Should we combine Austin / San Antonio Conferences?

Should we combine Austin / San Antonio Conferences? - Submission (2009-09-06 21:22:53)

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:22:53 -0400

Submitter Type : CTCAHT Coalition Member
Agency Name: ... (if applicable) : Catholic Charities of Central Texas
Name (optional) : Lindsey Buller
Please submit your suggestions here.......(Use carriage returns.) : . I\'m torn because ideally I think a joint conference would be a great networking opportunity as well as a valuable collaboration for both the San Antonio and Austin coalitions. However, I am afraid that many agencies (mine included) will simply not authorize their staff to travel out of town for a training. I am concerned that overall attendance will be greatly reduced due to travel restrictions. I agree that the best compromise solution, at least for this year while the economy is so bad and so many agencies are stretched to their limits financially, is to have two conferences staggered about 6 months apart in order to encourage as much participation as possible.

Should we combine Austin / San Antonio Conferences? - Submission (2009-09-06 21:12:08)

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:12:08 -0400

Submitter Type : CTCAHT Coalition Member |Austin HT Task Force Member
Agency Name: ... (if applicable) : Austin PD
Name (optional) : Bob
Please submit your suggestions here.......(Use carriage returns.) : . I think the conferences should be separate and, if possible, staggered six months apart. From my dealings with other LE agencies, I think this would make it easier for officers from smaller agencies to be able to attend the conference in their area, whereas it would be harder for them to get approval to travel outside their area when they would need to stay overnight. Also, if we were able to have the two conferences staggered apart, it would allow smaller units to send some people to one, and then others to the second conference. There would still be some overlap, since some agencies, like the Austin Task Force, have funding specifically to send people to training in other areas.

Should we combine Austin / San Antonio Conferences? - Submission (2009-08-31 12:30:11)

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:30:11 -0400

Submitter Type : CTCAHT Coalition Member
Agency Name: ... (if applicable) : LifeWorks
Name (optional) : Lydia V.
Please submit your suggestions here.......(Use carriage returns.) : . I was disappointed in the pros and cons list. In my opinion, all of the things listed in the pros list seemed to be discredited as cons in the same or next sentence. I think that combining conferences for the two cities is a good idea. There is a better opportunity for idea sharing if more people are infused into the conversation. Also, I think that most conference goers are not going to be able to attend two conferences related to human trafficking, unless the entirety of their job duties are related to human trafficking. If the conferences are combined, they should be held in Austin or San Antonio in alternating years. If the conferences are not combined, I would vote to have the conferences staggered six months apart.

Should we combine Austin / San Antonio Conferences? - Submission (2009-08-28 13:46:01)

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:46:01 -0400

Submitter Type : CTCAHT Coalition Member
Agency Name: ... (if applicable) : Caritas of Austin
Name (optional) : ASW
Please submit your suggestions here.......(Use carriage returns.) : . I have limited information from you on which to base my respoinse. So, based on what I know, my primary concerns are cost and distance. My organization may have to limit # of staff who attend as well as # of days they can attend if event is held in San Antonio. I think some of pros and cons expressed at the 8/27 meeting made sense as well as some of the responses submitted to this forum. It might work out just fine to attempt this in San Antonio next year. If there are problems, you can always revamp the process.

Should we combine Austin / San Antonio Conferences? - Submission (2009-08-27 22:04:33)

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 22:04:33 -0400

Submitter Type : CTCAHT Coalition Member
Agency Name: ... (if applicable) :
Name (optional) :
Please submit your suggestions here.......(Use carriage returns.) : . I think there is great value to joining forces and networking Austin-San Antonio and that we\'d all learn a great deal from one another. However, I am in favor of both cities having separate conferences. In my opinion, the value of proximity and 2 regional training opportunities (if separate) outweighs the possibility of funding more expensive speakers (if combined). As mentioned in today\'s meeting, it would beideal if the two conferences were separated by 3-6 months\' time and also if there was a small bit of diversity in the content.

Should we combine Austin / San Antonio Conferences? - Submission (2009-08-27 15:37:35)

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:37:35 -0400

Submitter Type : CTCAHT Coalition Member
Agency Name: ... (if applicable) :
Name (optional) : Kate
Please submit your suggestions here.......(Use carriage returns.) : . Following is an initial PROs and CONs list compiled so far to help get the discussion started. PROS - ==== 1. Save money – a) But saved money has to be used on training which is hard to do while planning a conference… 2. Will divide responsibilities and be more manageable a) Is this true? We’ll be collaborating long-distance. 3. Will allow for international speaker costs? a) but will the international speaker meet the goal (set by OVC funding) to increase the capacity of law enforcement or social services to investigate human trafficking and serve victim of trafficking? CONS – ===== 1. How do we get the speakers to and from airport at all different times? For national speakers who only have time to come in for half a day the problem of them renting a car and driving in may deter them from agreeing to speak. a) could we schedule a list of volunteers as chauffeurs? 2. Adding in the drive time for conference shortens class time – will people stay in classes until 5pm if they have a 30 mile drive on I-35 in traffic? a) end early and lose class time b) extend the conference to more than 2 days - funding for this??? 3. Will it limit the audience from our coverage areas? Will Austin or San Antonio law enforcement and non- profits be able to attend if held in San Marcos? 4. Having a combined conference actually lessens the training opportunities for Central Texas – just one chance to go to a conference vs. two. a) APD now does regular trainings and OAG is planning to train as well. 5. Restaurant at the San Marcos conference center cannot hold the number we need, meaning we have to lengthen our lunch time or do a grab and go sandwhich (people have to eat in the conference rooms while they are being set up). Nearby restaurants require driving, not walking. 6. Lack of interesting things to do at night (vs. downtown Austin). Outlet shopping only.