2026 International Convention · Louisville, Kentucky

Satisfaction Survey: Full Results

Per International Policy 0106, Convention Survey results shall be posted for member review. This report publishes the complete results of the post-convention satisfaction survey. 58 attendees responded between August 28 and September 15, 2026.

Every question is included. Rating and multiple-choice questions show the number of responses and percentages. Every written comment is included in full, as submitted, including spelling. Comments are lightly edited only to remove personal or identifying information, such as names of individual members and staff, club names, and personal circumstances. Each edit is marked in [square brackets].

To protect respondent privacy, the optional name and club question and the amounts of financial assistance respondents reported are not published. Age groups with very few respondents are combined.

You Shared. We’re Listening.

In addition to rating their convention experience, attendees shared thoughtful comments and suggestions about everything from programming and scheduling to meals, transportation and convention costs. We value that feedback and use it as part of the planning process each year.

Some aspects of convention planning also involve contractual requirements, financial considerations and logistical factors that may not be visible to attendees. As part of sharing this year’s survey results, we wanted to provide additional context around several of the themes we heard most often.

Topics: Banquet Pricing · How We Select a Convention City · Convention Length & Scheduling · Convention Transportation · Fundraising at Convention · Churchill Downs Registration · Civitan Supply House

Banquet Pricing

You Shared

Several attendees expressed concern about the cost of the Closing Banquet, particularly in relation to the meal served.

A Look Behind the Scenes

We understand that an $85 banquet ticket can feel expensive. What may be less visible is that Civitan International does not set that price as a fundraiser or add a profit margin to the cost of the meal.

Convention hotels generally require all food and beverage served in their meeting and event spaces to be purchased directly through the hotel. Our contracts do not allow us to bring in outside food or select a lower-cost outside caterer. Hotel banquet pricing is also subject to significant service charges and applicable taxes, which substantially increase the final per-person cost beyond the listed menu price.

When selecting the Closing Banquet menu, our staff intentionally looks for the most affordable entrée option that can appropriately serve a large group. The amount charged to attendees is designed only to cover those costs. Civitan does not make a profit on banquet tickets and, in some years, absorbs a portion of the cost rather than passing the full expense along to attendees.

Looking Ahead

Affordability will continue to be a priority in menu selection and hotel negotiations. We also heard the feedback regarding food quality and will continue to communicate those expectations to our hotel and catering partners.

How We Select a Convention City

You Shared

Attendees offered a wide range of suggestions about where future conventions should be held, including requests for different regions of the country, lower-cost destinations, convenient airport access and cities with plenty to see and do.

A Look Behind the Scenes

Selecting an International Convention location involves considerably more than choosing a city—or finding an attractive hotel room rate online.

For the 2026 Convention alone, Civitan International distributed more than 15 requests for proposals to destinations and properties across different regions of the country. Each proposal was evaluated based on the total cost of hosting the convention, not simply the nightly guest-room rate.

That distinction is important. A hotel may advertise an appealing room rate but charge substantial rental fees for the ballrooms, breakout rooms and other meeting space our convention requires. Another property may offer that meeting space at little or no additional cost based on the number of guest rooms our attendees occupy and the amount of food and beverage purchased through the hotel. Hotels may also require significant food-and-beverage minimums as part of the contract.

As a result, a hotel with a lower advertised room rate can sometimes be considerably more expensive for the convention as a whole.

When evaluating proposals, we consider the complete package: guest-room rates, meeting-space rental, food and beverage requirements, audiovisual expenses, transportation needs, taxes and service charges, accessibility, airport access and other contractual terms. We also have to ensure that a property has enough sleeping rooms, ballroom space and breakout rooms to accommodate our entire program.

Geography is part of that equation, too. We want Civitan Convention to visit different parts of the country, and our site search reflects that. However, some markets—particularly higher-cost major metropolitan areas—can result in guest-room rates and overall convention costs that we do not believe are reasonable to pass along to our members. When that happens, we may choose a more affordable destination even if another city or region has been frequently requested.

Looking Ahead

We will continue casting a wide geographic net when sourcing future conventions. Our goal is to find the best overall combination of affordability, accessibility, appropriate meeting space and an enjoyable destination while keeping the total cost of attending convention as manageable as possible.

Convention Length & Scheduling

You Shared

We received feedback asking for a shorter convention—and we also received requests for more workshops, repeated workshop sessions, longer Hot Topics discussions, additional fellowship opportunities, more time between sessions and more free time to explore the host city.

A Look Behind the Scenes

This is one of the most challenging balancing acts in building the convention schedule. International Convention must accommodate required organizational business and governance activities while also providing educational programming, recognition, fellowship, fundraising activities and opportunities to experience the host city.

Adding another workshop session or extending a popular program can provide more value for some attendees, but it also means adding time elsewhere, overlapping activities or extending the convention—and potentially requiring attendees to stay another night. Conversely, shortening the convention can reduce lodging costs, but it also means fewer programming opportunities or a more condensed schedule with less time between activities.

There isn’t one schedule that will perfectly match every attendee’s priorities, which is why feedback about both the content and pace of convention is important to us.

Looking Ahead

As we develop future convention schedules, we will continue looking for the right balance between required business, education, fellowship and free time while remaining mindful of the additional cost that an extra convention day can create for attendees.

Convention Transportation

You Shared

Some attendees expressed concern about the type and comfort of transportation provided for off-site convention activities.

A Look Behind the Scenes

Transportation is another area where comfort and cost have to be carefully balanced. Charter motorcoaches provide a different experience than school-style buses, but they can also add significantly to the cost of an event. Chartering buses can cost thousands of dollars even for relatively short trips, and as stewards of Civitan’s financial resources, we have to weigh that expense against the impact it would have on registration and event pricing.

