National Settlement Conference 2
(Calgary - October 2-5, 2003)
Evaluation
At the conclusion of the conference, an evaluation questionnaire was
distributed by Prime Strategies. The questions used were the same as those
collected during the National Settlement Conference I. About one-third
of conference participants (165) submitted their evaluations, and overall
the feedback received was very positive. Of the participants in the NSC
II, just over half (56 percent) had also attended the first conference.
Evaluation of the Conference Overall
Conference delegates were asked to evaluate various components of the
conference using a 1 (Low) to 5 (High) ranking system. Taking 1 and 2
as indicators of dissatisfaction and 3 to 5 as indicators of satisfaction
to varying degrees, it is possible to analyze the feedback received from
the evaluations.
A vast majority of the conference participants (83 percent) stated that
the conference met their expectations. Another 13 percent were satisfied.
Therefore, 96 percent of the delegates reported positive feedback (83
percent ranked 4 or 5), while only 3 percent of the respondents felts
that the conference did not meet their expectations.
In terms of meeting objectives, 97 percent were satisfied, 86 percent
ranked their satisfaction as 4 or 5 and only 2 percent were less than
satisfied. Further, 93 percent of the delegates felt that the conference
did enhance the overall capacity of the sector to deliver services (66
percent giving a 4 or 5 ranking); only 5 percent felt that it did not
do so. With regards to facilitating learning, an overwhelming 97 percent
felt that the conference was successful (75 percent ranked 4 or 5).
Evaluation of the Workshops and Interest Group
Meetings
Nearly all respondents (91 percent) felt that the workshops did meet
their needs, with 63 percent ranking a 4 or 5. About a quarter of the
respondents were mildly satisfied (28 percent) with the workshops.
Ninety-two percent of the delegates felt that the interest group meetings
were effective in dealing with current settlement issues, but the more
mild satisfaction level is again at around a quarter (24 percent).
Evaluation of the Working Groups and the Conference
Most delegates (95 percent) agreed that the working groups were effective
in creating a process for ongoing dialogue between the settlement sector
and governments. Seventy-seven percent of these strongly agreed.
There was also strong support for the conference plenaries, as 92 percent
of the delegates stated that they found them to be relevant, with three-quarters
of the respondents strongly agreeing (77 percent).
Evaluation of the Organization of the Conference
A strong majority of the delegates were happy with the conference organization,
as 96 percent were satisfied. Only 3 percent of the respondents reported
being not satisfied.
The chart below outlines the average rankings for various survey responses
for the NSC II as compared to the NSC I. Responses were averaged out of
a high of 5 to a low of 1. Overall, respondents were very pleased with
the NSC II, and without exception were more satisfied in all respects
with the second conference than the first.
Other questions on the survey included logistical issues such as the
registration process, facilities, food and beverage service.
Highlights of Evaluation Results
1- How well did the Second National Settlement Conference
meet your expectations?
NSC I - 3.6 NSC II - 4.2
2- How well did the conference meet its objectives?
a) To provide a meaningful dialogue around priority
policy issues:
NSC I - 3.5 NSC II - 4.2
b) To assist in the overall capacity of the sector
to deliver services, thereby strengthening the settlement sector:
NSC I - 3.3 NSC II - 3.8
c) To facilitate learning with the sector:
NSC I - 3.7 NSC II - 4.0
3- How well did the conference workshops meet your
needs?
NSC I - 3.3 NSC II - 3.7
4- How effective were the conference Interest Group
meetings in dealing with current issues in settlement?
NSC I - 3.8 NSC II - 3.9
5- How effective were the conference Working Groups
in creating a process for ongoing dialogue between the Settlement sector
and governments?
NSC I - 3.8 NSC II - 4.1
6- How relevant were the conference plenaries?
NSC I - 3.4 NSC II - 4.1
7- How well was the Second National Settlement Conference
organized?
NSC I - 4.3 NSC II - 4.5
Index
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