Conference Kudos

Feedback on the 2008 conference was overwhelmingly positive - 98% indicated that they were satisfied overall (74% were very satisfied). Another 97 percent said that they would be likely to recommend that friends attend future national cohousing conferences.

Here's what they say

My favorite part of the coho conference is the synthesis of professional and resident knowledge. Its just great to experience the enthusiasm of the creative folks as they just enter the movement.
There is such human passion and excitement, it’s such fertile ground, and people are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work creating the world we want to live in.

Bryan Bowen, Wild Sage Cohousing (CO)

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I was so glad I decided to attend last year's conference. One workshop was so outstanding and directly related to issues stymieing our cohousing community, that I invited the workshop leader to our community. As a result of her on-site workshop, we are now back on track in addressing a number of important issues. I am really looking forward to the June ' 09 conference.

David Entin, Rocky Hill Cohousing (MA)

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For any professional that is thinking about getting involved with cohousing development the National Conference is a must.

Jim Leach, Silver Sage Cohousing (CO)

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The cohousing conference is so energizing! Its great to be able to hear about all the creative ways different communities are tackling issues and finding creative solutions to build stronger communities.

Kathryn McCamant, Nevada City Cohousing (CA)

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I've only missed one cohousing conference -- the first one in Canada. I don't intend to miss any more! Why? All the movers n' shakers attend the national conference. If you're even THINKING about cohousing, forming or building a community this is the place to be. For four days you can speak with people who have trod the path before you -- some with 20 years experience! And if you're living in cohousing you get to meet people who are likely dealing with the same issues you are in your community. Don't forget ... YOU may be an important resource to others. June 24-28 ... if you're involved in cohousing ... why would you want to be anywhere else?
Ann Zabaldo, Takoma Village Cohousing (DC)

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Quotes from the Survey

Want even more? Here are a large number of excerpts:

• Conference Overall
  • wish there had been more sessions!
  • atmosphere was very relaxed and good. Workshops generally very good
  • Great job!!
  • wonderful job, reflecting lots of thinking and hard work.
  • It's the place to get all the info you will need to get started, meet the consultants, and network
  • Great personal stories, plus some specific learning. I also loved the drumming circle.
  • Heartfelt thanks for the superb job!!!
  • Very Good!!!
  • I loved just meeting other cohousers from all over the country and feeling part of something larger than my own community.
    I also loved the outdoor drumming circle.
  • Thanks for the inspiration that always comes from having all of us coho-types together
  • Particularly positive for me were the networking opportunities and learning what's happening in the greater cohousing movement
  • Thank you for all your hard work.
  • It was my first and there was so much information. Appreciated it all.
  • Particularly positive for me was sitting next to strangers and getting to know them very quickly.
  • I appreciate the efforts made to bring people together and to discuss innovative topics.
  • Lots of great info and a chance to meet professionals to help figure out whom to hire
  • PERSONAL STORIES throughout were the heart of the Conference for me and truly reflect what cohousing is all about!!!

• Pre-conference Workshops and Tours
  • Wonderful workshops, loved the preconference workshops and tours. Great contacts, and very inspiring
  • I also want to specifically mention Laura Fitch, who was such a positive presence on the bus tour and such a positive presence elsewhere. (not to mention all the other leaders.)
  • This (pre-conference workshop) was the high point of the conference for me. Excellent!
  • Helped overcome some myths for me.

• Conference Sessions
  
  • Katie and Chuck were especially touching--Katie's story of how the book was published was extremely inspiring
  • Liked the peaceful atmosphere. Some good info. Noise in room made hearing difficult sometimes. Would like to hear this speaker again in the future...
  • Give more time to go to sessions??? There were so many outstanding ones, I couldn't attend more than 1/3 of the ones I could have benefitted from
  • A good way to find out a lot of information at once, from people who are at many stages in cohousing
  • Again, awesome performance by the presenter, who obviously knew her subject and was able to present in a clear, interesting fashion