For each off-site activity, staff evaluates the number of people being transported, distance, availability, accessibility and cost before selecting transportation. Our goal is to provide safe, reliable transportation while keeping optional event costs as affordable as possible.

Looking Ahead

We heard the feedback about comfort and accessibility and will continue evaluating transportation options with both the attendee experience and overall convention cost in mind.

Fundraising at Convention

You Shared

A few respondents felt there was too much emphasis on fundraising during convention and expressed a preference for focusing more convention time and resources on clubs and members.

A Look Behind the Scenes

Fundraising has long been part of the International Convention experience, but not every fundraising activity supports the same purpose.

Proceeds from the Breakthru Golf Benefit and Walk & Roll directly support the Civitan International Research Center (CIRC). The 2026 Live Auction, meanwhile, benefited the Civitan Impact Fund, which directly supports the work of Civitan International.

That distinction is important. The overwhelming majority of Civitan’s philanthropic fundraising is directed to the CIRC. The Impact Fund provides an opportunity to invest directly in Civitan International and its ability to serve and strengthen the organization. A strong International organization supports the infrastructure behind our clubs and members—from membership growth and leadership development to technology, programs, communications and resources that help Civitans carry out our mission in their own communities.

Fundraising opportunities at convention are voluntary and separate from convention registration. We also heard a range of perspectives about these activities: while some respondents would prefer less emphasis on fundraising, others specifically identified the live auction as a highlight of their convention experience.

Looking Ahead

We will continue to be thoughtful about the place fundraising occupies within International Convention and transparent about where those dollars go. Our goal is to provide opportunities to support both the CIRC and Civitan International while maintaining convention’s primary focus on our members, clubs, organizational business, education, recognition and fellowship.

Churchill Downs Registration

You Shared

Some President’s Council members were unclear that they needed to register in advance for the Churchill Downs event, even though their admission was complimentary.

What We Learned

This one is on us. While President’s Council members received complimentary admission, we still needed an advance registration from each attendee in order to plan transportation and provide accurate attendance guarantees to the venue. That distinction was not communicated clearly enough.

Looking Ahead

For future events, we will make it clearer when complimentary admission still requires advance registration and explain why that registration is necessary.

Civitan Supply House

You Shared

Several attendees wanted to see a larger selection of Civitan merchandise available at convention, including additional apparel, drinkware and items appropriate for gifts or recognition.

A Look Behind the Scenes

Bringing a Supply House to convention requires purchasing or producing inventory in advance, transporting that inventory to the convention site and managing unsold merchandise afterward. Expanding the selection can provide attendees with more choices, but it also increases the financial risk of purchasing inventory that may not sell.

As Civitan continues evaluating how the Supply House operates, we are looking at ways to balance the variety members want with responsible inventory management and pricing.

Looking Ahead

The feedback about merchandise variety was clear, and we will use it as we evaluate future convention offerings and the broader Supply House program.

The complete survey results follow, question by question.

Overall satisfaction

How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the 2026 International Convention?

58 of 58 respondents answered

Why did you choose the overall rating above?

47 responses

1. Interesting activities; good variety of workshops, innovative Opening, the auction was fun thanks to our emcees!
2. Louisville was great. Galt was great.
3. I had so much fun at the convention
4. Instilled excitement in attendees, great gathering of old friends, most workshops were first rate that I got to attend.
5. Everything was very good
6. The hotel was very accommodating and spacious for our meeting needs.
7. Great events and a superb location! I loved having so much within walking distance of the hotel. Hotel was great too!!
8. This was a Civitan reset for me. I really appreciated the organization.
9. Because it ran fairly smoothly
10. It was the usual good performance.
11. It was wonderfully organized, hospitable, and full of opportunity to get to know others. The workshops were excellent, and the excursions were perfect.
12. It was a enjoyable time. Civitan Activities but other activities to get know Louisville.
13. I liked the mix of time to do Civitan business and the time to explore the location we were in and connect with Civitan friends to catch up. I also really enjoyed the different experiences that were offered "Church Hill Downs & tour, Louisville Slugger Field for Walk & Roll, the dinner cruise (even though we weren't able to go out due to water levels...I hope the tickets were able to be given & used by Dreams with Wings). I hope we can have a similar set up in New Orleans.
14. Can't say excellent because of a couple of communication issues.
15. Workshops offered great information and were interactive. Next time encourage attendees to bring their iPads or laptops rather than using their cell phones
16. Well organized & engaging
17. The convention was held at a venue that was in close proximity to other attractions and restaurants.
18. Everything was good not too busy
19. Well communication, offered multiple opportunities to participate in events, recognizing members from a variety of states, excellent food, excellent leadership building experiences, opportunities to build individual relationships and skills, easy to move around the convention hotel. Thank you all for your services.
20. We had a great time but some things were missing compared to previous conventions, I'm sure due to cost.
21. Stinky rooms and ice cold meeting rooms. Screens were hard to read with light print
22. The room was too cold and chairs put roo close
23. Enjoyed the hotel, City of Louisville, Churchill Down and Louisville Slugger visits, and the convention sessions.
24. Great sessions and good networking! Good hotel location with lots of places to eat and walk.
25. The location in Louisville was central to all that was available in downtown. The Galt House was a good choice.
26. The Convention was organized, friendly and informative. It offered a good balance for learning, networking and personal time.
27. Extremely well organized and communicated ahead of time and at the time of, with great signage on site & people to help and direct. The program offerings were well timed and relevent to our line of "work"
28. Scheduling, activities, workshops, recognitions, educational & informative.
29. It was well planned and kept everyone pretty busy during each day! Churchill Downs was a wonderful experience as well as Slugger Field.
30. Great Convention!
31. The price was too high. The extra charges for the banquet was bad. It made a lot of Civitans unable to attend the banquet. The price for the hotel room was high and the room did not warrant the price.
32. Terrific hotel/location, excellent breakout session choices, enjoyed Churchill Downs and other outings. Best of all, there was an extremely positive, upbeat feeling at the general meetings.
33. The Galt Hotel was conveniently located to the Slugger Museum and Mohammed Ali's Museum, Restaurants, Burbon tastings.
34. I enjoyed the convention, wish it was longer
35. Louisville was a great host city. From the banners on the street to the welcome sign at the airport- great way to start the convention. Openiing Cermony was entertaining. The Live Auction was awaesome.
36. It. was a great convention!
37. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire convention.
38. The offsite events at local venues instead of the majority of the time in hotel conference rooms. The live auction fun at the closing. The host hospitality raffles / silent auction and treats for everyone.
39. It was an educational and enthusiastic convention.
40. I was amazed how much I really enjoyed this convention. No complaints!
41. Outstanding hard work went into preparing for all the setups. I really enjoyed 2026 International Convention.
42. The leadership & staff worked hard to provide a great program/experience. There were some glitches but they adapted & overcame!
43. The convention flowed smoothly. Sessions were informative. CIRC presentations interesting and understandable.
44. Activities and Fellowship was awesome!
45. Had a good time. Lots of fellowship. The food on the boat was terrible.
46. Because it was
47. I had so much fun and the extra planned events were great!

