Bigger and Better: World Conferences Go Every Other Year

One of the decisions that came out of the International Board of Directors meeting this past March was the unanimous approval for the World Conference to take place every other year. After the 2017 World Conference in Manchester, England, the next will be held in 2019. This change has been discussed for many years and is already being welcomed as a long-overdue adjustment by several clubs as they look for ways to improve the quality and attendance at their regional conferences.

Background: It has always been a struggle to fill our World Conferences to capacity. Full conferences such as those in Washington, D.C. in 2010, New Orleans in 2013, and Vancouver in 2015 are the exception. Most years we have as many as 100 spaces left available to sell, which amounts to lost revenue for FFI, not just in terms of conference fees, but also the cost involved with planning the conference. These empty seats also mean lost opportunities to share with, educate, and learn from our attendees.

Does having the World Conference every year spread us (and our attendees) too thin financially and dilute the conference’s appeal? At FFI we’ve been asking this question for a few years now, and we’ve toyed with the idea of having it in alternate years. Now, as we approach our 40th anniversary year, the time seems right for this change.

Having the FFI World Conference every other year should allow us to:

1. build anticipation with a longer break between conferences
2. provide more calendar room for members to participate in regional conferences and events
3. plan a bigger and different kind of conference with more to offer
4. attract more attendees
5. reduce planning costs
6. have time to implement changes based on feedback from the previous conference
7. organize a smaller, different event in non-conference years

The importance of the events planned for 2018 and in subsequent “non-conference” years cannot be understated. These respites from World Conference preparation gives all of Friendship Force an opportunity to plan a slightly smaller, alternative event, such as a friendship festival or development project that aims to enhance our mission and progress in some way.

As we institute this change, we want to hear from you! What would you like to see at future World Conferences? What events might you like to see in the non-conference years?

Feel free to submit your comment below!

Estimados amigos de Perú

En el viaje de regreso a Georgia tuve tiempo suficiente para pensar en mi breve pero memorable primer visita  como Presidente a su hermoso país. Yo no debería estar sorprendido, pero me conmovió el cuidado y la atención que cada uno de ustedes tuvo para lograr el éxito de su convención anual.

Vicenta Molina, wife of founder of Lima Club

Tour of Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores

Lunch with conference participants

Cada club de Friendship Force contribuye de forma única con el poder y la voz de nuestra misión; y Perú no se queda atrás. Quedó claro en la convención de que no sólo hay un deseo sincero sobre el éxito de los clubes en diferentes partes del país, sino también desarrollar actividades más significativas que mantengan a la Familia de Friendship Force más inspirados y llenos de energía al nivel local. Tengan la seguridad de que sus ideas, las cuales compartieron conmigo durante la convención serán compartidas con otros en mis conversaciones.

Laura compartió con ustedes nuestras prioridades: la estabilización de la sede, la  implementación del plan estratégico y mejorar nuestra comunicación. Estas prioridades son muy importantes pero no tan importante, como la construcción de nuevas amistades que amplían nuestra comprensión del mundo; Ustedes hicieron eso conmigo, y es un honor para mi hacer nuevos amigos.

Estaré respondiendo a sus conclusiones en las próximas semanas, y por supuesto me dará mucho gusto verlos a todos en el futuro!

En Amistad.

Jeremi