PEAK2025 Reflections by

The evaluations disappeared and were hard to find at times in the app.

2025-04-02 19:48:53 UTC

Loved the activation station and how connected it was to our Competency Model

2025-04-02 19:49:59 UTC

Loved our keynotes this year! need to ask them sooner about slides so we can test them with Encore.

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 19:50:31 UTC

I think these were really well attended and participants appreciated having table topics they could join over breakfast

2025-04-02 19:50:45 UTC

Loved the topics but found them really hard to hear

2025-04-02 19:51:09 UTC

Tagging onto to an event that's already happening or that regularly occurs was smart because we weren't asking the nonprofit to do extra work for us!

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 19:52:17 UTC

I think we should try and steer all meetings to be set up in theater rather than each have different set ups that can be hard to deliver or prevent us maximizing these spaces well

2025-04-02 19:52:36 UTC

Topics were great, but I wouldn't hold two AMAs again at the same time.

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 19:53:00 UTC

Loved the new slack system with a virtual staff member helping to track work in progress and delegate to others on the ground

2025-04-02 19:53:15 UTC

Participation in our accessibility activities like the tour and webinar were really low. However, I think it's important for PEAK to still hold these types of events, and we can work on promoting them better for 2026.

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 19:54:45 UTC

Happy that we created an FAQ dedicated to accessibility

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 19:55:19 UTC

I'm glad that we ended on Wednesday at noon, I think we should keep that moving forward.

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 19:56:34 UTC

The black caucus reception at the New Orleans African American Museum was a learning experience that will help us implement good guardrails and requirements for offsite events in 2026.

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 19:59:49 UTC

Bookstore seemed like a welcome addition, but I think it should be a in a slightly more prominent spot next year so folks can find it easier. Maybe AMAs can stay towards the back?

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 20:01:40 UTC

Not having an all day GM101 session was great!

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 20:13:29 UTC

What price changes are we considering in 2026 for our sponsor and exhibitor packages?

2025-04-02 20:16:13 UTC

Loved the format this year, the panel was great

2025-04-02 20:16:54 UTC

AV was tough this year in the sessions I attended. Can the hotel provide one kind of mic/consistent mic setups?

2025-04-02 20:19:32 UTC

Love the mix of panels and solo keynotes.

2025-04-02 20:21:17 UTC

The performances were so fun!

2025-04-02 20:21:32 UTC

Loved having beverage stations available, helped the Solutions Center feel friendlier

2025-04-02 20:29:21 UTC

Similar to the bookstore, I also would like the activation station to be in a more prominent spot

2025-04-02 20:30:39 UTC

Would it be possible to have a more concrete agenda earlier for promotion?

2025-04-02 20:32:39 UTC

I noticed that a lot of presenters didn't use the podium mic or table provided and preferred walking around the room with the microphone.

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 20:35:03 UTC

Good variety of topics!

2025-04-02 20:35:17 UTC

Thinking about swag, could there be an option to make a donation to PEAK instead?

2025-04-02 20:36:23 UTC

Sometimes the screen was setup in the far corner of the room instead of the center, which sometimes made it slightly difficult for some folks to see it. I'm thinking this was an outlet issue, as it seemed to happen in rooms with airwalls.

kristen321 — 2025-04-02 20:36:33 UTC

Great location for the staff room this year

2025-04-02 20:40:22 UTC

Loved these! But they may need a dedicated space outside of the Solutions Center.

2025-04-02 20:41:20 UTC

Appreciate our approach to sponsor remarks

2025-04-02 20:42:33 UTC

Liked having some downtime as staff in the evenings

2025-04-02 20:45:08 UTC

Once expenses are in, will YPTC share suggestions on where to potentially cut costs with the team?

2025-04-02 20:52:12 UTC

I liked staff arriving on different days as needed

2025-04-02 21:04:32 UTC

It was really helpful having more core team meetings in the lead up to PEAK2025

2025-04-02 21:07:04 UTC

If we could set a deadline for finalizing speakers that would be really helpful. Adding bios, headshots, and creating speaker agreements at the last minute was difficult with all the other logistics.

kristen321 — 2025-04-03 14:45:53 UTC

Great location for the hotel! So close to restaurants, convenient stores, entertainment, etc. I know members appreciated that.

