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].

Opinion - 2014 Summit a Success!

Stephanie McDonald 
InfoStream Guest Author 

The 9^th Urban Animal Summit in my opinion was a great success. The conference took place in the most beautiful and tranquil setting Chateau Lake Louise. 

The Summit was attended by a diverse group of leaders from many sectors involved with animals from corporate, not for profit and commercial enterprises. The mission of the summit was to illuminate successful strategies for urban animals and to provide recognition for those who lead”

From where I sat they certainly accomplished that and then some. The MC for the weekend, Dr. Jason Coe, was extremely professional, organized, a bit witty and most importantly kept things on time. They had some fun use of technology where they could poll the audience for opinions and even allowed voting for the Innovation Showcase Series following presentations. 

I would not consider this a typical learning conference; I would say that the weekend was about creating conversations and opportunities for national initiatives.

Due to the diverse group attending, the conversations over the weekend opened up different view points and perspectives that previously most would not have the opportunity to be exposed to. With the wide variety of topics explored from survey results, to ongoing studies and some successful projects that are up and running there was never a dull moment. Rich conversations continued into the evening events and new bonds and friendships were made.

The vibe in the room through the entire Summit was collaborative, knowledge sharing and interesting. I do have to say at times though it was difficult to focus on the events as the room sported large windows overlooking the lake and it was easy to get lost in the beauty of nature surrounding you. 

Through the weekend we kept hearing the African Proverb, If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. The reminder of this proverb through the Summit served to keep folks focused on the conversation and to encourage relationships to serve urban animals in the future. 

Great job to the organizers and a thank you to the sponsors.

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.

2013 Delegate Survey Results

Summit 2013 took place in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, from Wednesday, 16 October to Saturday, 19 October 2013. Delegates included thought leaders and stakeholders from Urban Municipalities across North America. 

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

The YourSAY™ Delegate Survey fielded November 25 to December 4, 2013. This survey captured respondent opinions related to Summit 2013 in the areas of Delegate Experience, Venue, the Innovation Showcase, the Facts and Evidence Sessions, the Friday Forum, the Summit Awards Gala, Ratings for Speakers, Program Directors, Production Staff, Entertainment and Summit Conversations. Respondents also provided comments for future improvements and enhancements to the Urban Animal Program. 

The YourSAY™ Delegate Survey for Summit 2013 invited seventy-nine attendees to participate. Fifteen respondents (19%) completed the Survey. 

Highlights of this YourSAY™ Survey: 

• Respondents were Satisfied (25%) or Very Satisfied (66%) with Summit 2013 
• Respondents were pleased with the quality of speakers: Satisfied (41%), Very Satisfied (50%); the Length of the Summit: Satisfied (50%), Very Satisfied (41%); and were Likely (16%) or Very Likely (75%)to recommend the Summit to others. 
• Respondents agreed (41%) or strongly agreed (58%) ‘The Pet Experience’ was a relevant theme for Summit 2013 up from 54% for the Summit 2012 theme ‘Animal Sourcing’. 
• A majority of respondents (75%) attending Summit 2013 had also attended Summit 2012. 
• All respondents (100%) agreed the Friday Forum developed important Urban Animal conversations. 
• Nine-tenths of respondents (90%) felt the Summit was inspiring and improved their industry relationships. 
• UrbanAnimal.com (75%) and the InfoStream Blog (67%) were the PetLynx media channels respondents most often used to learn about Summit 2013, while Twitter was used the least (25%). 
• Respondents commented that InfoStream was the most useful media channel for industry updates. 
• Nearly all respondents (86%) indicated Networking opportunities and an ability to contribute Industry Strategies/Tactics were the reasons they attended Summit 2013. 
• All respondents Agreed (38%) or Strongly Agreed (62%) the Innovation Showcase recognized innovation from the Regional Conferences and Agreed (38%) or Strongly Agreed (62%) the Innovation Showcase was an effective way of sharing innovation across the Urban Animal industry.
• Just under half of respondents (42%) attended two conversations: ‘What pet owners expect from their pet experience’; and, ‘Pet experience data collection’ during the Friday Forum. 
• Respondents indicated that ‘Engaging breeders as a fundamental part of the Pet Experience’; and, ‘Pet Experience Data Collection’ were conversations that should become National Initiatives like ‘Year of the Cat’. 
• More than one-quarter of respondents polled (27%) indicated their role in support of a National Initiative would be as an ‘Active Collaborator’. 
• Respondents rated the Pets Plus Us Awards Gala and Dinner at historical highs for Food Selection, Service Staff, Relationship Building and Sponsor Contribution. 
• Nine-tenths of respondents (91%) indicated the 2013 Summit Awards recognized outstanding achievement and all participants (100%) indicated the awards ceremony was conducted in a smooth and efficient manner. 
• The vast majority of respondents (91%) indicated the Summit Directors and Production team made very favorable contributions to Summit 2013. 

Demographics of Respondents to this Survey: 

• Gender: 67% Female, 33% Male 
• Age: 8% - 20-29 years old, 17% - 30-39 years old, 25% - 40-49 years old, 42% - 50-59 years old, 8% - 60 years and older 
• Industry: 27% - Humane & Rescue, 27% - Care & Control, 40% - Health & Wellness, 40% - Retail & Services, 40% - Pet Owner, 33% - Social and Community Services 
• Executive Level: 61% - Director, Shareholder, Owner/Manager, 13% - CLevel Executive, 13% - Senior Management, 13% - Other 

YourSAY™ public opinion polls are owned and Powered by PetLynx™. Copies of the complete survey report are available for a nominal cost. Contact Sheena.Neel@petlynxmail.com if you wish to procure a copy.

YourSAY™ Survey Results Announced

Results from the delegate survey (YourSAY™2013.1) indicate overall success for the 2013 Regional Conference tour in April. The mission of this year's Conferences was to showcase regional innovation, cultivate conversation and collaboration and encourage movement for the Pet Experience Project.

A formal opinion poll was sent to Conference attendees as well as regional associates.

Highlights from the 2013 Regional Conference Delegate Survey:

• Attendees enjoyed the new format (86.5%) that presented Regional Innovation and the opportunity to nominate their peers (80%) for the Summit Showcase Series, Summit Awards, Future Leader Scholarship and the Urban Animal Peer Recognition Program. 
• The Regional Innovation Showcase scored well with 79.5% of attendees revealing they learned something new during the showcase. 
• 76.5% of survey participants feel the recognition of peers in the Summit Award and Future Leader programs are important to them.
• Attendees strongly agreed they enjoyed listening to others and learning from experiences during the Pet Experience Project workshops. 
• The Pet Experience Project Workshops were highly rated with 81.5% agreeing they found Workshop I helpful identifying a Positive Pet Experience. 81% found the same workshop helpful in identifying barriers to a Positive Pet Experience. 
• 81% found Workshop II helpful in identifying solutions and opportunities as well as next steps in their regions to creating a Positive Pet Experience.
• Keynote speaker Drew Van Neikerk, who presented the Positive Pet Experience, was well received in all four regions and attendees agree the subject matter was relevant and applicable to their own organizations (86.5%). 
• In all four regions, more than half of survey participants responded they have attended a Regional Conference in the past. 
• Overall, all five industry sectors were well represented in each region. 

REGISTER FOR SUMMIT 2013 AND THE 

2014 URBAN ANIMAL CONFERENCES!

Copies of the complete survey report are available at a nominal cost. Contact Sheena.Neel@petlynxmail.com if you wish to procure a copy.