REGION Winner:
Region 1 Fall Forum - reconfigured into the virtual
2020 CARE Conference
because Corona Ain't Ruining Everything!
As the name (CARE = Corona Ain’t Running Everything) indicates, the impact of Covid-19 was significant in every aspect of the planning and delivery of this event. The traditional Region 1 Fall Forum had to be transitioned from an in-person 1-day event into a virtual 5-day conference. Everything was done virtually, from the 8 months of team planning meetings, to the event itself. Speakers had to adjust their presentation to an on-line format. Room hosts had to become proficient at Zoom and its many features. Organizers had to develop on-line activities for networking. Technical support and teamwork became paramount to pivot and adapt as the entire Park and Recreation industry responded to Covid-19. While Covid-19 presented numerous challenges in the planning and delivery of this event, the planning team’s innovative response created unexpected positives. Most notably, the 2020 format saw an unexpected increase in member participation, totaling 330 attendees. The virtual structure included more out-of-area speakers than previous Fall Forums. Also, the on-line sessions were recorded, and are now a resource that can reach even more Park and Recreation professionals.