We consider what we thought worked well, what didn't work quite so well and what we can do better or differently next time. We also compare the Personalisation event to previous regional events we've run, both on the Equality Act 2010 (in Nottingham, June this year and one in Leicester, June last year).
- In future, we should ask attendees to evaluate events against stated outcomes, rather than against what delegates thought, hoped (or imagined) would be taking place. This Personalisation event was the first at which we overtly stated outcomes; putting them on screen several times, although we didn't put them on the evaluation form: that's what we'll do differently next time.
- We discuss sharing good practice on use of t-loop system, in terms of main speakers, questions from the floor, roving microphone - and of provision by venues.
- Delegates will be encouraged to book on workshops in advance, rather than choose on the day (which would help reception function better).
- Delegate badges to show which workshops they are booked on
- If possible, in future we should have two desks for reception on opposite sides of the room (divided alphabetically and clearly signed).
- We'll favour venues where the entrance for the main hall is at back, so that late entrants don't have to walk past speakers, and staff coming and going don't distract from the speakers or others on the platform.
- We'll create generic signage that can be sued at all events
- We should consider the distance from the main hall to wherever food is being served. Attendees with mobility problems can be adversely affected if this distance is too great.
- REDP personnel should always carry with them info regarding location of workshops etc
- The timing of the main sessions was "crisp" (thanks to our Chair); timing of breakout sessions wasn't crisp enough.
- Few organisations have the clout to organise or host an event on this scale in the present circumstances. We should strengthen this in terms of relationships with hosting venues
- What we're calling the "craft area" was in a nice, spacious and well-lit area, but saw very little traffic
- We should see workshops as mini conferences, with stated outcomes. In evaluation forms, delegates will be asked if workshop(s) met outcomes and workshop presenters will help draw up these outcomes and sign up to them.
- We're obliged to identify equality and diversity issues in all the topic areas we cover. We wonder if we did enough to convey that in the event - and to emphasise equality and diversity themes to members of the Core Reference Group and to other agencies, groups and organisations involved with REDP.
- We'll be discussing how to showcase VCS organisations based in Derby and/or Derbyshire at the forthcoming Human Rights event in a "mini expo".