General sessions

Please rate your satisfaction with the following general sessions.

58 of 58 respondents answered · percentages exclude N/A

Additional comments regarding general sessions listed in previous section above:

22 responses

1. Please offer more than honorable mention for 2nd & 3rd place awards. Dinner was not a banquet, at best luncheons quality, plates not cleared and terrible overcharge!
2. The general sessions are kind of a blur. It is workshops that stick with me.
3. I love everything
4. All sessions I attended was very good. Unfortunately I was not able to attend sessions on Saturday or the banquet [personal reason removed]. Hate I missed those.
5. Adding the live auction was brilliant!
6. I was sorry to have missed most of the Opening Ceremonies due to a late flight arrival. However, seeing (and hearing) the bugler from the Kentucky Derby literally was icing on the cake!
7. I would like to hear more about the projects clubs are doing, not just the winner.
8. Well organized and great speakers to learn about Civitan.
9. I thought all the sessions went well. I liked having the Churchill Downs Bugler and the MC from Louisville the first night. The Live Auction at the Closing Banquet and everyone's outfits. I think all the sessions stayed on point and shared a lot of information and I appreciated how they were put together. Also the MCs for all the other sessions were great too.
10. Laughing was the best part of the convention! The enthusiasm, energy, and entertainment was over the top. Thank you.
11. The first 10 pictures of the Rock and Roll were the same. It would have been nice to see more participants.
12. Missed seeing circ video Miss flag presentation Miss Canadian friends
13. I don't recall a lighting of the candles at the closing ceremony.
14. N/A
15. I'd prefer the "meet and greet" AFTER the Opening Ceremony as in past years. I was disappointed that we didn't see the new video from the Research Center. Dr. Powell seemed to think it would be shown.
16. Keep going
17. I was surprised that the names of the clubs which achieved the different levels of Honor Club were not mentioned or listed, only the Shropshire one.
18. The volunteers and 8 staff members are to be commended, I really enjoy conventions in a small city and the location of the hotel was excellent. You could walk everywhere.
19. I can’t give any reason for making better.
20. Chicken dinner was not up to the $89 per plate.
21. Why do they always overcook the chicken at these banquets?
22. None

Which general session was your favorite?

54 of 58 respondents answered

Why was this your favorite general session?

47 responses

1. Love hearing from Dr Powell
2. Because I liked the opening ceremonies
3. I enjoyed those I was able to attend .
4. Always want to learn what is happening at the Research Center
5. Dr. Powell's presentation is always my favorite session.
6. Because of the bugler
7. I enjoy knowing what is going on at the Research Center
8. I thought the live auction was fun even though I wasn't bidding on anything.
9. The Philanthropy Program really put a face on the impacts we have as Civitans and how fundraising for the CIRC really matters to both our research scientists and individuals with IDD (especially those who got to participate in events like the Breakthru Golf Tournament and the Walk & Roll for Research!
10. Auction at the end.
11. Well, Dr. Powell is always a highlight, and it's great to hear what Civitans have done to raise money for what's so important to us.
12. It was so celebratory and the auction really made the night.
13. Learn about the many programs Civitan is involved with. Impact Fellows
14. That is a tough question as I liked them all for different reasons, but I always look forward to the Philanthropy session as I like hearing from Dr. Powell what is going on at CIRC. But they were all great.
15. We always enjoy the philanthropy session.
16. It celebrates the service and involvement of clubs
17. Love to celebrate the successes of our club!
18. Very informative
19. Recognizing individuals and showing how others are serving in their communities while representing Civitan.
20. It's always nice to see the awards. We also enjoyed the Philanthropy Program.
21. Good speech Fun auction Nice music and good meal
22. The awards for Civitan International Key were presented
23. Always
24. Fun auction. Good networking. Fun theme.
25. It was the focus on the future of Civitan and the new leadership.
26. We got to see what other clubs are doing while learning what you can take back to your club.
27. Getting to see everyone again
28. Needed and relevant information communicated
29. I like all sessions.
30. Was tie between Philanthropy and Celebration of Service. Liked the changes from Member extraganza
31. Always enjoyable to hear about what other Clubs are doing and to see them recognized each year.
32. The live auction was great, also great to see our new leaders. Food was just so so
33. It was just very interesting.
34. Having Steve Blum there to play the traditional Kentucky Derby starting song was priceless. I enjoyed all of the sessions full of valuable information and inspiration.
35. Love to celebrate others
36. Love to see what Civitans are doing well. Also, really liked the opening and closing ceremony.
37. Hot Topics
38. It is always good to hear directly from Dr. Powell how our dollars and fundraising efforts are supporting research.
39. It was formal, but at the same time, it ended up having us all laughing with the Auction.
40. The live action could not have been better scripted, I laughed all night!
41. This was so exciting and I completely enjoyed all of it.
42. Celebratory and the live auction was hilarious. Left everyone on a happy upbeat note!
43. Always interesting to see what clubs and individuals have accomplished.
44. [Names removed]!
45. Really interested in the update.
46. Club builders
47. Seeing everyone and celebrating at the end of the convention.

