tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37417991.post3863091170054753620..comments2024-03-27T18:54:37.777-07:00Comments on The Ombuds Blog: Opinion: IOA Should Seek Strategic Partners for its Annual ConferenceTom Kosakowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14264466024238046628noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37417991.post-22856825380138492192015-03-09T11:59:04.059-07:002015-03-09T11:59:04.059-07:00I support this idea of IOA capitalizing on economi...I support this idea of IOA capitalizing on economies of scale by joining with a strategic partner to hold a joint conference. This possibility also seems like it would help the bottom line of the conference, another win-win!! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37417991.post-53487089377550061482015-03-09T08:12:09.602-07:002015-03-09T08:12:09.602-07:00I can't argue with your point that joint confe...I can't argue with your point that joint conferences with other Ombuds organizations were enjoyable and well attended. However, they don't provide any significant opportunity to grow the OO brand.<br /><br />I don't think there's anything shameful about a continental breakfast. I go to the conferences for professional development, not food. I'm fine with a small breakfast.Tom Kosakowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14264466024238046628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37417991.post-15512020121822712632015-03-06T11:16:04.897-08:002015-03-06T11:16:04.897-08:00Thanks Tom! These are some great ideas, in my hum...Thanks Tom! These are some great ideas, in my humble opinion.Viknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37417991.post-65565942165539596312015-03-06T07:28:48.149-08:002015-03-06T07:28:48.149-08:00In June, 2000 we had a joint conference ' The ...In June, 2000 we had a joint conference ' The Second Ombudsman Leadership Forum Conference" held in San Francisco, CA. The partners were: Assoc. of Canadian College & University Ombuds, Canadian Ombudsman Assoc., National Assoc of State Ombudsman Programs, TOA, USOA and UCOA. It was an awesome conference with a dinner cruise sponsored by Chevron which provided an enjoyable venue of networking. We had great informative speakers, workshops and wonderful food. It was what a conference should be!! Unfortunately based on the IOA conference brochure for this April, where the Conference Theme has SHAMEFULLY remained the same for the past 5 years and we have returned to Continental Breakfast, it seems we are moving 10 steps back not 5 steps forward. For the exorbitant fees paid to the new management group, this should be one of their top priorities to work on with endorsement from the Board. The conference should be the HIGHLIGHT/BENEFIT of being an IOA member, without cuts - only to increase the management fees.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com