42 people responded to the conference evaluation.

How did you hear about the conference?

• 45% at work or from their local organization or newsletter or a board member
• 20% from mailing or brochure;
• 20% IFS website or enewsletter
• 15% word of mouth

Overall, how would you rate the conference?

• 55 % excellent
• 40 % good
• 5% average

Why did you attend and what was the main benefit(s)?

WHY:                                                                   

• Had a good experience in Romania
• Interest in the international community
• Maintain cultural sensitivities                                            
• Interested in professional issues                        
• Duties of a director                                                         
• Meet other settlement workers                                       
• Was a presenter                                                          
• Give youth the opportunity                                              
• Share experiences and ideas                                           
• Learned from each other                                                 
• Learn from lecturers                                                        
• Interested in the movement                                              
• Meet old friends and new                                                
• Important themes                                                            

BENEFITS WERE:

• Welcome feeling by members
• Met interesting people  
• Learned practical experience/good ideas
• Developed relationships/possible shared projects
• Get together was fun
• Heard very good speakers
• Learned from around the world
• Learned more about IFS
• Gained new appreciation for history
• Helpful for planning next conference     
• Value of this great tradition
• Helped me think about my role             
• Learned about cycle and recycle          
• New perspectives                    
• Networking (many said this)

General comments about workshops:

Majority of workshops were rated as excellent or good, with approximately 15% rated as average. There were five participants who rated a workshop as poor. It was mentioned that some presenters could have been better prepared and not use just a lecture style. There was also a recommendation that a skilled group facilitator should be in the room because some of the presenters were fine presenters but not so skilled at facilitating the conversation after the presentation.

Registration process:            excellent=93%              good=5%         average=2%

Conference space:                 excellent=55%              good=45%

Meals:                                    excellent=40%              good=45%       average=15%

Time to network:                    excellent=60%              good=40%

Entertainment/gatherings:     excellent=60%              good=30%       average=10%

Miscellaneous comments:

• Overall, excellent organization
• Staff helpful
• Well organized
• Felt very welcomed
• Looking forward to New York
• VIN is an excellent idea
• Needed one central meeting space/relaxing space
• Not all presenters were skilled facilitators
• Logistical details were good-well planned in terms of timing between events
• Environmental responsibilities workshops are a good idea
• More space and activities for young people
• Sometime needed at the end for meeting/discussions about the future
• Finnish presenters were not as organized
• Lots of thank-you type comments, felt very welcomed, worth their time