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Large majority of survey respondents pleased with ASNE’s San Diego convention

Ninety percent of those who responded to the post-convention survey indicated that it met or exceeded their expectations. Best-selling author Daniel Pink and Facebook's Justin Osofsky were the highest-rated speakers, and a reception on the USS Midway and an evening at Qualcomm were the most popular social events.

An overwhelming majority of those attending this year's ASNE convention in San Diego were pleased with the conference, with 90 percent indicating it met or exceeded their expectations.

This year's ASNE convention, "Innovation. Motivation. Leadership" was held in San Diego, April 6-9 in conjunction with the Midyear Meeting of the Inter American Press Association.

The online-only survey was administered during a two-week period after the convention. Sixty-two of the 246 attendees completed the survey. A link to the full results and comments is here. (A PDF version of the results can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.)

Best-selling author Daniel Pink's session on employee motivation rated exceptionally high, with all respondents indicating it was very good (67 percent) or good (33 percent). "When the War Comes Home," a panel on the challenges faced by veterans returning to the U.S. from battle in Iraq in Afghanistan, which took place aboard the USS Midway and preceded the opening reception, also was highly rated. High marks also were given to Ken Paulson on his first speech as newly elected ASNE president, and to a discussion of U.S. and Mexico politics with CNN commentator and political strategist Donna Brazile and Pam Starr of the University of Southern California. The session was moderated by Milton Coleman, who served as the 2010-11 ASNE president.

Of the workshops, attendees gave top marks to "Facebook in the Newsroom" with Justin Osofsky, director of media partnerships at Facebook and "Managing Reader Comments" which was moderated by Raju Narisetti, managing editor, The Washington Post.

The opening reception on the Midway and a reception and dinner at the headquarters of computer-chip company Qualcomm were the highest rated social events.

"The reception on the Midway and Qualcomm were fantastic!" said one respondent. "And Gannett's breakfast for small newspapers continues to offer great ideas that I use in my newsroom every year."

President Obama led the list of speakers attendees would most like to hear at the 2012 convention, followed by the leading Republican presidential contenders.

Topics attendees want addressed include digital tablets, monetizing content, best practices, mobile strategies and managing and leading in times of change.

The 2012 convention will be held April 2-5 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington.

Attachment
2011 Convention Evaluation

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