Which general session was your least favorite?

34 of 58 respondents answered

Why was this your least favorite general session?

32 responses

1. Because it's about Business
2. I didn't get to attend! I thought all of the sessions were very good.
3. I think the installation and closing banquet is my least favorite session because of the added cost.
4. Boring but necessary.
5. I missed having a motivational speaker.
6. It seemed to drag on.
7. I liked them all.
8. Just wasn't as good as other sessions.
9. i didn't have a least favorite
10. I had to pick one.
11. None
12. Sad results in club building Like build up to first place winner by announcing 3rd and 2nd winners
13. Missed the CIRC video report
14. They were all good. You made me choose one.
15. There were no least favorite session.
16. Was not able to afford for $160, so missed out.
17. Just takes a while to do. We have to do it however.
18. All were needed and appreciated. OK -- Business at 8:30 am is early for me - but it seemed well attended!
19. They were all great, but I had to pick one
20. Too many figures to rememberand not enough time to write them down.
21. None
22. It was the end, so sad
23. Not much to discuss.
24. Opening
25. With our structure no longer having district governors to introduce and no annual presidential theme it is sort of anti-climatic.
26. Every where I go, belong to many non profits, everyone wants your money.
27. This is so unfair because all were great.
28. Business is business; can't help the content & it has to be done.
29. Really did not have as least favorite. Business session is always kind of dry. Only one candidate for office leaves the excitement of election lack luster.
30. No CIRC Video
31. Boring.
32. N/A

Is there anything else we could do to improve your experience at General Sessions?

18 responses

1. No
2. Door prizes would bring some excitement.
3. I think it should be over fewer days.
4. I'll have to think about that.
5. Provide more tours as groups. It was a little uncomfortable seeing all the homeless people as we walked on the sidewalks to different places.
6. Dr. Powell usually has a presentation. We can probably see it on-line.
7. Perhaps incorporate the business session into one of the other sessions (when there is little major business to discuss).
8. As a first time member, it was a get experience
9. no
10. N/A
11. Not having the times so close together, so you get a little break from session to the next and to go to the Supply Store and shop.
12. Add Coke Cola and peanuts like Georgia, keep doing you, we had a blast!
13. The topics at the round tables were really good. I was able to learn some good things that will be helpful.
14. That would be hard to do I think
15. no
16. Get the details on the various activities and goings on as much in advance as possible.
17. Try to add more fun.
18. No

Workshops and seminars

Please rate any of the following workshops/seminars you attended.

58 of 58 respondents answered · percentages exclude N/A

Do you have any additional comments on any of the workshops listed above?

23 responses

1. I used the QR code from Ali Center. I toured the museum. I bought an Ali biography in the gift shop. I've finished the book and will pass it to a Civitan friend.
2. No
3. The power of compassionate leadership was not good. My thoughts were when it was over what did I miss - I was thinking this was going to tell and or show you how to be implement the tools in your leadership rolls etc . Is was just a lot of statistics . I didn’t get anything out of it . It could have been how it was presented and maybe a handout would have been helpful. Sorry.
4. Member Suite would have been better if we each had our laptop instead of iPhone. Also couldn’t see the screen in back . [Presenter name removed] did a good job considering.
5. I enjoy the hot topics, but at some of the tables the leaders need to tell the people from the previous session that they can come back? At one session a person from the previous session talked over half of the time one on one with the leader and we got nothing out of the session.
6. Yes, I didn't like how I only got to attend ONE on the day where four were offered. I would have like to have been able to gone to at least three of them and missed out because of how long each was. I'd like to see the convention go back to offering repeated workshops and allowing members to host workshops, too.
7. The roundtable were well organized and led but there was something unsatisfying because those who came to our table didn't have a lot to share.
8. I appreciated that some of the workshops were offered twice on the same day, so you still had the opportunity to attend. I also saw you were able to share the "in house" workshops, so I plan to go check out the ones I didn't get to attend. Thanks to all the presenters, they did a great job.
9. I regreted being unable to attend them all
10. The time frames for each workshops were not rushed, which I appreciated.
11. Screens were too far away from seating
12. Hot Topics Sessions are not long enough and often half the time is spent in introductions.
13. The CIRCLE was not near as robust as it was in Atlanta. Frankly, the few presenters did not drive home how their research benefited the IDD community. They were more "parlor tricks" than informative of research. Disappointing.
14. No
15. Missed the workshops rated N/A.
16. The speaker from Ali paced back and forth too much. It was very distracting.
17. Keep CIRCLE so much fun
18. Hot Topics- need more time at the tables and possibly break the group in half.
19. Continue Hot Topics Roundtables
20. The portal for officers, outstanding!
21. Not at this time
22. No
23. No

What workshop topics would you like to see presented in the future?

