Recently many of you filled out a survey to tell us how WTS-Boston can provide the most value to you during these uncertain times. We were extremely pleased with the number of people that responded to this survey (56 of you in total – thank you!) This article presents the main takeaways that we found from the survey.

• The main reasons you participate in WTS-Boston events are to:
  • Network with your friends and colleagues
  • Learn something new, through hearing from industry experts
  • Show your support for the mission of WTS-Boston
• The majority of you feel that in-person events are either very or somewhat important.
• Every single respondent indicated a willingness to participate in virtual WTS-Boston programming.
• The greatest level of interest is in technical presentations or professional development trainings.
• Most of you prefer to attend an event held during the workday (including over lunchtime).
• There is some interest in trying to do something in-person this year with the right safety measures in place. The best candidate for this appears to be the summer tour (and the golf outing which is still planned for September).
• The in-person luncheon seminars present some real concerns, being held indoors and featuring meals with people seated at tables together.
• Several members have company policies in place which currently prohibit in-person event attendance.

The WTS-Boston Board has discussed the survey results and we are using your feedback to plan our summer and fall programming. We are pleased to note that we are going to try for an in-person summer tour, which would feature small groups, outside, socially distanced, with masks required. The golf outing is still planned for September 16, 2020, with smaller attendance and some modifications. We are going to move virtual for the fall luncheon seminars, at least for September. We have held several virtual events since March and know that attendance is actually higher for virtual engagements. We like the fact that the virtual nature allows us to reach an audience that might otherwise not have the time to participate in a face-to-face event held downtown, and that through avoiding travel we might be able to seek speakers from anywhere in the Country. Stay tuned for more details on the September luncheon seminar, and please get in touch if you have ideas for future luncheon speakers, within or outside the Commonwealth. Our email is [email protected].

Thanks again and stay safe!

Amanda Alzaim and Alyssa Peck, WTS-Boston Programs Committee Co-Chairs
Theresa Carr, WTS-Boston Programs Committee Board Liaison