2025-04-03 17:57:00 UTC

Loved the earlier time of the GM101 and Newcomer Receptions on Sunday.

2025-04-03 18:03:13 UTC

We should have a snack or ice cream break in the Solutions Center one afternoon to bring more people in.

2025-04-03 18:04:38 UTC

Having the volunteer opportunity on Sunday was a great idea!

2025-04-03 18:09:33 UTC

Having them all at the same time worked well.

2025-04-03 18:10:07 UTC

Totally understand why it is not possible to have an agenda before the early registration deadline, but we do need to be more transparent about when members can expect the agenda.

2025-04-03 18:16:42 UTC

Great idea to have the staff morning huddle not include breakfast this year. I loved having breakfast with the members.

2025-04-03 18:19:08 UTC

The board members who had speaking roles on the mainstage did a great job.

2025-04-03 18:20:14 UTC

This year it felt like the annual membership meeting didn't drag on. Maybe because of the panel?

2025-04-03 19:00:44 UTC

It was great to have coaching on a main hallway. It gave it more visibility. I also know from a few attendees that there was a wait list and that it worked!

2025-04-03 19:03:28 UTC

I heard from a few folks that they wish we didn't have competing pre-convening workshops. The peer network leader retreat was another one, and I know people were choosing between them.

2025-04-03 19:04:19 UTC

Thanks to the Comms and K&L teams for getting the session descriptions on the website as early as they could! I know posting this earlier in the registration process would be better - could we shift the registration timeline to start later in the year?

2025-04-03 19:06:26 UTC

Attendees really appreciated the wellness room, though I heard it was a bit cramped and had no windows.

2025-04-03 19:06:59 UTC

I heard from some attendees that they were going to sponsor/exhibitor gatherings on Monday during the Welcome Reception. Is that allowed?

2025-04-03 19:07:47 UTC

Could we open registration in December? That way we wouldn't sell out before the new fiscal year and more members who don't have professional development dollars until then can still have spaces to register.

2025-04-03 19:09:09 UTC

PEAK staff should wear matching jumpsuits the last day (Haas inspired!)

2025-04-07 14:57:31 UTC

Using the app for determining room assignments worked great

2025-04-07 17:15:52 UTC

Having the screen in the corner of rooms made it difficult for attendees and presenters to see

2025-04-07 17:16:32 UTC

Staff in breakouts - Some volunteers didn't show up to sessions they were assigned/signed up for, or identify themselves in the room, so staff should be prepared to do the session introduction and closing. They may not need to do it, but we can be the constant to ensure it goes smoothly.

carolyn181 — 2025-04-07 17:31:03 UTC

We should be sure to add the announcement about the Solutions Center Bingo winner to Wednesday's Closing Keynote talking points.

2025-04-07 18:45:47 UTC

We only had 35 completed Solutions Center Bingo cards turned in. We may consider printing fewer and distributing upon request.

2025-04-07 18:46:40 UTC

Think the registration of support attendants worked really well

2025-04-07 19:25:22 UTC

Keynote ROS and talking points ready earlier would help to incorporate sponsors, board members, etc.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:05:19 UTC

Some speakers shared dismay about how session descriptions were edited. Recommend significantly lighter editing in the future.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:08:54 UTC

Sessions were selected by mid-January but were not posted on the website until March. Can we tighten up the process for better promotion and communication to our members?

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:10:08 UTC

Heard from many exhibitors that it was our best Solutions Center location and space!

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:10:45 UTC

Core team meetings are mostly updates and include a large number of staff. Would welcome more opportunities for smaller groups of cross-departmental teams to collaborate and accomplish work together.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:11:48 UTC

Recommend only having committee cochairs speak on the mainstage moving forward- we already have a lot of moving pieces and folks to accommodate (sponsors, board, staff)

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:12:37 UTC

Once volunteers and staff have shared preferences on sessions to support, it'd be great to assign one lead person to open and close the breakout.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:15:20 UTC

It'd be great to have a short training for folks who are opening and closing breakout sessions - maybe a 3 minute recording of what to do?