24 responses

1. Delegation. (I see club presidents trying to do it all. Delegation lightens the load, shows members respect, and engages members if you do it right.)
2. Craig Powell M.D Ph.D civitan international Reach Center
3. Officer training
4. AI info workshops
5. A Civitan Convention First-Timer's orientation workshop might be helpful. Make the networking roundtables one hour longer.
6. Service project.
7. 1. [Name and organization removed] does excellent work in estate planning. She's very compelling but also great at going through specific steps for bequeathing donations. 2. Something on the I/DD history and I/DD civil rights. Participants need something motivational tied to our mission.
8. Civitan Hot Topics networking roundtables
9. [Comment requested a workshop on keeping a club positive and working with members who drain its energy. Details describing a specific individual were removed.]
10. 1. Projects that can transform your community. 2. Using music to boost your community. 3. Using community discussions to guide funding decisions
11. I've got nothing.
12. There was a good variety
13. Would like for Nos. 1, 4, & 7 topics (above) offered again.
14. I think the Member Portal should be discussed each year - for new members! Question - why isn't the Membership roster in the Member Portal in alphabetical order?
15. Joining a leadership team in your region
16. Training for officers brought back.
17. Continue to present strategies for using the member portal and social media.
18. I would like to have the scientists to explain their research before going to the C.I.R.C.L.
19. More AI and technology, service project ideas
20. Hearing from clubs very successful at recruitment efforts - both large, medium and small size clubs.
21. Perhaps Club Officers could be trained instead of having it all done online. Maybe this could help increase attendance to the convention.
22. Things will change by next year, new technology. How to use AI for the clubs. How to get Civitan’s name recognized in the community!
23. The same
24. Club Building

Special events

Please rate the following if you participated.

58 of 58 respondents answered · percentages exclude N/A

Additional comments regarding special events in previous section above:

31 responses

1. I notice that you left the cruise of the list.
2. Wall and Roll
3. President's Council and Walk n Roll venues were crowded, not enough servers to get beverages in timely manner at PC; too crowded both places, inadequate pa system for a spread out group. WNR venue was great for actual walk. Slugger Field went all out on Promo on boards. The tour at the Derby could have been great if group had been a little smaller. Time management was not the best, allowing for sessions to over run.
4. I enjoyed all I attended . Bucket list items marked off. Yea !! Had a great time . Thanks.
5. I was disappointed with the tour. Out was very short. We just went to one spot and the guide spoke. We didnt get to see anything else.
6. I thought we were going to at least get a group photo on the field...did not like how rushed that event was considering how much it cost to even register to partake. $60 registration seemed too high. Maybe $25 or $30 for registration like other normal walks that I take part in would drive more participation. Should have better prizes for reaching certain goals like reach $250 and get this level A prize; raise $500 for level B get both prizes A & B; raise $1000 for level C and get prizes A, B & C; raise $2000 for level D and get all four prizes, etc.
7. Great venue but they did not seem ready for us.
8. The register and reconnect mixer was an efficient and fun way to do registration! I loved being able to be at Slugger's field. It would have been nice to have an optional tour. I loved being at Churchill Downs and getting a tour from the Museum staff. But the food and drink were really meh.
9. I really liked how the register & reconnect mixer was set up. I think repeating that at future conventions would be great. Also loved the come up with your "horse name" and photo booth.
10. The energy was high, bus transportation was excellent, food great.
11. We would have liked to be able to walk more, but I guess time was an issue as we were lat starting.
12. Thought there were to be appetizers for more socialization
13. The Champion’s Circle at Churchhill Downs was Ok but the snack pack was poor. Trying to get something to drink was terrible because you couldn’t get up to the bar.
14. Use the bus trip to point out community attractions, i.e. University of Louisville that we traveled thru on way back
15. The Churchill Downs event was superb. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I only wish that the gift shop would have been open.
16. Share more on how to attend for new members. Opportunity to add on at the convention if you miss the registrations.
17. Arranging activities in these legendary venues was more exciting than just having them in the hotel or a park.
18. The Register & Reconnect Mixer was outstanding! I loved the format.
19. Downtown Louisville was quite accommodating for the Convention. It was great to be able to walk to Museums and restaurants. The Hotel was VERY NICE! Thank you.
20. Too expensive.
21. We got lucky with the weather. If we had been in Louisville the previous week, with days of rain and really high temperatures, it would have been much less pleasant. Maybe more indoor activities need to be planned as long as we meet in the summer.
22. Having to meet a race horse and to pet it up close was beyond priceless Walk and Roll was a lot of fun and time to meet new people. The Register and Reconnect Mixer was well planned out and being able to meet up with friends from other states.
23. Love them
24. Prresident Council members should have been automatically selected to go to Churchill Downs. [Staff name removed] did a great job getting extra tickets.
25. The mixer idea was good, but the music was a little loud for the size of the space and trying to talk. People did not stay in the space after they got their registration packages, give we have a raffle or civitan swag giveaway next year that you have to be present to win?
26. Register and reconnect was important meeting the candidates, Andother Civitan‘s from across the country.
27. N/A
28. Networking was good at the Presidents Council.
29. Food at Churchill Downs was not up to standards. Service was slow.
30. Buses were terrible. Really cramped and bumpy ride. I know budget is an issue but don't use school buses.
31. No

If you could add one event or program/session to convention, what would it be?

