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The Future of CURAC Regional Conferences

By Joan CunningtonOntario Colleges Retirees’

Association (Seneca College)

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The Current Status of CURAC Regional Conferences

• Six successful regional conferences have been held in the Maritime provinces

• The first Ontario regional conference took place on October 15, 2012, in Toronto

• BC CURAC members gather regularly at joint meetings known as “The Summit”– Each association takes its turn as host– Helped with organizing 2012 CURAC conference

and AGM in Victoria

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What`s happening in the rest of Canada – the Prairies?

• Not too many CURAC members in the region– Newer colleges and universities have few if any

retirees – Distances can be a deterrent – Suppose Regina were chosen as a regional

conference site?• Edmonton – Regina: 486 mi 782 km, 7 hr 41 min• Calgary – Regina: 471 mi 758 km, 7 hr 18 min• Winnipeg – Regina: 356 mi 573 km 6 h 13 min

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What’s Happening in the Rest of Canada – Quebec?

• Potential for regional conferences needs reassessment following changes in CURAC membership in Quebec – Folding of University of Quebec retiree

associations – Withdrawal of Laval University retirees from

CURAC membership– Remaining CURAC members in Quebec are English

speaking institutions

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The Present and Possible Future Situation

• Based on the foregoing, the outlook nationwide for regional conferences is rather mixed

• Contemplate another scenario– Suppose no member association is willing to host

the 2015 conference and AGM?• It takes at least one year of hard work for the local

organizing committee to raise the necessary funds and organize all the details• Should a change of the annual conference and

AGM format be considered?

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The Future of Regional Conferences?

• Could regional conferences held in alternating years augment the present annual national conference if it were held biennually?

• What benefits might accrue from such regional conferences?

• Since we must have an AGM, is an AGM by tele- or video-conference feasible?

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Benefits of CURAC Regional Conferences

• Greater participation of individual retirees and their CURAC member associations in local conferences– Generate increased interest and participation in national conference

and AGM• Flexibility of session topics and conference format

– Focus on local issues - go beyond usual topics– Encourage individuals to “Have Their Say”

• Enhance CURAC’s visibility and relevance in the region – Invite non-member associations to participate and become CURAC

members• Easier to organize than the national conference• More affordable for attendees

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Collected Wisdom (1)Towards Regional Conference Success

• Location– Reasonable access for attendees• Public transit if available• Maximum two- or three-hour drive• Reasonably priced hotels/motels nearby if needed

• Cost– Conference fee should be low • Provide refreshments only, i.e. tea, coffee, water• Outside speakers if required should be pro bono• Keep operating expenses to a minimum

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Collected Wisdom (2)Towards Regional Conference Success

• Conference format:– Select high-quality topics that spark debate for

discussion in “buzz” groups• Provide many opportunities for individual participation

– Arrange lunch near the conference site or in a large cafeteria where participants can gather at tables according to topic of interest• Similar to AROHE conference breakfast topic tables

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Collected Wisdom (3)

• Conference organization:– Rotate hosting responsibilities (as in BC)– Share the load – volunteers from other groups can help host

association with conference planning , e.g. BC groups– Hold the conference at a non-member institution?

• Appoint a national executive member as regional conference coordinating facilitator or establish standing regional conference organizations– To provide assistance when needed

• Cultivate connections with active personnel at possible conference sites– Coordinate with local retiree associations as well

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Collected Wisdom (4)

• Make sure participants complete evaluation forms – Provides opportunity for more input from individuals– Ask for ideas for future conferences– Find out what went well, what could be improved, and

what can be omitted next time• Example: Ambient noise in a room where there are

several discussion groups makes listening very difficult for those who wear hearing aids or have other hearing problems• If possible, have “buzz” groups in separate rooms

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Most Essential for Future Regional Conference Success

• Champions who will seize the idea …. and make it happen

-------------------------• Tarun Ghose’s pioneering work led the

development of regional CURAC conferences-------------------------

• I would like to thank all those kind people who responded so promptly and helpfully to my emails asking for their opinions about regional conferences.