Conference Survey: Cleveland Rocked

The survey of attendees at the NSA 2010 conference in Cleveland showed that nearly all were satisfied with their overall experience at the conference. 207 people responded to the post-conference survey, including 68 first-time attendees.

For the first time, nearly two-thirds of first-timers had not been affiliated with the NSA before they heard about the conference. This is a change from past years, when more than half of first-time attendees were NSA members before attending the conference. Some adult first-timers, however, reported a little difficulty meeting people and socializing, perhaps because a NSA gathering was a new experience for them.

Parents attending the conference for the first time were overwhelmingly positive. The majority of these survey respondents said the conference exceeded their expectations in changing their attitudes about stuttering, improving their self-confidence as parents, learning from other parents, meeting successful adults who stutter and involving the whole family in activities.

Conference attendees were satisfied with the way the conference was administered, and with the helpfulness of NSA volunteers and staff. As in past years, survey respondents were satisfied with the opening reception, general sessions, research symposium, silent auction, live auction/banquet and closing ceremony. However, the Thursday general session drew some negative comments and the banquet room made it difficult for a few attendees to hear the live auction.

Adult workshops received generally good reviews, but schedule conflicts also were a problem for some. Two new initiatives at this year’s conference, workshops focusing on 20-somethings and career development, were well received.

Speech-language pathologists said the conference met or exceeded their expectations, and compared well with other professional conferences. Continuing education workshops and the research symposium got positive reviews.

Conference attendees who stayed at the Renaissance Cleveland hotel were satisfied with the courtesy and helpfulness of the hotel staff, but were critical of the quality of the rooms and particularly the air conditioning.

About 75% say they are likely to attend next year’s conference.