23 responses

1. The Region interviews with the ED shout become regular events. Everyone appreciated the chance to have one on one time with Bryan.
2. If you repeat public speaking as a topic next year, I might attend (depending on what competes with it.)
3. Wall and roll
4. Showcasing the Civitan Initiation (Ritual) activities could be beneficial to long-time members and new members. My club holds something called Order of the Rainbow, which ties in the first line of the Civitan Creed ("...old as life as young as the Rainbow...") and the Values of Civitan as well as the four Impact Areas. I'd also like to add another Reconnect Mixer for those who might miss the first day. It should be held on the night where you had time to explore the city. Not everyone has the time and money to do that, so there was nothing to do that evening otherwise.
5. A tour of some important place in the city with some link to what we do - like actually visiting the Muhammed Ali museum.
6. I would add an event where everyone who attended would go and interact with individuals who needed help with reading, sharing a meal or snack together and talking, interacting and serving meals or playing a game together, dancing together. Community involvement with individuals who needed help to see and be around some positive energy and vice verse. This should be designed for Civitan members who cannot walk far or have limited mobility also. How to build a club with inclusive individuals would be another choice. A party with community members Louisiana style. A short scroll in the street with musicians playing, people dancing and singing, celebrating life and community.
7. What does the community think of when they hear your club's name. How to create projects that become signature projects for your club.
8. No comment
9. n/a
10. N/A
11. View CIRC video.
12. An hour for Region meeting up
13. Again, officer training.
14. I like the Hot Topics round table idea and would like to see it expanded for next year.
15. At each convention have the opportunity to tour a well known place example Churchhills Down.
16. Service project and budgeting for low Grant Writing
17. Offer onsite purchases for Fellows (knowing they would be presented a blank plaque). Offer pre sales for bottles of wine to be at closing banquet table.
18. In the civitan store, I was disappointed in the items on display. There should be Civitan club merchandise to give to program speakers. There were no golf shirts. I must have dozens of tee shirts that are in my closet I do not wear, the t shirts have more use. There should also be Civitan folders to use for certificates of appreciation.
19. This program would be hard to improve on.
20. a session on how the all neurodiverse clubs work...
21. Friendship Social
22. Don’t know
23. To add Dancing at the end of one of the events

If you could remove one event or program/session of the convention, what would it be?

19 responses

1. Businesses Session
2. ALI speaker was not relavant to volunteers. He did not have hand outs, projected info was too small for all to see, he really seemed lacking on how to relate to us, could not answer questions.
3. I don't know that anything should be removed.
4. The Member Suite sessions were okay - but if you attended the online sessions it wasn't really new information.
5. n/a
6. Nothing
7. For participants who attend alone, create a restaurant board for each evening so Civitan members can go together.
8. No comment
9. n/a
10. N/A
11. The only one that I actually did not enjoy was the one from the Ali group.
12. The dinner on the riverboat was disappointing--not just because we couldn't actually sail. The food wasn't very good, the band was below average, and it was too noisy for conversation.
13. Nothing
14. The research rooms were boring. Maybe spice it up with presentations by some of the researchers with slides and handouts we could use for recruiting and educating other organizations.
15. N/A
16. Make the business session more concise, if possible, Allow more free time.
17. Don’t think we can eliminate any session.
18. Presidents Council social
19. NA

Registration and on-site experience

The pre-convention registration process was easy to complete.

53 of 58 respondents answered

“Other (please specify)” responses

4 responses

1. There was some confusion about the President's Reception.
2. Too many extra options. It was confusing. For early registration have everything there to check off as we register.
3. Missed special events- could have been user not CI
4. I thought so until there was a change in the Presidents council taht was missed.

Did you receive financial assistance from your club or Region to attend?

57 of 58 respondents answered

Follow-up “If yes, how much (including registration and other assistance)?”: 25 respondents answered. Amounts are not published to protect respondent privacy.

Please rate the following.

56 of 58 respondents answered · percentages exclude N/A

Additional comments regarding experience rankings above:

19 responses

1. I arrived too late to enjoy the ice breakers on Wednesday.
2. Nope
3. Both spaces too crowded fir crowd.
4. Communication regarding Churchill Downs was not clear. This is the first time we have had to register to attend President's Council.
5. Host Hospitality was a little cramped being next to the Supply House, but it was very festive! The host district did a GREAT JOB! The silent auction did not interest me bc I don't have the money to spend on additional items. I liked being able to purchase from the Supply House, however, was very disappointed that the convention lapel pins were sold out, and that there are no convention patches for our club banners anymore, and the selection of Civitan t-shirts was DISMAL. The shirts are SO DULL! We need bright colors, fun designs, and more reasonable prices. $20-$25 per shirt gets pricey! Try deals like 2 for $30. Seriously, DO BETTER. Do not sell shirt with nothing on the back...I'll just buy my own plain t-shirt and use a sticker on it....oh wait. Civitan doesn't even SELL stickers or buttons! Honestly, there wasn't anything to help market our organization. We REALLY need to figure this out. The online supply house is not cheap like they claimed the pricing would be. Plastic 'geaux' cups should not be $2.00 each -- that is ASININE coming from a community where we THROW hundred of thousands of cups in parades each year! I want to see CIVITAN penants, CIVITAN hats (not these cheap velcro ones that rip the mesh of the hat).
6. I think the host hospitality did a wonderful job, also thanks to those running the supply house (I made many trips).
7. Easy to follow if you listen, read, and follow directions.
8. It's always good to see people and re-connect. Everyone was so friendly.
9. Thank you to the staff who worked so hard to pull all this together. I know it is a lot of work. It was noticed and appreciated.
10. The supply house could have been better supplied. Anticipate what Club representatives would like to take back with them.
11. Best hospitality room in a while!!!
12. Supply House experience was great. Many people requested a high quality Civitan golf style shirt separately from the Breakthru golf shirt. Would love to see that offering in Civitan blue, women's style
13. Supply house did not have a good variety of items. Long sleeve t-shirts, Civitan hats, & the fanny pack or long version of the fanny pack are needed.
14. The Supply House was TOO SMALL this year. No coffee cups, very little clothing -- there seemed to be such a small offering of things that are actually carried at the Supply House. Couldn't they have brought MORE items?
15. The staff from CI was wonderful. The ones who came from the Research Center were great, especially the director who was very nice. It was like talking to someone you had known for years!
16. Well organized
17. Everything was great
18. I missed a number of events, Churchill Downs, River Boat Cruise and some other things on the website for registration. Something I would have enjoyed participating in.
19. Ok

