2021 ADI Virtual Conference Review

The Power of Positivity: Embracing Change

Having been an enthusiastic participant in many ADI conferences over the past 20 years – from the smaller ADI Trainers Conferences to the larger Annual ADI Conferences—I was thrilled to be given the option of attending this year virtually. Before I go further, I should share, technology is not always my friend. This was my first experience to attend an online conference of any type and I am pleased to say, I really enjoyed it.

With that context in mind, let me share the good, the great and the fabulous of the ADI 2021 Annual Virtual Conference.

Technology

I found the platform very user friendly and the communication clear. As previously disclosed, I am slightly (actually very…) cautious around using new technology. The easy to use technology supporting this event was really a great surprise!

Learning

At past in person conferences, much time was spent pouring over the program, weighing the many session options. With this new model, I’ve enjoyed having access to all of the presentations via recording.

The lineup of speakers was phenomenal - with so many interesting topics. If it had been in person (as someone in the training department of my organization) I would likely have attended all of the training track of presentations.

Knowing in advance I’d have access to everything, I attended a few admin track presentations live and met a group of different people than I would have in person.

I was able to catch up later and watch all the other presentations. For some of our staff who were unable to attend all 4 days due to team training, having the recordings gave them opportunity to benefit from the broad range of topics. This virtual “cross training” can only make us stronger as an organization.

Accessibility

As a result of the virtual platform, our organization was able to reallocate travel budget registrations – more staff attended than ever before. Some of our admin staff and management team were thrilled to attend their very first conference ever—there are a few silver linings to the current global health situation this is definitely one.

Relationships

A physical conference, especially for those of us that look forward to reconnecting with friends from past conferences the opportunity to connect and collaborate with peers is one of the main conference benefits. The opportunity to connect 1-to-1 during the random match networking sessions were enjoyed by introverts and extroverts alike. The easy-to-use platform opened opportunities to get to know people you might never have talked to in person.

Presenting

I was part of a panel of presenters, discussing the new standards. The training provided in advance with organizers was wonderful. They explained all aspects and put me at ease; ensuring the sessions ran smoothly for participants and presenters alike.

Overall, the conference lived up to its name – the Power of Positivity! It was evidence that anything is possible when many come together with hard work, a positive outlook and the willingness to find solutions.

We look forward to coming together in person again – and maybe our friends from down under will be able to sleep in!

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Margaret Hicks, Training Program Manager, Pacific Assistance Dogs

Margaret has trained assistance dogs for over 20 years and leads the training department at Pacific Assistance Dogs. She is passionate about learning and collaboration across the industry and as a result, sits on the ADI standards sub-committee. When not training life-changing dogs, she raises honeybees and fabulous teenage boys on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada with her husband Bruce.

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