conversations (92%) and moved to useful conclusions (80%).  
• With respect to the 2015 Urban Animal Initiative to identify 1,000,000 cats and dogs prior to summit 2015, nearly 1/3 of respondents (28%) indicated they would be an active collaborator, and a fifth of respondents suggested they would be a community advocate (20%).
• Respondents indicated elements of Summit 2014 exceeded their expectations: Production and Technology (89%), Urban Animal Foundation Dinner (78%) and Summit Awards Gala (82%).
• Respondents attending Summit 2014 did so for the following reasons: To contribute to Urban Animal strategies (64%); For networking opportunities (64%); Because of an interest in specific Urban Animal conversations (62%); and, For career development (36%).
• Respondents indicated Summit 2014 'improved relationships' (85%), 'inspired me' (77%) and gathered leading industry thinkers (68%). 
• Nine of ten respondents said that they were likely or very likely to recommend the Summit to others (86%).

Respondent Demographics: 

• Gender: 71% female, 29% male 
• Age: 20-29 years, 6%; 30-39 years, 20%, 40-49 years, 23%; 50-59 years, 37%; and, 60-69 years, 14%.
• Sector: Care and Control, 39%; Health and Wellness, 34%; Pet Owner, 32%; Retail and Commercial Services, 26%; Humane and Rescue, 24%; and, Social and Community Services, 21%.
• Management Level: Director, Shareholder, Owner/Manager, 30%; C-Level Executive, 5%; Senior Management, 29%; and other, 36%.

YourSAY™ public opinion polls are Powered by PetLynx™. To discuss these results, please contact Larry R. Evans, Executive Producer [403.921.5900] or Lisa M. Milton, Producer, Urban Animal program [403.809.4630].