Location and attendance

What is most important to you regarding the location of the annual convention? (check all that apply)

57 of 58 respondents answered · more than one answer allowed, so percentages add to more than 100%

“Additional comments:” responses

17 responses

1. Convention needs to have active host club/ region in vicinity. Location needs to be easily accessible with many nonstop flights to local airport (airline hub).
2. Within about 10 hour driving distance of my home in TN. I don't want to fly.
3. If we have a convention somewhere there is not a Civitan club, we need to have a day where we can promote the organization to outsiders somehow. I mean wearing a shirt that says ASK ME ABOUT CIVITAN. And literally giving welcome packets with information and swag to individuals who show a genuine interest. It would also help promote the new Cornerstone option. Have a way to join RIGHT THEN AND THERE after talking to someone about the new club membership level.
4. I don't agree with going back to New Orleans.
5. Opportunities to learn about the community, city, people, and state. Similar to a mission trip.
6. Plus nice tourist experiences
7. Given the state of gas prices and air travel deterioration, I prefer cities that are accessible by Amtrak trains. New Orleans is perfect.
8. Fun place and lots of stuff within walking distance.
9. Near a large airport with plenty of nonstop domestic flights.
10. I always say, GO NORTH! And now we're going south again (NOLA) -- to a very hot and humid city in August. I think it's time for another CRUISE!! The cruise out of NYC into Nova Scotia was wonderful. Can we do that again? How about a city UP NORTH -- where it's not so hot!!
11. I would like to stay at a hotel that has transportation to the airport, tourist locations not close to the hotel and I would pay for the transportation as part of the room package.
12. Travel friendly
13. The smaller the city, the easier to get around as long as the city provides good restaurants and other activities like museums, and friendly people.
14. OK
15. Overall cost of attending. Lot of Civitan’s are retired was cost is a consideration. Date of convention interacts with school schedule.
16. Don't like New Orleans.
17. I have loved the two locations I have been to so far

What is the greatest factor influencing your decision to attend or not attend the International Convention?

45 responses

1. Civitan business, sharing with & learning from other Civitans
2. Driving distance from my home.
3. It was my 1st Convention
4. Always a given with us.
5. Connect with old and new Civitans , play golf at a great course , gives my husband and I a chance for time to get away, catch up on what is happening in the world of civitan
6. Whether I have conflict with my schedule
7. Cost
8. Cost.
9. I always will plan to go.
10. The greatest factor influencing my decision to attend the international convention was knowing that I am not getting any younger and too many fellow Civitans who I have known for years have been passing away and many are getting older and time is fleeting. That along with [detail about the respondent's club removed], helped solidify my choice to attend. I also had always wanted to come to Louisville and when I saw that we were having the President's Council (VIP event) at Churchill Downs, I was SOLD! I would love to see the 2026 President's Council event be at Mardi Gras World on the riverfront dock (Mississippi River) where they host receptions. Travel to the site would be necessary, however, as it is south of the Ernest Morial New Orleans Convention Center on the west side of the Crescent City Connection/Greater New Orleans Highway 90 Bridge. The Walk & Roll could be held on the Moonwalk along the Riverfront (which is south of North Peters/Decatur Street/South Peters), OR rent two of the RED RTA Streetcars to pick up everyone up in the middle of Canal Street outside the hotel. Then, go south on Canal Street from the hotel to the riverfront and be dropped off at the stop for St. Peter Street/Jackson Square. Civitans would then parade across Decatur Street on St. Peter and go around Jackson Square in front of the Cathedral. Then head back down St. Ann Street (right side of Jackson Square), cross Decatur Street again and end with beignets/coffee/water/soda at Cafe Du Monde. Then, walk/roll up to Washington Artillery Park for pics and amazing views of St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. Then, go down the stairwell or handicapped ramp to the left and back to the RTA Streetcars for pickup to take us back to the hotel. It would have to be scheduled for two hours minimum.
11. Time of year, cost
12. I feel like it's important to do as a club President.
13. It would be the excursions and events.
14. Meet other Civitan's and what they do for their Community and I/DD Commnity
15. Cost, being able to get off work,
16. Location
17. Financial help from my club
18. Money, cost, travel expenses, lodging, food, my health, convenience.
19. Our schedule.
20. If friends will be attending
21. first time attendee, encouraged by fellow civitan
22. Information I can bring back to my club to improve it.
23. None. I jsut come.
24. I'm attending regardless because I get to rekindle old Civitan friendships.
25. Location
26. Finances
27. Not any one thing
28. Passion for Civitan!
29. Connect with Civitans from all areas.
30. Honestly, I enjoy Conventions. The location isn't so important, but it is nice to be in an interesting city! No more Reno or Las Vegas!!
31. Location
32. Affordability
33. The City it is being held at, the cost of the room and flight and safe to site see on your own.
34. Health and Wealth
35. I will always attend....
36. my health
37. Cost
38. location and date
39. The greatest factor is I’m a Civitan and love the conventions because of the people!
40. All was superbly done
41. Drivability
42. Location and cost of transportation
43. Location
44. Location and events.
45. Price

Please rank the following reasons to attend convention from most important to you to least important to you, with five (5) being the LEAST important, and one (1), being the MOST important.

