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Memories of  2007
Memories of our Blue 2007 Conference still remain after three and a half months. By many benchmarks, the Blue Conference was a great success. Here is how we measured up:
Quantitatively:
- WOW! Over 400 research professionals from across Canada, USA and even Mexico enjoyed Our Changing Communities 2007 Conference at The Village at Blue Mountain on the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO world biosphere reserve.
- Nearly 1/3 of the participants were research buyers and we look forward to bringing more of our clients to future conferences.
- Thirty-five companies and organizations generously sponsored the Blue Conference. Not only did we achieve our targets, but we also exceeded previous conference sponsorships. Thank you, thank you, and thank you to all of our generous sponsors.
- Our Trade Show was spectacular with over 26 exhibitors and lots of interest among the delegates.
Qualitatively:
- The conference theme, Our Changing Communities: Insight through Innovation, was discussed by many plenary speakers from Gordon Cressy from the Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund Canada; John Evanson, HBC; JF Garneau, Intrawest Placemaking; Doug Miller,GlobeScan; Bruce Anderson, Decima Research and many others. Doug Millers presentation was extremely interesting about Canadian researchers role in world affairs. Many of the presentations are available at the MRIA 2007 Conference website.
- The first annual Researchers on the Rise session celebrated research conducted by our Canadian students. They shared their work on issues such as e-waste recycling, Ontarios international medical doctors and cultural sponsorships in small communities. Hope that you had the opportunity to meet your next research professional!
- Richard St. John, Success Analyst and author shared his insight of years of research on how to be successful. It was inspiring and I know there are about 100 of you who agreed and took the time to have Richard sign a copy of his book.
- Oh the fun! Check out the conference pictures. The Top of the Mountain was a superb evening under the stars. Can you imagine serving 370 of us with culinary delights from coast to coast!
- Finally, our Blue Conference was intended to be the ideal venue for networking. And network we did with colleagues, clients and future clients.
Our Conference Planning Team: Peggy Staite Wong, Michele Sexsmith, Maureen Wickham, Sheila Calhoun, Laurie Logan-Decaux, Gwen Cottle, and Trevor Clarke gave up their lives over the past year. When you see them at the next MRIA event, take a minute to thank them. In addition, special thanks to Jean and Niesa Silzer, Details! Conference Management for their amazing attention to details and to the MRIA staff, led by Brendan and Sylvie, for their moral and administrative support.
Tracy Bowman takes over the role as 2008 MRIA Conference Chair. Give her your support to make Winnipeg (May 25-28, 2008) an even greater success.
Robert A. G. Wong, M.C.I.P., C.M.R.P.
Conference Chair
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