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:15:45 UTC

Consider only having a regular registration rate - no more early registration rate!

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:16:21 UTC

Better coordination on asks to board members as speakers would be great.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:18:53 UTC

There was some confusion about the joint GM101/Volunteer Retreat lunch together. It'd be great to communicate that early. We did a good job on location making it work!

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:20:52 UTC

Better communication on start times and locations for precons to all staff involved would be really helpful. Felt like we were scrambling to figure it out.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:22:07 UTC

Materials for the volunteer retreat were requested in time but were not in the room as needed when we were setting up.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:22:56 UTC

For the PEAK cafe, we should get a least one table next year that doesn't use stools. Some folks had a hard time getting up on the chairs.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:23:40 UTC

Ask attendees and staff to please not wear strong fragrances/perfumes. It's an accessibility/inclusivity issue for folks with allergies.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:24:30 UTC

Next year, it'd be great to handle all the receptions in the same way - have templates ready for the ROS saved in the same place and staff have consistent roles in each.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:25:16 UTC

Better internal communications on room set-up limitations early on would help the CE communicate to volunteers what they can expect.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:26:03 UTC

Internal communications around the convening continues to be a struggle. It'd be great to have firm deadlines and milestones for all staff- and more consistent communication to everyone on updates and needs.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:32:06 UTC

Great to have a breakout presented by the PEAK team to promote our services. Would be great to do again next year.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:33:57 UTC

Members would love to see the breakout session descriptions earlier, if possible.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:34:28 UTC

It'd be great to incorporate a few days proactively and intentionally in the timeline for staff testing of the app - to ensure that all receptions and sessions are included.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:36:44 UTC

Very helpful to have MCE team have access to the admin side of CVENT to support members directly.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:37:10 UTC

We should come up with a plan for whenever someone is speaking at a reception or meal to ensure the room is quiet and folks listen. This is really important to ensure sponsors have a positive experience.

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:39:57 UTC

The additional staff support was very helpful this year!

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-07 20:41:31 UTC

This year, we decided to forgo the staff dinner to save some expense. When I reflected, I realized what a good moment of connection and anchoring it has been. If possible, I'd love to see this added back in.

carolyn181 — 2025-04-08 13:25:47 UTC

Curious how talking points from the keynote can be threaded through our comms strat throughout the year

raenorman — 2025-04-08 15:17:59 UTC

jen715 — 2025-04-08 15:18:05 UTC

I had a hard time with Encore. Being looped in earlier would have made for more ease and alignment between vision and reality during the on-site experience.

Releasing the timeslots closer to the convening allowed for attendees to create their schedule first, and led to less no-shows.

kristen321 — 2025-04-08 15:19:03 UTC

Pre-schedule post-convening communications of gratitude to sponsors and exhibitors in the future

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-08 15:21:54 UTC

Would love more clarity on deadlines/timelines so that we can better collaborate (such as when the App will launch, when rooms will be assigned, etc.)

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-08 15:23:39 UTC

jen715 — 2025-04-08 15:23:49 UTC

Guiding questions crowdsourced via connect might be cool

Include in the schedule from the very beginning :)

SaraSandersPEAK — 2025-04-08 15:25:46 UTC

I'd like to have an internal AV tech run through 3+ weeks before the convening, which would go through all mainstage PPTs and talking point/speaker flows from keynotes to annual meeting to any other programming there.

caitlin318 — 2025-04-08 15:43:05 UTC

Photographer

2025-04-08 15:47:31 UTC

Maybe just me, but I didn't notice any photographers during sessions

Staff roles during sessions

2025-04-08 15:49:03 UTC

At times, it was unclear who should deliver the intro/outro speech and whether staff were responsible for this task.

Remember to continuously plug the need to vote during the convening via app and announcements

zakiyahjwilliams — 2025-04-08 15:50:13 UTC

Intro speakers and Evaluations

2025-04-08 15:52:02 UTC

Does each session need an intro person besides the main speaker? Also, for the conclusion, can session speakers announce to attendees to do an evaluation in the app?