57 of 58 respondents answered · 1 = most important, 5 = least important · sorted by average rank (lower = more important)

If you answered "other" to the above question, please elaborate.

15 responses

1. Meet with ED Johnson
2. Experiencing what the neighborhood has to offer.
3. Had to mark to get survey to move forward!
4. Social activities and tourist attractions
5. The elections move to #1 if there is any competition or a Bylaw that is important
6. Everything else you extra like PC and W&R are extra so it is least important to those who don't participate.
7. Opportunities to participate outside the Hotel in different Civitan events.
8. Treasury report more detailed
9. Affordability.
10. Hold officer training for clubs
11. Visiting a new state, city, place and going sightseeing
12. Location! I’ll go as long as I can afford, but when you add hotel, parking, food costs, this has to be very important. Many of the Civitan’s I saw are retirement age. Location for them is key providing Affordability!
13. NA
14. Closing banquet could be shortened. Live auction was interesting and raised more money than expected Figure
15. What could be done online previous to the convention?

Communications

How did you hear about Convention and receive details that inspired you to register?

56 of 58 respondents answered · more than one answer allowed, so percentages add to more than 100%

About the respondents

I am:

57 of 58 respondents answered · more than one answer allowed, so percentages add to more than 100%

“Other (please specify)” responses

5 responses

1. 20+ hr per week volunteer
2. Very busy retired with many diverse interests
3. [Occupation detail removed]
4. My days are consume by the number of nonprofit organizations I’m involved with. Everything I do mileage gas food comes out of my own pocket. I don’t charge or dime for any of my nonprofit.
5. Ooo

I utilized vacation time from work to attend the convention.

56 of 58 respondents answered

Does school being in session, or school-year calendars, affect your decision to attend International Convention? (do you have school-age children, or do you work in a school system?)

56 of 58 respondents answered

Age:

55 of 58 respondents answered · small age groups combined to protect privacy

How many years have you been a Civitan?

56 of 58 respondents answered

I am a current club officer.

57 of 58 respondents answered

Final comments

Do you have any additional comments or feedback about the 2026 International Convention you would like to share?

31 responses

1. Recalculate registration fee allocation between general and optional extra charge events. While live auction was a success this year, our membership convention is not a ‘fundraiser’. If we want to host a fundraising auction it should be open to an on-line audience with a silent auction week.
2. You did not ask about Region Leadership Council membership. Being part of a Leadership Council influences decision to attend. Not all Leadership Council Members are club officers.
3. No
4. Thank you to the staff, you overcame several hurtles that benefitted my experience; you all exemplify serving others in many ways.
5. Overall it would great . I wished I was able to attend the Saturday sessions and banquet . I would like to know if any handouts of sessions on Saturday are available and if any ideas etc from the round table topics will be published or did they have handouts .
6. The menu at the PIP luncheon was not what we had been told. The food was cold and tasteless. Most plates were untouched or partially eaten.
7. I did not particularly care for moving the training session to Saturday from Friday. We do not spend the extra money to attend the closing Banquet. Due to moving the training sessions to Saturday, it cost us an extra $200 to attend convention with an extra night at the hotel and an extra night of parking
8. [Personal thank-you messages to named staff and members removed.] Welcome aboard, and thank you all for a GREAT convention -- my first in nearly 10 years. Also, I was SHOCKED to meet [a production vendor's staff member] who LIVES IN MY BACKYARD and had never heard of our [club name removed]. He knows like everyone I know. I haven't recruited him yet, but hopefully he will Become a CIVITAN and Feel the IMPACT.
9. It was a delight. 10/10 on the staff. They make it happen, and it was beautifully executed.
10. Staff did an exceptional job as always and I can't show my appreciation enough for all you do.
11. Not good communication. We thought we were automatically included in Presidents Council Churchill Downs function as PC members. It was not made clear that even PC members had to register. Also could not vote [club eligibility detail removed]. If a Civitan has regisered to attend the convention, and not eligible to vote for some reason, they should be notified in advance about the problem. Not find out when they get to the convention. It could be an issue that can be corrected before convention. Should not be surprised at convention.
12. Thank you all for your dedication and hard work. Thank you for paying attention to small but important details.
13. We always have fun and are looking forward to returning to New Orleans!
14. Too much fundraising - focus on local clubs for my money is more important than funding CI
15. Meeting rooms too cold.
16. Hotel needed better signage indicating where registration for hotel was. I drove around three times before I discovered it.
17. Nope, I'm good.
18. THANK YOU STAFF! You're the best! Well done. See you in NOLA!
19. What a wonderful experience! It seems to get better each year, building excitement and anticipation and delivering on that!
20. The schedule did not mention the name "Emerald Extravaganza" thereby making it difficult to know when the Club Building or Fellows would be recognized.
21. Thank you for all your work this year -- just wish more people would have attended. Always wonderful to see Dr. Powell in person - and not on the screen! Louisville was most enjoyable - Churchill Downs was a great experience. The dinner cruise was nice - even though it stayed put. Civitans seemed to enjoy sitting on the upper deck watching the sunset - and most people stayed until 9 pm. Again - such a NICE hotel. Thank you.
22. Staff did a great job
23. It was a wonderful experience, learning about the latest research, being able to visit with the research scientists.
24. Keep the conventions in East or Sotheast - it is where a majority of members live.
25. My first timers really enjoyed the convention.
26. Wishing Fred Matthies a great year growing and doing the best for our organization.
27. I am very impressed with our financial condition and the fact that 8 staff members and volunteers run an effective service organization throughout the world!
28. No
29. Great job Y'all!
30. Please consider Grand Prairie/Arlington or Grapevine Texas for future Conventions
31. Good job and well done for the most part. Better food and transportation, especially for those with disabilities. Had to use Uber a lot.