THANK YOU FOR TELLING US WHAT YOU REALLY THINK!

In the past few months, the Academy has conducted two surveys with high response rates – a post-annual meeting survey and a membership benchmarking survey. You took the time to tell us, in detail, what you thought about our education, the venue, and how we can improve. You told us what you want from your Academy. Both surveys provided important and valuable feedback, and I want to let you know that your Board of Directors and staff take very seriously what you have to say.

I have asked Lois Schoenbrun, our Executive Director, to share the results of both surveys with our members. I am sure you will find the information she has provided to be very enlightening.

In this issue of President’s Calling, I want to let you know the outcome of the Annual Meeting survey. Watch for the July issue for information about the general membership survey.
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ANNUAL MEETING SURVEY
This year 1,254 attendees responded, more than triple the response rate from the year before, and more than ¹⁄₃ of those surveyed! 57% were under the age of 44, and 25% of the respondents are not (yet!) members. Both of those statistics tell us that the respondents represent our future!

There are three primary reasons that individuals attend our meetings. No surprises here. You go for the networking, to earn CE credits, and for the high quality speakers.

Respondents were “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied” with the registration process (96%), the overall quality of the speakers in the Lectures and Workshops program (90%), and the overall quality of the education (93%).

But while satisfaction with the education was very high, there is always room for improvement. Your suggestions have been forwarded to the volunteers who plan the education, and will be taken into account as these individuals plan future programming.

We learned that half of attendees did not go to the Scientific Program – either paper sessions (46%) or posters (53%). We do not know why. We have been trying for several years to integrate the Scientific Program with traditional CE in the hope that attendees would realize that there is significant cutting-edge material that can be learned and applied to their patient care. If you have suggestions as to how we can better achieve this, please let us know.

77% said they were “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied” with the venue (the convention center) and 64% said the same about the location (resort). But the significant minority who were not satisfied with the location were consistent in their comments. You said you felt trapped and isolated, like you “couldn’t get off the island.”

We heard you loud and clear.
So although the majority of respondents were favorable, those who were not made their point. We have cancelled our contracted Orlando meeting at the same location in 2014, and are moving it to a new location. (City to be announced soon – contracts are still in negotiation!)
We learned that most had favorable things to say about the low-tech barcode system for tracking CE credits. It worked. The system will remain the same for 2010.

24% visited the exhibit hall EVERY DAY. Just 9% did not visit the hall at all during the meeting.

You expressed frustration with aspects of our corporate events. As a result, we have changed how they will be managed. The biggest change, a result of your comments, is that registration for the events is now part of the on-line meeting registration. Sign up when you register, and you will receive your breakfast or lunch ticket(s) with your badge.

And finally, you said BRING BACK THE AUSTRALIA PARTY, so we did! The Australia Party is back in its proper place and time – Friday, November 19, at Moscone Center West.

We are very pleased that 84% of respondents plan to attend Academy 2010 San Francisco! We look forward to seeing everyone November 17-20!
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