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Snapshot: 2006 Adventure Travel World (Post) Summit Delegate Feedback

Editor’s Note: More than 25% of 2006 Adventure Travel World Summit Delegates Complete Post-Summit Survey. Below, we offer a sampling of some of the raw data and feedback from participating Summit delegates. The ATTA takes feedback to heart, and each year attempts to resolve and/or improve upon prior year performance in large part due to industry participating in feedback instruments. Have general feedback you wish to share with the ATTA? Email . Thanks in advance!

More than 25% of 2006 Adventure Travel World Summit Delegates Complete Post-Summit Survey – Here’s what they said:

Responses from the 10-question, 2006 post-Summit survey are helping the Adventure Travel Trade Association develop another powerful and memorable event for the 2007 Adventure Travel World Summit.

Fully one-quarter of 2006 Summit Delegates filled out the post-Summit survey, and with this feedback the ATTA aims to make the 2007 Summit fresh, engaging and on-point.

Below, you’ll find a snap-shot of various aspects of the Survey

• 95% of respondents stated that they were either “Extremely Satisfied” or “Satisfied” with the Summit – up 5% from the 2005 Adventure Travel World Summit
   
• On the Summit specifics scorecard, ATTA received higher than “Satisfied” in all categories except one (see figure one)
   
• For the desired location of the 2007 Summit, there was a virtual tie between Whistler and Seattle (see figure two)
   
• October is the number one preferred month desired for the ATTA’s annual Summit by a large margin(65%), with September in second (14%) (see figure three)
   
• 43% said that Summit Connections, the online networking schedule planner of the Summit, proved useful. 35% did not use it.
   
• Nearly twice as many reported “Forums” as their desired session type over “Workshops”.

     

Open-Ended Questions:
Here’s just a small sampling of a couple of the questions and some of the open-ended delegate feedback (no edits were made to the responses shown):

Regarding the Summit’s online networking community, Summit Connections, delegates were asked, “Please briefly describe how you used it and what worked best/worst:” and here’s how some people responded:

• I used it to view every attendee's website to evaluate whether or not they could benefit from my services. I was able to recognize people's name tags as a result. I did send a lot of emails and did not get a lot of responses. I believe the low response rate was because people never checked it - they did not want to take time to log on, etc.
   
• Most people I talked to couldn't figure out how to use it or didn't realize how powerful it was (including me). I finally got it the day activities began. I think it's a great tool, but I was only able to open it on my Mac at home, not on my PC at work. Bummer. I am anxious to use it to its full potential next year.
   
• Afterwards, I checked who was closest to my pin, and I discovered that an agent I met had very similar ideas. It's a great way to reach suppliers or attendees.
   
• Only exhibitors emailed me so it was not worthwhile to me. Plus, it's hard to remember yet ANOTHER password.
   
• The interaction between suppliers and travel agents was very useful.
   
• It sort of worked. It's unique. A few people contacted me because they saw I would be there. I didn't utilitze it the way I should have. Keep it for next year. Maybe more will use it. (myself included!)

When asked, “What was the lowest/worst point you experienced at the 2006 Adventure Travel World Summit?” here’s how some responded:

• Some of the keynotes were a little dry. I get the point. The world is coming to an end and we're all responsible for it. Talk about something new.
   
• Networking proved somewhat difficult as it was hard a few minutes in with certain "popular" attendees. I would sugggest some structured networking sesstions. Maybe something like speed dating, but for networking purposes.
   
• I felt some of the marketing tracks focusing on tactics were a bit elementary. I think a description of the breakout sessions in the program would help, as well as bios on the presenters.
   
• I also feel that how the association defines 'adventure' should be considered for future growth. The summit exceeded my expectations, as my concern was it's focus would be on active/river rafting travel niche, whereas the speakers presented the entire range, and it's apparent you realize adventure can be interpreted in a myriad of ways.
   
• This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but many of the sessions rehashed the same content as last year. A big challenge to the organization is how to keep these break out session fresh for next year while covering the important information people want to hear. Getting some new speakers would help.

When asked, “What was the highest/best point you experienced at the 2006 Adventure Travel World Summit?”

• The adventure day is fantastic - a great way to mingle and meet people without feeling like you are networking- fun day! There were some very interesting sessions and Brian Fagan was one that stood out for me as an exceptional speaker- who kept most people's interest. Moe as a great "host" -really great. Joe Robinson was also a stand out!
   
• I really enjoyed the tour operator who spoke Saturday morning. It was incredibly inspirational to hear about people making a difference through responsible tourism.
   
• The seminars were highly valuable. Working for a magazine, it was incredibly useful to understand what the tourism boards, agents, and operators do to grow.
   
• For me the keynotes proved a valuable source of inspiration. I am a marketing director and gained a wide range of perspectives in what motivates people to travel from gaining a better understanding of indigenous peoples, first-hand experiences with wildlife, archeology, history, and the much neglected theme of taking time off work (our productive side) to have fun viewed as a necessity, not a frivolous purchase, with health benefits. All in all, the benefit being, to learn more about ourselves. Also loved the quote: We conserve what we love, love what we understand, and understand what we are taught. That is a role travel can enhance that no book can teach.
   
• The networking. It's truly amazing to intermingle with the folks who attend this show, I always return home energized about what I do. I attend so many conferences throughout the year but this is the one that is directly related to all of the issues that we deal with on a day to day basis, and the people who you've chosen to speak, present, all have valuable resources and information for us. Thanks!

Please send recommendations for 2007 Adventure Travel World Summit speaker candidate, session and adventure recommendations to . Thanks in advance for your suggestions!