Survey Round-Up

After all the post-Pub U surveys were in, we spent over a month (there were more than 600 comments in addition to the multiple choice questions that were answered) analyzing and categorizing the results into actionable items. Through that process, we were able to create a Top 10 list, here it is (in no specific order)

1) The exhibit hall space was too cramped.

2) The meeting rooms were too cold.

3) There were multiple comments requesting we reengage with the following speakers: Joe Wikert (Technology), Scott Schwertly (Marketing), Gabe Lyons (Design), Steve O'Keefe (Publicity), Michele Miller (Marketing). Interesting note - all five of these speakers dealt with progressive and future-trend issues.

4) On the question of what future topics we pursue, the most popular topics were: Internet marketing, technology and ebooks.

5) There were many requests for an Advanced Management (Leadership) track.

6) The opening session was too long and not well-organized.

7) People expressed a desire to see some sort of organized discussion and networking time.

8) An outside (non-Christian publishing) perspective is helpful, but don't overdo it.

9) Roundtable sessions with "hot-button" topics such as the Green Press Initiative were very well received.

10) One of the most-oft heard comments related to some of the sessions needed to have representatives from other communities in attendance. For instance, there was a session in the design track that really needed to have the heads of marketing departments in attendance, but they were all in the Marketing Track sessions.

In the coming posts, I will go over each one of these and talk about how we are going to address them.