We need their information earlier. We've struggled with this each year. It will never change if we don't get the info before the new year. Understanding the shift in leadership in January, is it possible to plan in the winter?

zakiyahjwilliams — 2025-04-08 15:52:42 UTC

Include Core Team in layout planning.

zakiyahjwilliams — 2025-04-08 15:55:19 UTC

High ROI for PEAK, let's try to do this again next year with a sponsor.

zakiyahjwilliams — 2025-04-08 15:56:16 UTC

Early morning sessions don't do as well as other later times, so peer groups feel short-changed when they're given this slot.

2025-04-08 15:56:34 UTC

Having sessions during lunch and near food worked very well!

2025-04-08 15:57:22 UTC

Well attended, a bit hard to hear, wondering if moving the location makes them feel too formal? Open to suggestions? Could we add a microphone, the goal is to be informal, low barrier?

zakiyahjwilliams — 2025-04-08 15:57:56 UTC

Groups that had snack bags were confused if they could use them - perhaps include a sheet that announces who gets the snacks - such as, 'Snacks for Small Foundations Affinity Group.'

2025-04-08 15:59:24 UTC

The board was super visible, and had many speaking roles. Gift and the curse. Is there a balance?

zakiyahjwilliams — 2025-04-08 16:03:38 UTC

Push notifications: lets work together to time and check for correctness. One staffer should take lead. Also, not all attendees enable these. What's our work-around plan for troubleshooting for real-time updates, if there is one? Open to suggestions

zakiyahjwilliams — 2025-04-08 17:08:15 UTC

Alot of folks were hunting for coffee in between sessions. Perhaps get a sponsor for 'we have coffee' to drive members to visit the Center more often

2025-04-08 18:33:31 UTC

Local Representation: Wondering if City tourism folks would want a table to showcase their city?

2025-04-08 18:37:35 UTC

Should we seek to invite local professional coaches to mix things up?

2025-04-08 18:41:10 UTC

I heard so much great feedback on the Data Visualization, folks want virtual access

2025-04-08 18:43:16 UTC

Logistics were still being figured out as the sessions were starting, which cuts it close. Perhaps have a short logistics mtg w the Convening/Marva's team the day before to confirm pre-convening needs.

2025-04-08 18:50:28 UTC

These were really great and loved having them during breakfast over 2 days

2025-04-08 18:53:57 UTC

2025-04-08 20:52:18 UTC

We should disclose the hotel details only after someone registers for the event. This prevents non registrants from taking spots on the room block.

Attendee Communications

2025-04-08 21:08:13 UTC

Once registration opened, those who took advantage of early registration did not hear any additional details about the convening from us for months. Can we implement some sort of monthly drip campaign to registrants? Each month leading up to the convening, we could send out something ex. promo for session speakers, know before you go, what to wear while you’re there etc. just to keep them informed and engaged.

Call for proposals

2025-04-08 21:13:28 UTC

Can we send this out earlier to give K&L more time so we can then notify attendees of breakout sessions and keynotes sooner.

Comms taking the lead in managing the session title and description edit requests in Cvent was so helpful!

2025-04-08 23:23:20 UTC

I think we should consider offering presenters a swag gift or something outside a discount on registration.

2025-04-09 00:06:07 UTC

Some tables were confused when things started to transition to keynotes, I didn't notice if announcements were made, but it would be helpful to get a '5 min wrap-it-up warning' and when the time is done, as hotel staff prep for the next session.

2025-04-09 15:23:33 UTC

Meet early in the process to firm up which comms other stakeholders want to be engaged in so that everything gets squared away before we're onsite.

jesse308 — 2025-04-09 18:52:36 UTC

The session topics were great, ranging from things that would interest newbies to those that were for people who've been in GM a lot longer

2025-04-10 12:23:04 UTC

Make sure staff or volunteers sign up to attend these too to help with any issues

2025-04-10 12:28:57 UTC